Topic: Styled Steel Wheels Repro 1965-1966 center caps?

[RichandBen]

Hi everyone, I haven?t been able to find where this is discussed elsewhere (maybe because this forum is concours-focused); NPD offers two different red center caps for SSWs - the so-called ?original? (NPD P/No. 1130-6A https://www.npdlink.com/product/center-cap-styled-steel-wheel-original-red-emblem/101205) and a Scott Drake repro (1130-6 https://www.npdlink.com/product/wheel-center-cap-styled-steel-wheel/101204). Both are listed with Mfg. Ref. C5ZZ-1130-W. The description for the repro suggests that original center caps have a habit of coming off and the two-piece design of the repro fixes that problem. Given the US$320 cost of a set of the originals and the cost for repros of one-third that, it would be nice to know that I would not be throwing good money away due to using ?original? caps that won?t stay put when the car is driven on the disgraceful goat tracks that pass for highways and trunk roads in this part of the world. Conversely, WRT the repro caps it would also be nice to know that I can buy a set of caps that will remain attached on the wheels and don?t look like 5h1t. Does anyone have experience with either?

Cheers
Ben

[jwc66k]

Originals are held in place with three spring steel fingers that slide in the center hole to grip, and unfortunately, slide out. (I've not lost one - yet.) Reproductions are held in with, what can be best described as, two washers and a screw each, located on the inside of the center hole. They can only be installed (or removed) with the wheel off. They look OK.
Jim

[J_Speegle]

Many have used/installed C clips from the back side of the cap to hold them in place and keep them from coming off when using originals. Sorry don't recall the size needed for the C clamps but an idea to consider if your driving

[196667Bob]

Later Ford Service Parts also had the Screw/washers to hold the caps on securely. I have a set for my 66 that I purchased from Ford, in Ford boxes from the late 70's.

Bob

[lancelot66]

+1 Bob
I have set in boxes too, same vintage. I'm down to 4 on the shelf and 1 in the glove box. Had 6 for a long time but came across a guy at the Belleview Car show a few years back who needed one to replace a lost one on the way to the show. Jack comes out, wheel comes off and 2 phillips screws...oh, and don't lose the washer!