The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Hub cap clips

I'm not sure if this is the proper area for this question but here goes. A few weeks ago I purchased a set of correct 16" rims with 3 clips for my 59 Napco 1/2 ton. When I received them I noticed one of the clips was broken off. My question is, is there a way to rivet a new clip from an extra rim or am I better off just welding/tacking it on since the hub cap will cover it? I plan on having the rims powder coated after Im done.
Thanks again,
Brian M

Don't ever weld on the rims not good practice. The original rivets are impossible to find use a machine screw with a self locking nut they work just as well.

Thanks. I'll stay away from the welding.
Brian

Here ya go, Brian

How to install hubcap clips

Thanks again. That will work for me.
Brian M

Ok, so why not tack weld them on? I can't imagine that it'd be so much heat that there'd be warping of any kind.

I wouldn't mind using the machine screws, but I'm just curious.

OldDawg

the clips are springs, easily 'dis-tempered' by heat, that's probably why the factory didn't weld them on

Bill

Here is one example.

Welding weakens a wheel, said Marvin Bozarth, a technical consultant to the Tire Industry Association. "The wheel is designed to operate at certain temperatures, and sometimes when you weld on it, the metal hardens and causes fractures that may not be visible," Bozarth said. Such damage can lead to the wheel failing.

"Don't weld them; don't hit them with a steel hammer," Bozarth said. "You've got to treat them nice and make sure they're in good condition."

Yet despite such warnings, some wheel welding does go on, Bozarth said. "I see it on some wheels," he said, surmising the practice continues to be performed by "people who are just not informed, don't listen, or they think they know better."

He added, "That's what gets people killed."

I stated and I stick by the statement welding on wheels is not good practice (best left to pros) Also these clips are made from hardened steel, welding on them will soon lead to them breaking off at the HAZ (heat-affected zone) in order to manage this process you need post weld treatment (heating the wheel) again not best practice, and a crap shoot for a non-professional at best. In addition any welding or heating of wheels calls for the removal of tubes and tires. Why bother with all that just drill and use some attachment hardware.

Great, thanks for the good info.

OldDawg

Laroke-
I like the chrome beauty ring look. Where did you find these and how well do they fit-up? I'm going to 16x8 wheels to make room for front-end disc brakes.

Sorry, one additional question. Where did you buy your extra clips? I was going to look on Jim Carter's site.

I actually have a handfull of clips i removed from ¾ton wheels that were on a 53 chassis. Im also in Pgh. Pa. If you need em? Im not 100% sure they're the right ones tho. Bring a wheel with ya if ya decide to take a look. Pm me

There are a few million wheel running around with the centers welded into the barrel instead of the old method of riveting them in. Welding on spring clips is still a bad idea, however.
Jerry