The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Hub Cap Clip Install...Drill template?

I'm about to install hub clips on 16" 5 lug wheels...can anyone provide a drill template for the install? or the clip spacing from the mounting hole on one clip to the mounting hole on the opposite clip? I'm installing 1949 Chevy truck hub caps on 2003 VW Passat 16" wheels (I have a Mustang IFS w/ 5 lug/ 4.5" lug spacing.)

I can't help on the clip spacing, but I do have a concern on the choice of wheel. Any particular reason you are using a Volkswagon wheel? The reason i ask is that the VW uses a different type lug nut that the one that are normally found on US or Japanese cars/trucks. They are called a "ball seat" style, were the usual for US is the 60 degree taper. They are not interchangable. The VW nuts are only made in metric, 14mm is the norm, Honda also uses that style in 12mm, but the seat is a different size. It could be a safety issue not having the correct type nuts for the wheels. You might want to check with Wheel Vintiques, I think that they can make 16" wheels with the clips already installed.

Longbox...thanks for the response and comment. I've looked just about everywhere (including Wheel Vintiques) for a 16" stock steel wheel with 5 lug , 4.5 inch lug spacing that has the right configuration to accept stock '49 Chevy truck full hubs. The aftermarket guys tend to cater to the FXXXd bunch.
These wheels are brand new and look alot like the old artillery wheel...they fit perfectly on my '49 Suburban ( Mustang II IFS w/ disc brakes and 225/75/16 tires). I'm able to use my existing lug studs and nuts so that finesses that issue. My only remaining challege is to get the hub clips mounted and the wheels painted.

Steve, when I mounted my clips on a set of OTS (other-than-stock) steel wheels, I made a paper template using the original spare wheel. Fortunately it was still under the truck. I punch marked holes on a 6.25" spacing from center to center (those directly across from one another). I installed 3 clips per wheel. Depending on the fit in the center of the wheel, you may need to raise your clips. I had to use 1/2" square tubing to raise the clips to the height necessary to secure the caps. I had the same issue, no one seems to make a reproduction wheel that will fit the original or reproduction hub caps. I looked for a couple of years and finally found a set of steel 16" wheels that would work.

Kevin,