Need help with moons.

Tudorp

Tudorp

Member
Just before winter, I bought a pretty clean 53 Customline. Flathead V8/Fordomatic. It has some cheap Mr. Gasket moons on it, but they don't fit very well (VERY tight), in fact, you have to beat them to death to get them to bend enough to go on. I am pretty sure they are 10-1/8 id. Does someone know where I can get a better fitting moon for the factory wheels? Does someone offer a moon with a 10-1/4" id? The wheels have 3 outside nubs if that helps identify the wheels.

Any help with info on some moons that will fit this wheel better would be appreciated.




03202014a_zps21e71b50.jpg
 
Newer production baby moons have a different edge profile than moons of the 50's-60's. They will fit newer wheels.
The wheels you have with 3 nibs should be correct for your '53 and you might have to find moons from that era.
 
Thanks.. I'll see if I can find some era ones. In the meantime, the ones I have on it in the picture works, but I had to bend the rim of the moon to get them to go on. Real PITA to get on and off. But hoping to find some that are slightly larger so I won't have to beat them on and off, lol.. The ones on the car are the original 15" wheels, and really want to keep them in lue of newer aftermarket.
 
Thanks.. But, it is new... I am used to working with Model A's.. New or old is a matter of perspective I reckon.. lol..
 
Tudorp said:
Thanks.. I'll see if I can find some era ones. In the meantime, the ones I have on it in the picture works, but I had to bend the rim of the moon to get them to go on. Real PITA to get on and off. But hoping to find some that are slightly larger so I won't have to beat them on and off, lol.. The ones on the car are the original 15" wheels, and really want to keep them in lue of newer aftermarket.
Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing the pic :) ! That's a beauty. I had one just like it ..with straight front axle in about '66 ! Hm , 272 Y block , if remember correctly good engine and freeway cruiser back then.

Regarding moon caps, I have '35 Kelsey wheels and same problem. But, to make lemonade from lemons....I just thot out a way to get them on/off without damage and was/am happy NOW that they are tight...as no loss of caps,eh;) ! Originals from back when may be harder to find, especially in good condition. Good luck.
 
Thanks.. Love the Ford. I hadn't driven it much because living in Michigan, only want to take it out in Spring/Summer. I picked it late fall of last year, but the little I have driven it, it runs and drives very nice. I took it out the first time this year yesterday and fell in love all over again. I had to heat up the caps I have on it now, and hammer them on. Just a PITA. Always been a huge flathead fan boy, but always had earlier flathead 4, and also Plymouth flathead 6. Always wanted a Ford flathead V8. I plan to do a lot of driving in it this spring and summer.
 
Been watching ebay. Full of the cheap Mr gasket moons, and most of those are 10-1/8". Some vintage ones in bad shape one or two at a time show up. I think I found a set that are for Ford vans (1966>) that are 10-1/4". Pricey, but might be the only option I have, and they will fit much better. I may just go that route.
 
I had a 53 when I was a senior in high school, although it was green in color. Brings back old memories. Thanks for sharing.
 
Had the same trouble with my 53 Merc, had to beat them on, never did find any that fit right. I used the 49 Ford hub cap, (not a moon but close) it was the best altenitive I could find that fit!! I don't have that car but do have 4 dented moons still!!!!
 
I've got a set that measure 10-1/4 ID. Where in Michigan are you? I'm just south of Detroit. If you want to try them first send me a PM with a phone number. Their not perfect but are in pretty nice condition.
 
I would love to try them. If they work, what do ya want for them? I am in lower Michigan south of KZoo. Zip 49099.

I'll PM ya.


flathead4rd said:
I've got a set that measure 10-1/4 ID. Where in Michigan are you? I'm just south of Detroit. If you want to try them first send me a PM with a phone number. Their not perfect but are in pretty nice condition.
Click to expand...
 
I had the same problem. Tried three different hubcap companies and they were all too small even thought they were listed as 10 1/8. Settled on 50 ford, I believe from Dennis Carpenter
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top