Duetto hub cap removal
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It may require that you spend some money but I used a set of Bicycle Tire Tools just like these to gently pry off the hubcaps without scratching the paint or more importantly scratching the hubcaps. It helped to file the leading edge just a little thinner so it would slide under the cap. If you can rotate the hubcap on the wheel you will most likely find a 'sweet spot' that allows the tool to slide under the cap. That same 'sweet spot' will help make it easier to re-install the cap.
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Mark
Mark:
Are those tire tools made from plastic or metal? I'm guessing plastic.
I have a metal tool that works pretty well, but I need to pad the wheel surface with a rag to prevent the metal from marring my paint. Also if my tool slips out from under the cap it will scratch it. Plastic would be an improvement.
Spray some silicone on the three humps before replacing the cap - makes removal easier the next time and retards rust where the paint gets scraped off.
Getting them ON isn't the problem. It's getting the *&^%$#@ things OFF !
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I hear you! On the Two-Liter the hub caps could be spun or turned on the 'hub cap keeper studs' and there was always a 'sweet spot' where the hub caps had been pre-formed (bent) and they would pop off or go on easier. I suspect it was the same way on the Duetto but since 1986 it has worn 'Millie Miglia' wheels. The hub cap problem was 'fixed' on the Two-liter in about 2004 with a set of refinished period Borrani wire wheels, splined hubs and knock-off nuts; just in time for the TN national convention.
Mark
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no clips--just nubs
Early 105 wheels came with clips - in fact, there is a set of them for sale currently on the BB. See the thread at: http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/alfa-romeo-parts-sale-wanted/445209-fergat-15-inch-rim-dated-4-65-has-hub-cap-clips.htmlI Here's the picture:
The clips were a carry-over from the 750/101 wheels. Most likely a '66 Duetto would have pressed humps as flivesay said and not the clips. I am guessing that the clips were used on Supers and early Sprint GT's. I believe that Duettos were introduced later than 105 sedans and coupes and am guessing that the clip thing was over by then.
But whether your wheels have humps or clips, the hubcaps are a bear to get off.
Yes, those do look better. The photo I posted shows the inset in the wheel where the knife-edge hubcap nestles, giving a smooth curve between the cap and wheel. Clearly the "hump style" wheels and caps were a cost-saving measure, and like most cost savings measures, aesthetics suffered.
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Yes, the cap removal part scares me! I don't want to scratch these babies!
On a side note, I remember reading that some people had repro caps 'let go' while driving, never to be found again. True? I am ok with these wheels as the caps are NOS but if I get the 3 nub type caps for my other 105 they will probably be the repro one.
On a side note, I remember reading that some people had repro caps 'let go' while driving, never to be found again. True? I am ok with these wheels as the caps are NOS but if I get the 3 nub type caps for my other 105 they will probably be the repro one.
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I had a cap let go and never found it. It was a short route and I looked for hours. Don't know if it was OE or repro. One clip broke. On removal, I wrapped a putty knife with two layers of masking tape and twist, but then you find you will need 2-3 to spring it off. Like getting a tire off a rim. So one thin non-scratching item and then 2-3 thicker items to hold and pry. The clips hold tenaciously, like NRA members hold onto their (our) guns. Maybe powdercoat will hold better.
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