Center caps for Harbor Freight 12" wheels

[satch]

Hopefully I'll be able to find some chrome acorn lug nuts in the right thread pattern.

Shouldn't be a problem. I believe they are a standard 1/2-20 fine thread stud.

The studs are metric, at least on mine...1.25mm thread. I bought some acorn lugs at AutoZone, but I believe most car parts stores have them.

[tinksdad]

I've posted this before, but thought you guys might like this idea. Doesn't solve the hub cover problem, but creates a whole different look and is pretty cheap too!

Man.....that's as close to my beloved Cragars of the 60's that I may actually reconsider the chromies!!! A little Brasso, some elbow grease, and a clear sealant and I think the stock grease caps may shine up pretty well too. I'll have to experiment and post some pics. Today might be a good day for that considering it's raining and I can't do anything outside.

I'm assuming those are the 12" fenders now sold by Grant?? If that's the case, I'm almost 100% positive that I won't have a problem with door clearance with those. The finish price of the trailer is going up again.

[toypusher]

Yes, those are from the same mold that Grant uses now!!

[Creamcracker]

Yes, those are from the same mold that Grant uses now!!

Kerry how do those fenders mount to the trailer?

[toypusher]

Yes, those are from the same mold that Grant uses now!!

Kerry how do those fenders mount to the trailer?

I just drilled holes and bolted them on. I did have to cut out a couple of spots to go over bolts in the frame, but not a problem. I also put a heavy bead of silicone caulk betweent the fender and the skin of the tear. Only partially tighened the bolts until the silicone set up and then finished tighening them.

Tip: Put tape over where you are going to drill on both sides of the fiberglass and put the opposite side that you are drilling from on something like a block of wood, etc and make sure it keeps in good contact until the hole is through.

[tinksdad]

Thanks Kerry!!! Your pic inspired me!!

I experimented today with the wheel that I have to replace..... and I like the results!! The axle hub blends right in now; although polishing the grease cap with Brasso was of little or no benefit!!

Of course I will be much neater on the wheels that are going to be on the trailer full time.

p.s. the red circle shows why the wheel is being replaced. Tire and jig saw do not play well together!!!

[Joshua]

That looks pretty good. Is that a nice flat black paint?

Also, do they make beauty rings for 12" wheels. I think that would pretty classy too.

[tinksdad]

It's flat black. The pic doesn't due the color justice, but the outer rim is a metallic gold that I had left over from another project. It was supposed to be just an experiment. My first choice would probably have been a silver metallic; but I didn't have any on hand. I do like the way the gold turned out though. In the sun it really shines!!!

I haven't been able to locate beauty rings for a 12" wheel.... that's why I decided to try the metallic finish.

[Joshua]

That's why I mentioned it because the metallic paint looks pretty good on the edges. I am just lazy sometimes and would like to just throw on the outter ring instead, I will continue to consider this for an alternative.

[toypusher]

Of course some nice chrome acron lug nuts would help too!!

[Joshua]

That's another issue for me. I have threaded bolt instead of lugnuts. Not that I mind them, but I have not seen a chrome lugnut style for my wheels and and hub.

[surveytech]

here's one I painted a couple of years ago............
standard 12" wheel with center painted gloss black.
added the center cap too. sorry but only available for 5 bolt wheels I think.
changed the look and was real cheap. (that's me!)

[tinksdad]

That's another issue for me. I have threaded bolt instead of lugnuts. Not that I mind them, but I have not seen a chrome lugnut style for my wheels and and hub.

Sounds like your stud/nuts are like the ones on the "old" VW Beetles. They are actually called ball seat nuts. Audi. Mercedes, and Porsche also used them at one time or another. With some net searching, you should be able to find some with the right thread pattern. There is also a ball seat stud to acorn lug adapter available out there. You just have to find it. Good luck.

[Joshua]

That is a nice looking wheel survey tech. My 12"ers are a 5 bolt wheel. Can I ask where you got the center caps?

[surveytech]

i picked those up at Camping World. We have one nearby.
I have seen them at other places though, just cant remember where.
Easy to put on too.......just push them on over the standard lug nuts.
over 2 thousand trouble free miles on this set.

heres a link......

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/pr ... cover/3541

I added a piece of purple vinyl decal to the center of the cap to match my fugly fenders.

Do a search for "quicktrim" hub covers and see what you find.