Proper GN center cap install

[323GTX]

I just bought a set of GN wheels...

I have owned 3 Regals, 2 T-Types, but never a GN.

I was wondering EXACTLY how the center cap is supposed to attach to the wheel.

More specificly... how do the lug nuts hold the center cap extending tabs?

I looked at a few close-up pictures of NOS caps on eBay, still can't figure it out. I would think the lug nuts would go over the center cap tabs, holding it in place. But when you look at a set of NOS caps, the tabs are facing upward. Do you bend them outward so the lugnuts can bite into the tabs? If so, seems like a pretty lame setup.

I have not tried to install them yet, it will be a month before I do, was just curious.

 

[zeus87gn]

Yep, it's lame

Very lame for everything that these cars are. I can't wait to meet the engineer that came up with that idea, I'm going to slap him.

If I am wrong, someone please correct me and I may learn something.

The tabs that are pointing toward you get mashed kind of flat or conical beneath the lug nut so that only 1/3 of the lug nut is clamping on the tabs and the rest of the nut touches the rim.

Couldn't those dummy engineers come up with something simple, like a RETAINING SCREW? I have lost almost an entire bran new set of caps on small bumps because of these lousy desined caps. I have just decided to leave them off until I can figure out a better way to attach them.

 

[323GTX]

Wow... of all the center cap mounting techniques GM has used over the last 50 years, that has to be the worst.

If that is the case, why wouldn't the brand new caps have the tabs facing outward? So the lug nuts can grab them.

Looking at the closeup pictures of caps on eBay, the only other way I thought it would work, if the cap snaped on after the wheel was mounted. (upward facing tabs locking into lugs, pressing up against them)

I find it hard to believe your supposed to mangle those tabs on a brand new center caps.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[zeus87gn]

If that is the case, why wouldn't the brand new caps have the tabs facing outward? So the lug nuts can grab them.

I honestly don't think it would matter. The caps I have lost have popped off the ring that the lug nuts hold. When I found them that was all I had left was the ring and the little plastic tabs that the ring held onto. the plastic cap broke off the retaining ring.
The lug nut does grab them. You have to get 3 lug nuts on first, place the cap, then put on the last 2 nuts, snug them up with your fingers, then get the lug wrench. PITA - IMO.
I painted my centers on the hubs when I decided to leave the caps off. I looked a little better than bare metal.

 

[EightSecV6]

Those tabs are designed to face upwards and STAY upwards. Best way to install them is to put the wheel on with 2 lug nuts, tighten both nuts up all the way (to index the hole in the wheel to the hub). Remove one lug nut and put the cap on and push it towards the lugnut that is still on the wheel (kind of spring loaded) put the lug nut back on that you just removed being careful to NOT pinch any of the tabs under the nut, they stay up! After you get the cap on the other 3 nuts will go on easily as the cap is centered. The reason the cap falls off sometimes and the ring is still remaining is because the tabs were pinched under the lugnuts and it is twisted slightly and there is no way to center it or tighten it up evenly when installed like this.

 

[zeus87gn]

Ding!

Ah ha! Now the light goes on. Thanks for the correction, now I know better.

Even so, it is still a pretty lame way to hold on a center cap.

 

[323GTX]

ok... so my other guess was right.

Caps are held on by the tabs pressing against all 5 lugs. (spring loaded)

The used wheels with caps I bought have some of the tabs smashed down from improper installation. The chances of me bending those tabs back to their correct position, holding tightly, are slim to none.

Agreed... it is lame.

 

[turbopete]

OK, here is how to keep them from falling off...

First, push the little tabs tight to the plastic tangs on the back of the cap.
Then take some quick set epoxy and put in on the back of the cap to keep the metal ring from getting loose from the cap.
To install, hold the cap tight against the rim while hand tightening the lug nuts equally. Once the lug nuts are hand tight, you should be good to torque them. I think the spec is 60 foot pounds for the stock rim.
HTH

 

[TURBOTWIN2]

I think the spec is 60 foot pounds for the stock rim.
HTH

Please torque to 80 ft/lbs. HTH.

 

[2QUIK6]

FYI, the caps are designed to work with only the factory or the same diameter as factory lug nuts. I have a set of some very slim lug nuts and the fat part of the nut is slightly smaller than the factory nuts and the cap will not stay on with these slimmer lugs.

 

[gofstbuick]

On the pins that attach the metal ring, I've resorted to putting a dab of JB weld on top of them. Since the ring tab is not suppose to get pinched beneath the rim and the lug nut, I use a little anti-sieze on the metal ring to keep the lug nut from grabbing the metal ring.

 

[Ormand]

The center caps on the "T" wheels aren't much better, as I remember. Haven't had them on mine for years, so my memory is fading.