|
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
ChatMaster - 2,000
|
OP
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306 |
I want to purchase a set of new hub caps for my 1941. Chrome hub caps are double the cost of stainless. It seems like today's chrome is softer and prone to fine scratches, while fine scratches in stainless maybe removed. I am not interested in showing the car, but rather having it as a daily driver, which means more exposure to abrasive mud, dirt, etc..
Which set should I buy?
Thanks, Mike
P.S. Do hub caps for "Nostalgia" wheels mean they fit on the rims that have retaining clips?
Mike 41 Chevy
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107
Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
|
|
Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107 |
Most folks wouldn't be able to tell the difference by looking so whatever trips your trigger will work.
VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,578
ChatMaster - 3,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,578 |
I would recommend stainless over any chrome parts...A highly plished piece of stainless is a beautiful thing...Not to mention you can remove scratches when needed
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,295 Likes: 2
ChatMaster - 1,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,295 Likes: 2 |
p.k.
1956 BEL AIR 2 DOOR HARDTOP
I've spent most of my money on Booze,Women and mechanical things. The rest I just Wasted........
Remember , I'm not Always Right. But I'm Never Wrong !
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 258
Backyard Mechanic
|
|
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 258 |
AND GOOD LUCK FINDING ANY QUALITY OUT THERE . FRANK
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
You will probably find the stainless is not as shiney but acceptable.
For a general driver I would go with the stainless.
Gene Schneider
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 49
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
|
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 49 |
Mike,
I totally agree with chef-chevy's response, but where did you find stainless hubcaps and at what price? Are these hubcap "skins" which are applied over the steel base as are the stock hubcaps?
...Roy
Roy_Stanley_Lord
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,136
ChatMaster - 3,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,136 |
Maybe "most folks"...I can tell the difference at a glance...Don't let cats pee on the stainless...It's a bear to clean off...Even when well waxed...
Try the "fillingstation" or "Chevy's of the 40's"...For chrome ones...I see'm on eBay, too.
Last edited by kevin47; 06/08/13 01:05 AM.
1947 Fleetmaster Sport Coupe VCCA # 47475
If it's not wearing a Bowtie...It's not properly dressed...!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107
Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
|
|
Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107 |
Don't let cats pee on the stainless...It's a bear to clean off... I guess that means they're not really "stain" less eh? 
VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
To get a great shine on stainless depends on the quality of the stainless and how much it is buffed. Chevrolet changed from chrome to stainless hub caps in mid 1952. While the stainless looked good they lacked some of the deep shine the chrome ones had when new.
Gene Schneider
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689 Likes: 21
ChatMaster - 6,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689 Likes: 21 |
Mike, I have no insightful advice. I have wondered the same thing. Good question. And, every one has given good advice for you to make a call on. Whether you ever "show" the car or not, I think I would go for whatever the car came with. That would be chrome. That would remove the gnawing question in your mind down the road as to whether you did the right thing. The only thing you would then need to ever reconsider is the difference in cost. Peanuts. I doubt you would ever look back and worry about it. Best, Charlie  BTW: The car is shown every time you take it out in public. Let it always look its very best.   I don't but I should. 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 406
Backyard Mechanic
|
|
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 406 |
I think Charlie summed it up pretty good. Hub caps are after all something that car makers put on to make a car look better when new. Enjoyment is the goal, and I'm sure I'll enjoy my top quality exact reproduction 38 hub caps even more when they can come out of the boxes and back on a reassembled coupe.
|
|
|
|
|
