Improbcat

I've been running steelies w/o hubcaps for a while now, and while I like the overall look the exposed lugs & hub always looked a bit unfinished.


While visiting a new toyota-specific junkyard I found a set of these center caps in a box of random caps. Turns out they are from a 1986-1988 Corolla.


However I've debadged my xB, so having logos on the hubcaps, especially the wrong logo, wasn't going to work for me. So I used a 2-part epoxy to fill the letters, then sanded that down and used some spot-putty to get it smooth, I fixed some scratches at the same time. They aren't perfect, but you'd have to be right up against them to know. hen they got a few coats of primer, and few more of a rustoleum silver that is a close match for the factory hubcap paint.



Then I installed them. They snap onto the flange of the rim right at the hub, and are nice and solidly attached. I'm quite happy with them. I'll I know the pics aren't great but the light was fading and my xB is in need of a bath anyway. Total outlay on this is about $40, including the paints & epoxy.

x_Batman_x

iTrader: (3)

oo i like this alot.

i think i would prefer them flat black but the silver is nice too.

Zman

Looks clean, but you need a drop bad!

jnaval

Looks nice, a retro-like feeling.

Improbcat

The angle is bad, the front is actually about 2" lowered. Right now the rear has the stock springs in because I've been hauling a lot of stuff and haven't wanted the back to sag.

koalaty2

Very nice job!

mwolfe25

those look really good, nice job

Improbcat

A co-worker just asked me about my new rims, and didn't beleive me initially when I said I'd only added hubcaps.

WhoKilledTheJAMs

That's a good look, Toyota logos or not.

I've browsed old Toyota center caps on and off; I'm too lazy to hit junkyards, and they're expensive on the internet-tubes.

...then again, I gave my sister my steelies + snows since I moved to a snowless place, so it's a moot point.

Zman

Glad to see you're using the xB's room for hauling.

I hauled stuff a few times with DF210s and it was fine.

VIP_CAMO

I would have just left the toyota logo as it is a toyota but mehh!!You should try some of those chrome trim rings i think it would look really good together

turboedsupe

Im guessing these are plastic?

Improbcat

Yes, the ring of tabs that lock them onto the hub are metal though.

turboedsupe

Do you think there is enough plastic on those to be able to sand those ridges off? I really want some flat caps the same as those just personally dont like the ridges

glock32

Nice job improbcat, thanks for the idea. I am looking at other options as I have been running steelies off and on for years. The problem I've had with chrome trim rings is the constant squeaking, plus the white paint gets scratched off (not the best prep work on my part). I'm planning on finally getting my wheels powdercoated, so I'll post pics when I have everything done.

macadaegs

I've been rockin this look since 2005...

Improbcat

Sorry, thought I'd replied to this earlier. There probably isn't enough plastic to just sand them off, but if you filled in the ridged area with epoxy you could then sand it flat from there. Just make sure you buy a large thing of epoxy and make sure it says it is sandable once dry.

torranosaurus

I am doing this!
Got any Epoxy ideas as to what I should get?
Thanks.

kenrock1000

Wow, I know a bunch of buddies were talking about this before. didnt think anything would ever work without welding some sort of tabs inside the lip to hold a cap on. Always liked ""dog dishes".

Improbcat

I went looking for the epoxy I used, but I threw away the package so I don't have the name anymore. What I can tell you is that it came from NAPA in two small toothpaste-type tubes and I made sure the packaging said it was sandable once cured. Really any epoxy that is a liquid or paste and can be sanded will work. I put lots of deep scratches in the faces of the letters with an awl before I put the epoxy on to give it more "tooth" to stick to.


BTW it has been 6 months since I did this and all four still look fine with no cracking/flaking. Also despite the best efforts of Rhode Island potholes none of them have come loose or fallen off.