Floating hubcaps are a stylish addition to any classic car, and today we’re taking a look at how Larry from the RetroRides Rendezvous YouTube channel installed them on his 1951 Ford. The step-by-step process outlined here makes it easier for enthusiasts to try it on their own vintage vehicles.
Step 1: Removing the Wheel and Dust Cover
Larry begins the process by removing the wheel from the car. Once the wheel is off, he pulls off the dust cover to gain access to the Cotter pin, which holds the wheel assembly in place. The Cotter pin is removed carefully using basic hand tools.
Step 2: Preparing the Spindle
With the Cotter pin removed, Larry moves on to drilling out the spindle. This is done to make room for a 3/8-16 threaded rod that will eventually secure the floating wheel cover. It’s important to drill deeper than the original Cotter pin hole, as this allows for a more secure fit when the rod is later installed.
Step 3: Tapping the Threaded Rod
Next, Larry taps the spindle to fit the 3/8-inch all-thread rod. This ensures a snug fit that will hold the wheel cover in place. This part of the process is crucial for ensuring that the wheel cover remains stable during driving.
Step 4: Marking and Drilling the Wheel Cover
Once the spindle is prepped, attention turns to the wheel cover itself. Larry uses a marker and ruler to find the exact center of the cover. This is essential for ensuring that the floating wheel cover remains balanced once installed. After marking the center, a hole is drilled to accommodate the 3/8-inch all-thread rod.
Step 5: Modifying the Wheel Cover
The wheel cover has built-in tabs designed to secure it to the rim. However, these tabs would interfere with the floating hubcap, so Larry removes the tabs using a cut-off wheel. Once the tabs are gone, the wheel cover is ready to be modified for the floating system.
Step 6: Welding the Nut and Installing the Threaded Rod
Larry then welds a nut onto the center of the wheel cover. This nut will eventually screw onto the 3/8-inch all-thread rod, securing the floating cover to the wheel. After welding, the all-thread rod is installed into the spindle, and Larry drills a new hole for the Cotter pin to hold everything in place.
Step 7: Reassembling the Wheel and Cover
With the modifications complete, Larry reassembles the wheel. He uses Loctite to secure the nuts and ensure they don’t loosen over time. The dust cover is reinstalled but with a hole drilled into it to allow the threaded rod to pass through.
Step 8: Final Adjustments
To prevent the wheel cover from rubbing against the rim, Larry uses washers to space it out properly. Additional nuts are used to hold the cover at the correct distance. After some final measurements and adjustments, Larry cuts the all-thread rod to the correct length and reattaches the chrome trim on the hubcap to conceal the welded nut.
With everything back in place, the floating wheel covers are installed and ready for action…
