Center Caps Refurbishing
03-09-2009, 10:31 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Center Caps Refurbishing
I recently picked-up a set of 7 & 9 x 17" Cup II wheels in pretty good shape except for some minor curb & face-down-ground rash on the rears. Included with the wheels were four center caps, part #993.361.303.07, which cleaned-up surprising well, and exhibit only slight fading and discoloration:
My problem is that none of these center caps firmly affix to the Cup II wheels. I even tried them on D-90 & new Cayman wheels, with the same result. When I received the center caps from the previous owner, several had tape on the plastic retaining prongs, which worked somewhat, but which probably made the plastic yield a little further when installed over time. I don't want that half-a$$ fix going forward, if I can help it. The prongs have no discernible damage like cracks, or evidence of repair:
Anyone have a fix for the retaining prongs, or are they just plumb worn out?
-------- revised 3/10/09:
After additional cleaning of the wheels and inspection, I discovered the prong surface responsible for engagement is as indicated below on the bottom prong in Orange. For a permanent fix, how about building-up theses prong surfaces by gluing a rub resistant film (Mylar maybe?) in the shape of a right-angle "hat", i.e. "^", as depicted on the top prong?
My problem is that none of these center caps firmly affix to the Cup II wheels. I even tried them on D-90 & new Cayman wheels, with the same result. When I received the center caps from the previous owner, several had tape on the plastic retaining prongs, which worked somewhat, but which probably made the plastic yield a little further when installed over time. I don't want that half-a$$ fix going forward, if I can help it. The prongs have no discernible damage like cracks, or evidence of repair:
Anyone have a fix for the retaining prongs, or are they just plumb worn out?
-------- revised 3/10/09:
After additional cleaning of the wheels and inspection, I discovered the prong surface responsible for engagement is as indicated below on the bottom prong in Orange. For a permanent fix, how about building-up theses prong surfaces by gluing a rub resistant film (Mylar maybe?) in the shape of a right-angle "hat", i.e. "^", as depicted on the top prong?
Last edited by slips2; 11-27-2009 at 07:14 PM.
03-09-2009, 11:15 PM
#2
Nordschleife Master
I would not bother with the epoxy treatment. I had a similar issue and just used a dab of RTV silicone on the prongs to provide a secure fit ... easily removable for tire changes ...
03-10-2009, 12:24 AM
#4
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
FlatSix911,
Thanks for the RTV silicone suggestion, hadn't thought of that, might work for me. How's the silicone adhesion to the plastic? Do you have to re-apply after each removal?
993C4Smontreal,
The crests had significant scratches and the silver had only slight scratches, so I used a small dab of rubbing compound on the clear-coat over the crests, followed by Meguiar's polishing glaze over both sections. The rubbing compound and polishing glaze are both clear-coat safe. Scratches all gone.
Thanks for the RTV silicone suggestion, hadn't thought of that, might work for me. How's the silicone adhesion to the plastic? Do you have to re-apply after each removal?
993C4Smontreal,
The crests had significant scratches and the silver had only slight scratches, so I used a small dab of rubbing compound on the clear-coat over the crests, followed by Meguiar's polishing glaze over both sections. The rubbing compound and polishing glaze are both clear-coat safe. Scratches all gone.
03-10-2009, 11:34 AM
#6
FlatSix911,
Thanks for the RTV silicone suggestion, hadn't thought of that, might work for me. How's the silicone adhesion to the plastic? Do you have to re-apply after each removal?
993C4Smontreal,
The crests had significant scratches and the silver had only slight scratches, so I used a small dab of rubbing compound on the clear-coat over the crests, followed by Meguiar's polishing glaze over both sections. The rubbing compound and polishing glaze are both clear-coat safe. Scratches all gone.
Thanks for the RTV silicone suggestion, hadn't thought of that, might work for me. How's the silicone adhesion to the plastic? Do you have to re-apply after each removal?
993C4Smontreal,
The crests had significant scratches and the silver had only slight scratches, so I used a small dab of rubbing compound on the clear-coat over the crests, followed by Meguiar's polishing glaze over both sections. The rubbing compound and polishing glaze are both clear-coat safe. Scratches all gone.
