Hub cap removal tips

3twinridges

3twinridges

Well-known member
I just had the wheels on my 52 F1 build powder coated then top coated with two stage. Anybody have tips on hub cap removal to avoid scratching the paint?

JB
 
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I use a plastic tool sold as a cheap set of 4 yellow pry tools for removing trim or door panels from HF. The one that works the best for my 40 hubcaps has one end that comes back more then 90 degrees (about 1/2 inch) and is like a miniature pry bar. I haven't marred any paint on my wheels in 4 years.
 
JB, I don't know if this is an option for you, but for '36 - '39 Spider hubcaps, I made a slide hammer type of puller: A simple steel rod with a hook on one end, a large loop on the other, and a 3/4" pipe nipple on the rod, to act as the hammer. It pulls directly on the cap, no leverage against the wheel.
 
I have the same problem on my 1942 Commercial and purchased a tool from Bob Drake that is made for this and works great. It should be in there catalog.

Ed
 
In Drakes catalog it is called a Wheel Wizard and part number is TL110. If you go to there online catalog they even have a video on how it works.

Ed
 
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Sometimes I use my paint can lid remover tool.


Z
 
3twinridges said:
Alright so the wheel wizard to get them off is a no brainer! How about getting them on? Any tips there?
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Install them as normal using the heel of your hand. If your hubcaps are free of burrs there should be no problem. A little dab of Vaseline helps as well....
 
On the original style wheels & hubcaps for my '32s, I use one of those little yellow plastic bondo paddles. I just slip the thin edge of the paddle between the cap and wheel...sometimes I will use a screwdriver and wedge it between the cap and plastic paddle. You can buy the yellow plastic paddles at any swap meet. Very inexpensive. Pat
 
What Deuce Roadster said. I have the same basic set, but mine came from the Mac tool truck. it works great on my '30 coupe with the 36 wide 5 wheels that are powder coated and '36 hub caps. have not dented one yet. the towel on the ground is a good idea in case one slips out of your hands when you are taking them off
 
ford38v8 said:
JB, I don't know if this is an option for you, but for '36 - '39 Spider hubcaps, I made a slide hammer type of puller: A simple steel rod with a hook on one end, a large loop on the other, and a 3/4" pipe nipple on the rod, to act as the hammer. It pulls directly on the cap, no leverage against the wheel.
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Hi Alan, Any chance of a photo of your tool? I'm not happy with my spider hubcap removal technique. Thanks.
 
Hi Jeff,
This slide hammer can be used to bump the cap out in a very precise, controlled manner.
The only other way I know of to remove spider caps is with a long screwdriver from behind the wheel.
 

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I always used a claw hammer, grab the lip of hub cap and just give a pull with one hand and catch with the other. Works great and never chips the paint on the wheel
 
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