Copy of the 1954 Plymouth factory wire cap...... This is the Plymouth emblem on the standard full wheel cover.....a bit different....
Nice Levi. Does that dice hold the cap on? I've flung my new National caps more than once under normal driving....I'd hate for it to hang on and beat the shit out of itself and my fender. juanz1947 ---- the caps across the top look like the ones I just bought. Mine are a National 5-C cap --- in the og box.
OK....does anyone happen to know who made these aftermarket covers? As I recall they came with either 3 or 4 spinner bars, and in various sizes.
I don't know about their history, only that he was my great great great unkle....he died in 1960. He held over 60 patents in the automotive industry... He designed the spring bumper, tire chains, removable white walls and some wheel covers. I was too far down the list to get any of his millions.....Richard Lyon Metzger
In 1953 and probably 1954, Dodge made a full wheel cover with louvers around it. There is a set on this 53 convertible owned by another HAMBer.... I borrowed this picture from his previous post. If you look closely, you can see the louvers.
Here's a better closeup of the louvered wheelcover Dodge offered in 1953, as shown on my unrestored Coronet convertible. Don't believe it was available in 54 or any other year. As stamped on a couple NOS ones I have, they were made by Chrysler. Other than the Tucker, I'm not aware of any other car maker having a louvered design.
While researching the subject I found this Sports Illustrated article from 1957 on George Albert Lyon, the man behind the company: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1132751/index.htm
Here is also a link to his patents...as you can see he was filled with ideas for wheel covers: http://www.google.com/patents?q=george+albert+lyon&btnG=Search+Patents
Great thread,i bought 3 caps on ebay . They are not in a great shape but i like them on my 36 ,you dont see them often on a 36.I tryed to polished them , but not with a great result. I really would know how the company did it , in the beginning of the thread.
Wow, I think I have one hanging on my wall that I saved from next to a garbage can at a Turlock swapmeet years ago! It's got five ribs or nubbins or whatever. I'll snap a photo later! I love those big bubbley ones!!
Don't let this thread die. Mr. Lyon was an absolute GENIUS. Thanks to Sondre for "introducing" me to him and his wheel covers. AMAZING.
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