hubcaps

[Wm Steed]

I installed new skins, 'caps over the hubcap base'... At first it seemed like a very difficult task to get the caps off the base. I started with a hubcap that was near junk to develop a method to remove the cap. I found the best tool to be a large older screw drive which I 'dulled down' to soften the edges, I could then 'walk' around the edge of the cap to raise the folded edge. I cleaned the cap base, treated them with Rust Transformer' and sprayed the base with silver paint. I installed the new caps by holding them in my lap and then rolled the edge of the cap using a plastic mallet. The caps are brass that is chrome plated so they are very soft and easy to roll the edge.

In spite of the fact that my '39 conv coupe is a highly modified car, I have been very careful in my choice of replacement parts. I have tried my best to either use NOS parts or to seek out the best original parts I could find. I went through four sets (16) hubcaps to find four original base's that had DPCD stamped into them. I also found that the DPCD caps had variations in the style and size of the drain holes. The caps on my car are perfectly matched DPCD's, I have an extra set of perfectly matched DPCD hubcaps which have drain holes which differer from the caps on my car.

I have no idea why Chrysler used different hubcaps?..... is it an early/late thing? Or is it an Eastern/Western variation?  My car is a Los Angeles car built in January 1939

A WORD OF CAUTION! I would advise against the use of silicon to seal the edge... I fear that by using a sealant on the edge, in area's that are more humid, the caps could sweat between the cap and the base and the moisture would be trapped which would shortly lead to rust-out....Bill

[Don St Peter]

I purchased and installed skins on my 40 P-9. A couple of cautions are 1) spend the extra money and/or time to prep the actual hubcaps by powder coating or clean and corrosion proof prior to installing the skins. Also, once the skins are installed, run a bead of clear silicone sealer around the seams to waterproof.
Good luck
Don

[John Hendricks]

Roberts Auto Parts in MA used to carry them.  The problem with the skins is getting them tight on the steel hubcap.  I would think that if u check out a larger swap meet the guy with the hubcap booth will have what u need without having to replace the skins.  I bought a set for my 40 pickup from an ad in Hemmings froma place that sells only hubcaps

[scot58elk]

Am rebulding a 48 Plymouth. I was told that there was someone that made new outer skins for the hub caps. Is there anyone who might know if this is true and who it is?