Say hello to my 1997 XJ-8 Vanden Plas!
Got off Craigslist for $2800 at 119k miles. I've already had the transmission rebuilt and replaced the front and rear suspension, AC compressor, etc.

Now on to more cosmetic things... My hubcaps keep falling off. I've retrieved all but one from the roadsides. Is there a place to get these other than spending $140 on ebay? Why is painted plastic so expensive? Is there a more securely fastened metal alternative? I'm also about to get the rims redipped in chrome.

Thanks for any insight!

 

I actually had a customer buy a X308 VDP with a seized engine for a few hundred dollars JUST for the hub caps.
He lived in an apartment and could not keep the car so he dropped it off at my shop on a rented U Haul trailer and handed me the title.

I gave him parts like headlamps and small plastic parts for a few years after for his running VDP.(good customer)

 

Ha, that's pretty funny! I may need to get a spare junker XJ-8 for parts...

Is there at least way to secure these plastic-tabbed hubcaps on a bit better? They really wanna pop off. Maybe an epoxy or something?

 

Some manufacturers use a steel spring wire on the inside of the mount tabs to press OUT on them to keep the wheel cover in place.
You could use single sided adhesive tape to keep the tabs tighter in the 'lug-nut- cavity for the hub cap?

The heat from the brakes do warm the wheel and the plastic cap deforms eventually.

 

I wouldn't epoxy as they'd never come off again. Not really familiar with how they fit but something like silicon might do it & still leave you able to pull them off as it'd break before the plastic did.

 

I have similar hub covers on an older Buick. I have found that if
you heat them up, you can spread the teeth out a bit to compensate
for the age. The use of a heat gun is ideal, however make sure to
keeps the contact posts spread to the desired point while they cool.

 

[QUOTE=mattuar85;2743091]Say hello to my 1997 XJ-8 Vanden Plas!
Got off Craigslist for $2800 at 119k miles. I've already had the transmission rebuilt and replaced the front and rear suspension, AC compressor, etc.

Now on to more cosmetic things... My hubcaps keep falling off. I've retrieved all but one from the roadsides. Is there a place to get these other than spending $140 on ebay? Why is painted plastic so expensive? Is there a more securely fastened metal alternative? I'm also about to get the rims redipped in chrome.

Thanks for any insight!




I've bought plenty over the years. You can build up a few layers of double back foam tape and that usually works! Just make sure it's thick enough to make contact woth the cap and wheel.