Barge Hubcap Options?

[slack]

Hey All,

Just curious if anybody has any recommendations for a barge hubcap? My '78 has its original hubcaps but because there's this HUGE weight on one of the tires, it's next to impossible to get the hubcap on/off. Also, it makes me weary that it might pop off while driving and I'll lose it.

Here's what I'm working with:


I was thinking maybe paint the rim black and put a dog dish style that wouldn't require attaching to the outer lip?

Thoughts and suggestions welcome!

Thanks!

[tjc78]

Why can't you just have it rebalanced with the weights that go on the inside if the wheels like new cars get?

[slack]

Thanks. I didn't even think of that.
I do need a new spare tire so I guess I could get it rebalanced then.

[Tiggie]

That looks like a weight for an aluminum wheel although it's a bit hard tell. Is it squarish or does it curve and fit right in the wheel lip? A correct steel wheel weight will solve your problem even if it's a big one.

Also check to see if there is a weight in the inside. If not, you could use a weight on the inside and reduce the size of the outside one.

It's pretty unusual for a steel wheel and passenger tire to take a weight that large.

[knucklehead0202]

Right? That thing is huge! I'd look into getting it put on the inside. That's just gross-looking.

[Mainemantom]

I agree with replacing the weight on the underside of the wheel or replacing the wheel. Can't lose a hubcap !

[85crownHPP]

If our worlds ever collide, I could help solve your hubcap problem with these

[gadget73]

Weights that big usually indicate a bad balance, a bad tire, or a bent wheel.

[slack]

That looks like a weight for an aluminum wheel although it's a bit hard tell. Is it squarish or does it curve and fit right in the wheel lip? A correct steel wheel weight will solve your problem even if it's a big one.

Also check to see if there is a weight in the inside. If not, you could use a weight on the inside and reduce the size of the outside one.

It's pretty unusual for a steel wheel and passenger tire to take a weight that large.

Hmm.. I'm not sure. It does look roundish to me. I thought the weight looked extra large as well. I haven't checked if there's more on the inside but I don't believe so.

Here are more pics (not great ones) to give you an idea exactly what it looks like:

I agree with replacing the weight on the underside of the wheel or replacing the wheel. Can't lose a hubcap !

Right? That thing is huge! I'd look into getting it put on the inside. That's just gross-looking.

I think this might be the option I go for.

If our worlds ever collide, I could help solve your hubcap problem with these

Thanks. Those are some nice looking rims! If I'm ever heading that way, I'll PM you if they're still for sale.

Weights that big usually indicate a bad balance, a bad tire, or a bent wheel.

It's very possible. I'm actually leaning towards a bad balance as all the steel rims have some sort of oversized weight on them. (This is the worst offender by far though). I'll try to get pics of the rest to give you an idea of how bad they look without the hubcaps.

I mean I suppose it's also possible the rim is bent. They are the original rims from '78. Who knows what they've been through before they came into my ownership.

[Tiggie]

Certainly the wrong weight type! Check out http://www.griffintoolsandsupply.com...iles/Steel.htm.

I bought an old school bubble balancer and it works quite nicely for steel wheels and older aluminum wheels.

[slack]

Awesome! So it looks like it should be a quick easy fix. I have my safety inspection next month so I can ask them to just rebalance the wheels then. (I bought the tires at a different shop than my usual place last year)

Using the page you linked, what weight shape should be on there? It looks like right now I have a P 2.75. Those are listed as standard steel wheel weights. What's strange is that mine says "P" but actually looks more like a "FN" or "MC".


Edit: I actually wonder if the weights I should have on the rims are the "CAX" style. They're offset for full flush hubcaps. I wish I took a picture of the original weights.
Example Link: https://www.alltiresupply.com/produc...nt=25841086992

[Tiggie]

I took a second look at your hubcaps and that style you found looks like that may be exactly what you need. The barge hubcaps cover the entire rim including the lip. Guess that was before they got cheap and made smaller hubcaps.