Hey hambers, I bought a set of 54-56 olds fiesta caps recently. I knew they weren’t a direct fit to 49-54 chev wheels, much like the ford rim of similar years. I did some research, and the most common answer was To use 70s gm full size car rims. Chances of finding those particular rims here in aus would be slim, and new multi stud gm rims would be more expensive, so I had my local wheel shop move the centre’s back. Not reversed, as I was trying to avoid changing the offset too much. They moved the Centres 1/2”. It’s still pumped the wheels out, naturally. But it still looks somewhat “normal”. They won’t rub at this ride height, but once I lower it, they will. You just gotta drive accordingly (if you’re not running bags). Moving the centre cost me $100aus per rim. Hope this information helps someone out in the future! The reason I bought the fiesta caps was to attempt to recreate the infamous added flipper bar look from the mid-to-late fifties. For those playing at home, don’t make the mistake I did. The repop flipper bars are about 1/2” Shorter than originals. Thankfully I had two spare caps to Rob the bars from. This took my dumb ass hours to get one mock up hub cap finished haha. They’re not perfect, but neither is the car. Stoked on how to turned out. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
There was an Aussie equivalent to the oldsmobile fiesta cap here in the 50s, it was made by Osborne in Sydney and was a universal fit. This may have been an easier option. They were available in 13, 14 and 15 inch. Not easy to find now, but not impossible, I think I have a 14 inch set here somewhere.... Sent from my SM-N976B using Tapatalk
WOAH!!! This is what I love about this forum! That’s unreal mate, I have never heard of that company or ever seen anything like those. Definitely sharing this with some early holden mates of mine, thank you! Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Thank you very much mate! It had been a long time coming, but very glad I finally bit the bullet! Thanks again! Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Before you had the rims altered, where did you notice the caps contacting your wheels? The spindle/dust cap or the middle "rib"? Great. Now I want a set of these in 15"... @sunnytim you wouldn't happen to be hoarding a set would you?
I can fully relate to this... it´s quite a task to get it "right", so, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. The wrong wheel, tire, rim, backspace and wheel cover combo can just ruin it all for a car, but your Chevy ´s spot on... you got it nailed. Was that your Ranchero (your avatar) in TRJ? Holy cow, I drooled so many times over this car ....
The Jalopy Journal
