Hot Rods So how do you remove the hubcap from early Ford wheels without damaging the paint?

I was removing the hubcap from my 1932 roadster yesterday, that has early Ford painted steelies on it and as careful as I could possibly be, I still managed to take out a small paint chip. So how do you guys remove hubcaps on early Ford painted wheels without chipping the paint in the process? Does anyone have a secret way of removing a hubcap without chipping the paint and what tools and methods of removing that hubcap do you use?

 

plastic bondo spreader between the paint and the tool you're using to pry with

 

I use a brake adjusting spoon with a rag, others have used plastic trim removal tools.

I've even seen old timers use something like a brake adjusting spoon with a piece of rubber thin wall tube on it or using some of the brush on coating used for plier handles.

I always thought about using shrink tubing on a brake spoon by cutting one end off and putting the shrink wrap down that end and building up a couple layers but never did it....

..

 

I drilled a 1/8" hole in each hubcap. I use an old fashioned dent puller hook to remove the cap, from harbor freight.
I install cap with the hole near the valve stem.
No one has ever noticed the hole in the cap.

As the old paint commercial goes; no runs, no chips, no errors.

 

Some later model cars have a plastic chisel end on the wheelbrace to get the hubcap/trim off. Have a browse around a local junkyard (if they let you).

 

Drake offers a special tool. Never used one. But it's out of stock.
Wheel Wizard – Bob Drake

 

..I have one of those. Works pretty good. Still need to be careful.

 

I use a small vintage plastic window ice scraper. Brings it out enough so I can grab it with my fingers.

 

I made up a couple of these from scrap nylon. Smack the end of it with a hammer to pop the caps off. Works very well and doesn't scratch the paint or the cap. Keep one in the shop and carry one in the heap.

 

Maybe run a small amount of combustible gas behind hubcap and toss a lit match at the wheel assembly.
It is all about the proper control of adding the correct amount of starter fluid, propane, etc. OH yeah, DO NOT use acetylene!

 

Magnetic vision

 

I use one of these. It's a hub cap remover intended for plastic hub caps, but modified slightly it works well. They're fairly cheap so I leave it in the vehicle it's for. I bend the end to get the shape I need, rest the rubber against the tire or edge of the wheel and the end of the tool just under the edge of the hubcap. Haven't scratched or damaged my wheels yet 10+ years later.

 

Get a set of plastic body trim and interior tools. Inexpensive and work great. I keep on in the truck I have with 47 Ford caps

 

Also removes any small dents in the cap at the same time

 

Usually one or two of the plastic pry tools along with a small nylon mallet does the trick for me.

 

Volkswagen hubcap tool...

 

Very similar to the one the station I worked at 40 years ago.
It worked on every style of cap.

 

Some of you guys must have caps that fit a lot looser than mine. I'd break my trim tools if I used them for that.

Oh cool. I thought it was a simple solution to a simple problem. Works great for me.

 

I have a hubcap tool like pictures above (old one though) and I use a piece of old tire tube under it. I also have plastic door panel tools, you cant pry with them but you can use them as a wedge and your hand as a hammer.

Here's the ones I use from this type kit, you have to heat up and bend the middle straight on the one with the ring end.