Sliding hubcap/disk

[curt]

I have a 1955 Studebaker. The left rear hubcap slides on the rim untill it has locked onto the valve stem. Any cures?[?]

[len]

I had a similar problem. Tried several things but nothing worked. If you have tubeless tires this is what I did. Installed metal valve stems like they use on tractors and some trucks. They are a permanent valve stem. When the wheel cover rotates it stops at the stem. Before I did this the wheel cover would rotate and either damage the original valve stem or try to ride over it and then fly off.

[GTtim]

Curt,
If you look closely at wheel rims you will see two little bumps on the part that is parralell to the surface of the road, just to either side of the valve stem. Now look at your wheel covers. Just to either side of the valve stem hole there are two little 'ears' bent outward. These are supposed to hang up on those little bumps to keep the wheel cover from rotating on the wheel. Bend the little ears outward a little and clean up the outside of the little bumps to help the ears lock onto them. That will keep your covers from spinning!
Tim K.

[N8N]

If Tim's suggestion doesn't work, take a close look at the affected wheel, especially if you're running radial tires. It may be flexing and/or even have some fatigue cracks - not good!

good luck,

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight
62 Daytona hardtop

http://home.comcast.net/~njnagel

[curt]

len tim and N8n, thanks for the information. I have freshned the dimples on the hubcap, a short run down the road would indicate problem solved. I will continue to watch the cap for rotation.[^]

[curt]

I noticed rotation of the cap today. I will switch caps with a 'normal' cap, one that is not rotating. I think it is possible the cap is slightly out of round. I'll keep you posted.

[Skip Lackie]

Studebaker actually issued a service letter addressing this problem in about 1963 -- apparently this problem became much more severe with the wheels they were buying that year from either Budd or Kelsey-Hayes. Anyway, they designed a small piece of metal with two lips on it that could be glued to the wheel next to the valve stem hole. It was intended to stop wheel cover rotation. I had this problem about 25 years ago with my 64 Daytona, and bought some from Dennis Lambert at N&A. I have not had the problem since then. It will take me some time to find that service letter and part number again, but I will be glad to check. As I recall, they were not listed in the parts book. SASCO may still have them in stock.
Skip Lackie

[Skip Lackie]

I got lucky and found the relevant service letter right away: SL# C-1964-1, dated 2 December 1964, describes how to mount wheel disc anti-creep retainer, part number 1564199. SASCO still lists them as being available for $7.30 apiece.

Skip Lackie