Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)

[filmsurgeon]

I just ordered a set of American Racing's Magnum 500 wheels (VN500; aka:AR500).  I'd like to put a set of Magnum 500 (Bull's Eye) center caps on.  Does anyone know if any of the reproduction Bull's Eye caps will fit the AR Magnum 500 wheels.  Wheels are 2-piece polished aluminum.  I have about 4 weeks to wait for delivery because they are custom built to order.  In the meantime, I'd like to get a set of the center caps.  I've seen that Wheel Vintiques makes them (I guess for their Magnum 500 steel wheels),  Classic Industries sells that style of center cap (don't know who the manufacturer is), and I've also seen several listings on ebay, as-well-as the caps being available from other venders.  Also, what was the correct height for the cap?  I have seen caps for sale in several different height measurements (everything from 1-7/8" to 2-1/4").  Thanks.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wvi-5002-1

http://www.classicindustries.com/mopar/parts/md2307.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400667425764

[mrbill426]

If it helps you, the original chrome center caps on my 'Cuda's road wheels are right at 2" high, with the inserts 2 1/4".

Bill

[ToxicWolf]

   I have the same wheels (15x7 front and 15x8 rear).  Hanging out to see what answers you get.  I'm okay with the AR center caps, but it would be nice to find some Bull's Eye caps.

[filmsurgeon]

If it helps you, the original chrome center caps on my 'Cuda's road wheels are right at 2" high, with the inserts 2 1/4".

Bill

Thanks Bill.  Yes that helps.  I'm fairly certain that the center caps will work on these wheels, but I question whether the retainers/inserts will fit through the center hole.  Even if it does fit, I would imagine that the material thickness would be greater which would prevent the use of the supplied bolt that's used to hold the cap to the wheel.  If that were the case, I would just use a longer bolt.  I suppose I could just get a set and try it out when the wheels arrive in about 4 weeks from now.  If the retainers don't fit through the wheel's center hole, I could probably improvise and come up with an alternative solution to holding the center cap in place.  Any other help would be much appreciated.  Thanks.

[anlauto]

Why not wait to see if the bulls-eye sticker will fit on the caps that come with the wheels ?

[filmsurgeon]

Why not wait to see if the bulls-eye sticker will fit on the caps that come with the wheels ?

That would be one option, but I prefer the taller style of the Chrysler bull's-eye cap.

[ToxicWolf]

I will be at the shop tomorrow and I have the bulls eyes for my old 14 inch magnums.  I'll see how they fit on the AR 15 inch wheels.

[filmsurgeon]

I will be at the shop tomorrow and I have the bulls eyes for my old 14 inch magnums.  I'll see how they fit on the AR 15 inch wheels.

Great. Thanks.

[ToxicWolf]

Okay.  Did some playing around with it today.  I think it can be done, but it would take a little work.  Look at the pictures below.  This is the back of the original magnum wheel and the hub retainer when removed.  The tabs that hold the retainer in place fit down into the grooves in the back of the wheel.  The AR wheel does not have these grooves and the hub that is on the AR wheel now is held in by friction.  All you have to do to remove the hub from the AR wheel is pull on it and it pops right out. The problem is the tabs.  I think that the tabs could be ground, bent of modified in some way to let them slip down into the AR wheel and use friction to hold the hub in place. I will play around with them some more and see what happens.   

[filmsurgeon]

Okay.  Did some playing around with it today.  I think it can be done, but it would take a little work.  Look at the pictures below.  This is the back of the original magnum wheel and the hub retainer when removed.  The tabs that hold the retainer in place fit down into the grooves in the back of the wheel.  The AR wheel does not have these grooves and the hub that is on the AR wheel now is held in by friction.  All you have to do to remove the hub from the AR wheel is pull on it and it pops right out. The problem is the tabs.  I think that the tabs could be ground, bent of modified in some way to let them slip down into the AR wheel and use friction to hold the hub in place. I will play around with them some more and see what happens.   

Thanks for investigating this.    I'll be anxious to hear/see what you're able to come up with.

[ToxicWolf]

I'll let you know what I find.  There doesn't seem to be any problem with the fit other than the back clip won't go far enough down into the hole in the AR wheel.

[burdar]

IIRC the taller center cap is from the late 70's early 80's Aspen/Volare cars.  I bought my caps from BE&A.  They are very nice!

[filmsurgeon]

IIRC the taller center cap is from the late 70's early 80's Aspen/Volare cars.  I bought my caps from BE&A.  They are very nice!

Thanks.  I have bought from BE&A before.  I will check their site to see what they have.

[ToxicWolf]

Mark did some modifications today to see if he could get them to fit and grip in the AR wheel.  We both thought that just using longer bolts might have some effects on the brakes, even though the metal is fairly thin.  This is with the tabs fully removed. Looks kind of cool.     

[filmsurgeon]

Mark did some modifications today to see if he could get them to fit and grip in the AR wheel.  We both thought that just using longer bolts might have some effects on the brakes, even though the metal is fairly thin.  This is with the tabs fully removed. Looks kind of cool.     

GREAT!  Thanks for doing that work.  So, it looks like it will work by removing the tabs, but does the retainer and center cap feel solidly held in place?  Also, what would be the proper lug nuts to use with these AR500 wheels?  I assume something with a shank, but how long of a shank?  I'm fairly certain that the standard acorn style (with the tapered end) that are used with the steel Magnum 500 wheels would NOT be appropriate for the AR500 Aluminum wheels.  Is that correct?  Thanks again.