Removing steering wheel center cap

WABOOM · Aug 8, 2020

I am having a difficult time removing the center cap of the steering wheel on my '51. I am using 2 putty knives and I'm terrified of damaging the cap or steering wheel. Maybe not terrified but I'd like to avoid it... lol. I've applied ATF with a needle oiler hoping it would loosen things up. Is there spring clips holding it on?
Any input would be appreciated.

deuce lover · Aug 9, 2020

It might be a slight push in and twist of a turn and should pop off.

51 MERC-CT · Aug 9, 2020

As stated, using a rubber jar top remover pad (or something similar),to get some grip, turn the nut cover counter clockwise to remove.

WABOOM · Aug 9, 2020

Thank you very much!

19Fordy · Aug 9, 2020

WABOOM: Really glad you found out. My idea was incorrect. Funny, I thought I took mine apart by prying it off. Glad you got right info.

JSeery · Aug 9, 2020

19Fordy said:
WABOOM: Really glad you found out. My idea was incorrect. Funny, I thought I took mine apart by prying it off. Glad you got right info.

I'm sure it would come off prying it, if you pried hard enough. It would be getting it back on that would be difficult!

deuce lover · Aug 10, 2020

Never try prying it off.It wasn't designed that way

WABOOM · Aug 17, 2020

Update. I got the center cap off! I thought the entire bezel came off counter clockwise... I was wrong. Just the center bullet comes off first. Then there is screws underneath to unbolt the bezel. I just about ruptured the tendons in my wrists trying to twist something that doesn't turn. My dumb mistake.
Next I will make a fixture to pull the steering wheel from the column.
Thank you for your replies gentlemen.