Author Topic: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)  (Read 6794 times)

Offline ToxicWolf

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Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)
« Reply #15 on: May 15, 2014 - 03:13:52 PM »
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.

I ordered the acorns when I ordered the wheels. Like you, they were custom made.  I'm going to order the reproduction bulls eyes later today or monday so I can see if they are made the same way as the originals. I'll check the packages on the acorns soon as I get back to the shop and see what they say.  We are going to experiment with the other 3 original caps we have to find the best form for holding them in place without interfering with the brakes. I'll let you know what we come up with.   :cheers:




Offline filmsurgeon

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Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)
« Reply #16 on: May 15, 2014 - 03:29:41 PM »
Great.  Thanks.

Summit Racing sells the VN500 wheels.  The specs description says "Lug Nut Seat Style:  Conical seat - 60 degree"

BTW - Can you elaborate a little on why you're concerned about the center caps/retainers interfering with the brakes?  Certainly the cap won't, but I don't see how the retainer would either, especially since it's seated far enough into the wheel's center bore.  Where will you be ordering your caps from?
1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.

Offline ToxicWolf

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Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)
« Reply #17 on: May 15, 2014 - 04:10:38 PM »
Great.  Thanks.

Summit Racing sells the VN500 wheels.  The specs description says "Lug Nut Seat Style:  Conical seat - 60 degree"

BTW - Can you elaborate a little on why you're concerned about the center caps/retainers interfering with the brakes?  Certainly the cap won't, but I don't see how the retainer would either, especially since it's seated far enough into the wheel's center bore.  Where will you be ordering your caps from?

As long as it's seated in the hole, I'm not worried about the cap at all. I was just going to see what happens if we dont seat it in the hole.  Just for fun.   :bigsmile:

I also want to test some different ways to shape the retainer in the hole to see what works best, bending the tab, etc.

One thing for sure is I'm replacing those cheap plastic caps AR sent with the wheels. The wheels are great but the caps are sad.   :pullinghair:

BE&A will be where I order the new caps.   :thumbsup:

Offline filmsurgeon

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Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)
« Reply #18 on: May 15, 2014 - 05:14:19 PM »
Great.  Once again, I'll be looking to hear/see you've managed to work out.  I see that Classic Industries sells the same set of 4 center caps as BE&A, but $20 cheaper.  Any reason why you prefer to buy them from BE&A?  I have bought from just about everyone over the years including BE&A and Classic Industries.  I do know that Classic Industries "Return Policy" sucks.
1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.

Offline ToxicWolf

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Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)
« Reply #19 on: May 15, 2014 - 05:19:32 PM »
Great.  Once again, I'll be looking to hear/see you've managed to work out.  I see that Classic Industries sells the same set of 4 center caps as BE&A, but $20 cheaper.  Any reason why you prefer to buy them from BE&A?  I have bought from just about everyone over the years including BE&A and Classic Industries.  I do know that Classic Industries "Return Policy" sucks.

No real preference between the two.  I've just seen good reports from people that got their bulls eyes from BE&A.   :dunno:

Offline anlauto

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Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)
« Reply #20 on: May 15, 2014 - 05:53:23 PM »
What about YearOne ? They offer 15% off to CC.com members...
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
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Offline ToxicWolf

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Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)
« Reply #21 on: May 15, 2014 - 05:55:37 PM »
What about YearOne ? They offer 15% off to CC.com members...

Thanks Alan.  I'll check them out.

Offline Jamiez

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Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)
« Reply #22 on: May 15, 2014 - 06:33:49 PM »
Dave at Roseville sells them too and gives member discounts.

I picked up a set for my charger's mag 500s about a month ago.

Offline ToxicWolf

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Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)
« Reply #23 on: May 16, 2014 - 02:43:15 PM »
I just ordered some of these to try them out.  They are made for use with the 17in aluminium magnums they make.

https://www.yearone.com/SearchResults/1966-74-A-B-E-Body/MWR2

Offline filmsurgeon

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Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)
« Reply #24 on: May 17, 2014 - 12:11:17 AM »
I just ordered some of these to try them out.  They are made for use with the 17in aluminium magnums they make.

https://www.yearone.com/SearchResults/1966-74-A-B-E-Body/MWR2

Yup. Saw that on Year One's site.  I think they are for their wheels only, but maybe they will work with the AR500s.
1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.

Offline filmsurgeon

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Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)
« Reply #25 on: May 17, 2014 - 12:14:54 AM »
What about YearOne ? They offer 15% off to CC.com members...

Even with the the 15% discount, their price is STILL higher than the others selling the same center caps.
« Last Edit: May 22, 2014 - 11:29:24 AM by filmsurgeon »
1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.

Offline ToxicWolf

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Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)
« Reply #26 on: May 17, 2014 - 11:52:57 AM »
Yup. Saw that on Year One's site.  I think they are for their wheels only, but maybe they will work with the AR500s.

 :iagree:  I don't know if they will work.  The picture looks just like the retainer we have with the tabs cut off. Thought it would be interesting to see if they fit.

Offline ToxicWolf

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Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)
« Reply #27 on: May 21, 2014 - 02:53:04 PM »
Got the new hubs in.  They came with the original style retainers.  Cut off the tabs and they work perfect.  The retainers I ordered from year one for their wheel are too big to fit down in the hole in the AR.


Offline dfrazz

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Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)
« Reply #28 on: May 22, 2014 - 09:14:54 AM »
 :2thumbs:

Offline ToxicWolf

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Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 [aka: AR500] Wheels)
« Reply #29 on: May 22, 2014 - 11:32:27 AM »
Just for information, there is something inside tha AR wheel hole that Mark describes as a "lip".  This gives the retainer a good solid friction grip.   :bigsmile: