[caddor38]

Hi folks....I was hoping to get some help on another topic. I have purchased some Weld Magnum III rims for my 71 firebird. They look great but I wanted to add some 77-78 Trans am Wheel caps to the rim.

In the original snowflake wheels, there is a slight ridge cut out so the caps will lock in place. The Welds center section is a perfect fit for the center caps they slide right in with some resistance however the ridge is not there and most assuredly the caps will slide right out. Any ideas on creating this ridge or something else innovative to ensure the caps dont come out. I was going to measure the distance needed and use a Dremel tool to simulate the ridge the original snowflake wheel has, but wasnt sure if there is a better way to attach these center caps. Maybe someone has done something similar? Picture of wheel with cap attached.



Thanks for the help as usual.

[Old Goat Racer]

What do the Weld caps look like ? Pic

[caddor38]

Originally Posted by Old Goat Racer

What do the Weld caps look like ? Pic

Here is a picture of both caps

[Mr Anonymous]

A very thin O-ring around the circumference of the cap perhaps? It could add just enough OD to make a snug fit.

[Elarson]

You could "glue" them in with RTV.

Eric

[caddor38]

Originally Posted by Mr Anonymous

A very thin O-ring around the circumference of the cap perhaps? It could add just enough OD to make a snug fit.

Wow, that is an interesting idea! When I currently slide these caps in they feel almost snug enough to stay in place. Makes me wonder if I should you a generous supply of clear silicone and let it dry overnight. I do not foresee removing the caps since they dont block the lugs.

[caddor38]

Originally Posted by Elarson

You could "glue" them in with RTV.

Eric

I apologize, didnt see this post until i replied to the next one. Yeah maybe RTV will be all i need. Just dont want that stomach ache iget while riding down the road wander if RTV will last? But I think that would work. Maybe a coulple of small drimmel notches to let the main snaps lock in a groove?

[Old Goat Racer]

Originally Posted by caddor38

Here is a picture of both caps

Could you post a pic of both front caps ?

[caddor38]

Originally Posted by Old Goat Racer

Could you post a pic of both front caps ?

Not sure what you mean? I have posted a picture of the wheel with the TA cap on it and a picture of both caps side by side.

[77 TRASHCAN]

Originally Posted by caddor38

I apologize, didnt see this post until i replied to the next one. Yeah maybe RTV will be all i need. Just dont want that stomach ache iget while riding down the road wander if RTV will last? But I think that would work. Maybe a coulple of small drimmel notches to let the main snaps lock in a groove?

I don't think you'd have to even worry about the latest RTV being made. I use Permatex Ultra Black on lots of things. Including gaskets. When that stuff sets up, it's like bonded vulcanized rubber to whatever its used on. If you ever have to unglue it, it's nearly impossible to remove whatever was glued, without ruining something...

[caddor38]

Originally Posted by 77 TRASHCAN

I don't think you'd have to even worry about the latest RTV being made. I use Permatex Ultra Black on lots of things. Including gaskets. When that stuff sets up, it's like bonded vulcanized rubber to whatever its used on. If you ever have to unglue it, it's nearly impossible to remove whatever was glued, without ruining something...

That sound like a plan. I will use that stuff.

[HoovDaddy]

Maybe you can use your Weld caps. Look on ebay, there are sellers that make the center bird emblem on thick plastic. They look very good (like factory) glossy and adhere very well. You specify the diameter you want. I put them on my Torque Thrust center caps, but my birds are upside down. lol.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/27465734943...UAAOSwYndgDFr3

[Old Goat Racer]

Originally Posted by caddor38

Not sure what you mean? I have posted a picture of the wheel with the TA cap on it and a picture of both caps side by side.

Sorry, I meant the FRONT of both caps side by side.

Just wondering if you could put the TA medallion on your weld caps ?

Here is a pic of what I did.

[Trevor78]

With the right size caps and some silicone you can make anything work. Be careful what you use on the caps as they can easily melt the back of the emblems.

Firebird Rim Goldrush paint by Ben, on Flickr

[caddor38]

Originally Posted by Trevor78

With the right size caps and some silicone you can make anything work. Be careful what you use on the caps as they can easily melt the back of the emblems.

Firebird Rim Goldrush paint by Ben, on Flickr

I think that is the route im going and yeah i will be careful with the silicone. Yor rims look great!

[Old Goat Racer]

Ames says to use clear silicone to adhere. If that is your plan I have these for sale.

[Trevor78]

Thanks, was a long time ago when there were no wheel options and limited international shipping or purchases available. Had to make do.

[caddor38]

All, thanks for your help. I decided what would work best for me with all the advice is to inser the trans am wheel caps and put a generous amount of Permatex black sealant to hold the caps in place. I have posted some pictures of the final product so others with the same issue can make a decision like i did. The last photo is the permatex spread over the rear of the cap and wheelThanks for al the help.

[78w72]

Originally Posted by caddor38

All, thanks for your help. I decided what would work best for me with all the advice is to inser the trans am wheel caps and put a generous amount of Permatex black sealant to hold the caps in place. I have posted some pictures of the final product so others with the same issue can make a decision like i did. The last photo is the permatex spread over the rear of the cap and wheelThanks for al the help.

in the pic you posted of the caps, i dont see the metal insert rings thats used to help secure them better. do you have them for the caps? if so it would probably help the cap grab the wheel lip better. but too late since you already attached them with the ultrablack, they should hold fine.

another note, the wheels/tires look like you may have some drag racing planned, im not 100% sure but ive heard that some tracks dont like center caps on wheels, not sure if its a rule or just what they prefer but i see lots of the really fast cars at my local track without center caps.

[Old Goat Racer]

AWESOME !