Getting close to finishing my resto and fitted the hubcaps to my wheels and found something odd. Here in Australia, I used Valiant sports rims (see https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/my-chrysler-valiant-charger-27148 for photo) in the 14x6.5”size for the optional larger Charger tyres - which is pretty rare (plenty at 14x6”). They were sandblasted and powder coated.
When I fitted the cap I found there was a gap of about 1/8” between the outer edge of the cap and the rim. After a bit of head scratching, I fitted the cap to a 14x6” rim I had and found the cap fitted flush against the rim. After more head scratching, I found there is a difference in width between the outside flange and the depression where the cap tangs drop into. This is the part where the tyre bead seats. The rims have a JJ profile if that helps. I have no idea why this part of two virtually identical rims should be different. They should have just been ½’ wider in the centre.
If it isn’t an issue - great. You don’t really notice it unless you look for it and there may be a bonus in the gap will let air out helping the brakes cool.
The hubcap seems to hold the same but I am a bit concerned the hubcap might be less stable with this gap. Has anyone else come across this issue before when using alternative rims?
Regards
Henry Schleimer
Brisbane