Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2004 07:47:24 -0800
Reply-To: DOUG ELLEDGE <doug@SHIREWOOD.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: DOUG ELLEDGE <doug@SHIREWOOD.COM>
Subject: Re: Hubcaps
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I am running bug style hub caps too. But I have also run into problems with
them falling off. My problems started when I decided to upgrade too those
old Porsche style "nipple" hubcaps. I found them available aftermarket
through vendors in Hot VW magazine. They aren't what I call cheap, but I
have always liked the look. Although they were the correct size they are so
thin and poorly molded that they deform as you try to install them. Then of
course the chrome begins chipping along the edges, but that's no big deal
because it will probably fall off before it has a chance to rust. Out of two
complete sets I now have four left and they are mated to individual wheels
for fit. On top of that, and mind you they are all less than a year old,
this winter they all have rust spots over the entire outer surface. I bought
the second set from a different vendor hoping for better quality. I paid
more for them but got the same. I have a set of the mid '60's flat style bug
hub caps, and they are much heavier, the chrome is still in great shape, and
they don't fall off. I just don't like the look as much.
Doug E.
www.Shirewood.com
Doug@Shirewood.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "ccc1" <cc1@EMAIL.CZ>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2004 12:12 AM
Subject: Re: Hubcaps
Randy:
I don't know if you are aware of this, but BFG (nor any other tire maker)
recommends less than a 6 inch wide wheel for a 27 X 8.5 tire (American
Vanagons came equipped with 5.5 inch wide steel wheels). That might
partially explain the sidewall "ballooning" that you mentioned. Secondly, I
don't mean to be picky, but you (and others) are mistaking your terminology:
HUBCAPS are what originally came on VW bugs and busses, and cover (or cap)
the wheel hub or center only. WHEELCOVERS are what came on most Vanagons
and cover, well, the entire wheel. I have been using bug-type hub caps on
my steel wheels with 27 X 8.5 tires for over two years, without losing any.
They fit very snugly, and obviously have no problems with contacting the
tire sidewalls.
Cary
----- Original Message -----
From: Randy Charrette
To: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
Sent: Monday, February 09, 2004 6:22 PM
Subject: Re: Hubcaps
On this subject I have a question. I put 27X8.5 BFG AT's on my 14" steel
rims. Now I can not get a set of hubcaps to stay on! I've gone through 4
sets and they all fly off at highway speeds. Upon a close inspection I can
see that the tire does sort of "balloon" out past the rim on the side. This
I think is not allowing the hub cap to seat all the way. Anyone else have
this problem. At this point, unless I find a sure fit I will run this till
it's time for tires then upgrade to 15" alloys.
Randy
87' Syncro
>From: Joe Federici
>Reply-To: Joe Federici
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Hubcaps
>Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2004 18:42:31 -0500
>
>Speaking of hubcaps I've got 4 forsale if anyone needs a set. They
>are in good to fair shape. I'm happy to send pics. I'd rather not
>ship but will if interested. Not sure what the going rate is? 80.00
>for the set.
>
>Joe F.
>
>New Jersey.
>
>JFF
>
>
>>Your experiences are one of the reasons I switched to Alloys. I got
>>tired of lost hub caps myself.
>>
>>However, some times. Most folks don't realize that hubcaps need to
>>be
>>fitted on in a particular orientation (well some hubcaps, not all).
>>If
>>you look on the inside of the hub cap you will notice a cut out
>>area
>>for the valve stem. Make sure you have that cutout positioned over
>>the
>>valve, otherwise the valve can prevent the hubcap from seating
>>properly
>>and make it easier to pop off when you hit a bump in the road.
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