Halibrand 15" center caps loose on rear wheels

[MikeD]

I received my 15" Vintage Halibrand Replica Wheels a couple weeks ago, did the 4 lug to 5 lug axel swap using Ford ranger axels for the rear, and mounted up the wheels. They look great. My question is what holds the center cap for the rear tires? If it let it, it will almost disappear in the center of the hole after the wheel is bolted on with the lug nuts. Using the spinner to pull it out does not allow me to get it super tight because it's starts spinning with the spinner. Is that all that's holding it in the wheel?

My car is a Mark 2 with 8.8 rear end, if that helps.
Thanks!
Mike

Pictures: http://www.prairieroad.com/cobra/february2012/

[michael everson]

You may want to silicone it in place. They can be a real pain to get the spinner started and getting it tight.

[AJ Roadster NJ]

This is going to sound like a ridiculous method, but I had the same problem and Richard Oben called me to explain it, and it worked well for me.

Wad up a short length of duct tape with the sticky side facing out. Press the wad firmly into the center of the center cap. Use the tape to gently pull the cap outward and stabilize it while you get the spinner started on its threads. Eventually, once the spinner is getting close, the center cap will tighten up against the inside lip of the wheel and you won't need the tape any more.

I remember the night I was doing this. I was extremely excited to see my new wheels and tires on the car and get down off the jackstands. There were some very bad words uttered in my garage that night before I got this one figured out.

AJ

PS -- Applying a dose or three of St. Pauli Girl helps too...

[oldguy668]

Your wing nuts have allen setscrews so they don't unscrew themselves. They do not have to be that tight. If you don't have allens, drill for safety wire. Be sure to use anti-seize on them, too, or you'll have to cut them off.

[MikeD]

Thanks for the replies guys!!

Mike