I recently purchased 4 of the bowtie caps for the 71-72 SS rims on my '68 from our sponsor. Two came in damaged, and they shipped me new ones, no problemo. I just went to put them on, and broke one of the clips that holds them on. I swear it's like trying to install a crystal part with an impossible amount of force.

So now here's the question: can the other two clips still hold it on, or do I have to buy another one.

And, how the heck do you put these on without breaking them? I don't have a torch to heat them as I've read here before.

Also, if I'm having this problem, I suppose the bonehead at the tire store will too when I go in next time for a balance...

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David Reinecke - aka - FINE 68
1968 Chevelle 300 Sport Coupe Deluxe
www.geocities.com/jdreinecke (http://www.geocities.com/jdreinecke)

Dave, I had the same problem. Broke tabs off of TWO of them before I figured it out! (And no, they won't stay on with only 2 tabs.) Get two of the tabs ready to go in. Then give the third one a really good solid whack with the palm of your hand. It is kind of scary after breaking them off before but they all just popped right on after that. Hope this helps!

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72 SS clone & UGLY 69 ragtop. www.NoNecksChevelle.com (http://www.NoNecksChevelle.com)

Dave
What Josh told you is right. We learned the easy way, on the old original caps that came with some of the wheels we bought. And contrary to popular belief they can stay on with only two tangs http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif Although to make it work you have to take the wheel off and bend the remaining tangs so that it is holding onto the wheel. Expensive little buggers wouldn't you say?

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J.J. Fig
MCC member #256
Maryland Chevelle Club (http://www.chevelles.net/mcc/mcc.htm)
Dad's 69 SS (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/figs_orange_69ss.jpg)
Mom's 71 SS Convertible (http://www.chevelles.net/mcc/features/aug00.htm)

Noneck and Fig,

Thanks for the tips, I just don't want to break any more. These things are so stiff, but so easily breakable. I'll pull the wheel off tonight for the one and bend the tangs out. I just hope I don't break any other ones in the process.

Thanks again!

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David Reinecke - aka - FINE 68
1968 Chevelle 300 Sport Coupe Deluxe
www.geocities.com/jdreinecke (http://www.geocities.com/jdreinecke)

Update: I got them both on using your suggestions. Looks much better.

Thanks guys!

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David Reinecke - aka - FINE 68
1968 Chevelle 300 Sport Coupe Deluxe
www.geocities.com/jdreinecke (http://www.geocities.com/jdreinecke)

Thanks for the update! I was wondering...

If you take a SMALL screw driver and lightly tap the tab inward while pushing in on the centercap, they will snap right on also..

Haven't broken a tab yet this way.

same deal when taking them off, tap the tabs from the inside out...

Hope this info helps

Sean

glad it worked out.



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J.J. Fig
MCC member #256
Maryland Chevelle Club (http://www.chevelles.net/mcc/mcc.htm)
Dad's 69 SS (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/figs_orange_69ss.jpg)
Mom's 71 SS Convertible (http://www.chevelles.net/mcc/features/aug00.htm)