Stainless hubcap dent removal

Chet/Ma.

Chet/Ma.

Senior Member
I had asked this question before. Who in the New England area does dent removal on stainless hubcaps? Thanks for any help. Chet/Ma.
 
I made my own tools to smooth out stainless using hard wood scraps from old fork lift palets. That and a big cotton buffer wheel on the grinder to smooth back out after sanding with progressively finer sand papers.

I'm seldom satisfied with someone elses work though. I guess its a personal thing.
 
Jack Edison in around Indianapolis, Indiana is the furtherest northern that I know of. he is good. He is in the V8 directory.
 
BACK in the days John Young [ and still alive in Florida] does not restore stainless steel anymore. Boy o boy had us thinking how does he do those 32 's hub caps?. Everytime, mint. I have been using Doug Bruce ,734 cold springs rd. Marathon N.Y. 13803 [1-607-849-3453 ] Very Honest and will tell you right up front .Did every piece of S/S on my 180A. SUPER WORK,Been at it for 30+ years and knows his metals.
 
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Just what is the secret, as to how, these restorers remove the crimped on stainless cap from the early hubcaps, without tearing them up ?
I know that they can use air pressure to remove the pressed on caps.
This has always been a mystery to me.
MIKE :)
 
I live in Ohio and I send stuff to New England to get dents out and polished , like a complete set of 37 ford spyder wheel covers,I think this guy and his dad Joe before him are the best. Steven J. Grace dba Brightworks Restoration 136 Kennedy street Fall River, Ma. 02721. (508) 646-6690 and shop # is (508) 672-5931 but I would not call shop number untill after 9:30 Monday through Friday. I just sent 6 1936 Ford hood side mouldings too him to be cut down correct length and spear ends for 37 Ford luggage rack.
 
You would really appreciate 37 coupe's post if you ever saw him one finger type. He was real good getting a unbelievably rusted in valve assembly out for me though. I sure appreciated it as you should appreciate his post as it probably took about as long as the valve removal.
 
In line with Mikes question what is the trade secret to remove the stainless steel cover on a '35 spare wheel locking cover? Thanks fellas.
 
I have removed the stainless from 2 locking spare hub caps that belong on a 35. The trick is slow and easy. Use a very small flat screw driver and work the skin back. Going around the lip of the stainless. Starting where there is a slot for the strap. Each time you go around move the stainless back just a little more until you will see the cover lifting off. Slow is the word. Be very patient when doing it. See photo's attached. I have taken a red pencil and circled the dents on the back side of the stainless skin. Then with a large stainless spoon and the skin on the kitchen table worked the dents out with the pressure of your fingers. It's not easy but with time they will start to go away. When you think your done take 600 grit and wet block sand the scratches out. Then you can go to 1500 and repeat. Now your ready to buff and polish. Have fun and take your time.
 

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Keith, I visit 37 Coupe when I'm in Ohio and he can open a can of Bud with one finger pretty fast!
Regards, Don
 
HOORAY. With the help of the good folk of the 'barn I have removed the pesky s/s cover,now all I have to do is get it past "she who must be obeyed" and onto the kitchen table.Let the fun begin.Many thanks, Gary.
 
No, Chasing the grandchildren around with sports. Would like to have gone as I owe Ol'Ron a visit. Planning on coming to Columbus in Sept or Oct. will let you know. Did take the 37 to Rockport Me. last month 600mi round trip and ran great.
Don
 
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