1966 Imperial Hub Cap ID and restore.....

[emmd61]

Hi >>>I am restoring a 66 Imperial convertible. I have six hubcaps but not sure what year they are for. Are 66 to 68 imperials the same caps? Are they easy to restore? Lastly, is the center color black or should it match body color? Here are some pictures of the caps I have.

 

[detmatt]

Those are the correct covers and they disassemble into 4 parts pretty easily allowing for swapping of parts to put together the best set you can and also mask and paint the main part of the cover. The center should be black according to the dealer brochure I have hear. I’ve restored several of these and it’s time consuming but simple. I may have some spare parts for them.

 

[Mr C]

Of the 66-69 wheel covers, 66 are unique. They all have the same look from the front, but the 66 have cooling vents on the mounting ring and they sit out a bit farther than 67-69 versions to catch the air.

I can't tell from the pics you sent...If your mounting rings look like this, it's 66:

 

[detmatt]

Was the valve stem in a different local in ‘66 too?

 

[Mr C]

Was the valve stem in a different local in ‘66 too?

Yes, On the 66 the valve stem peeks through the finned casing. On the 67-69 it's moved outward to the stamped outer ring.

 

[detmatt]

I thought I had an oddball.
So the first pics in the thread are later covers then?

 

[ImpJay]

So the first pics in the thread are later covers then?
View attachment 327182

Yes, they're 67-69.

@emmd61

The wheel covers are silver behind the fins and the centers are black. They aren't hard to restore, use strong screws to rebuild them or otherwise the screws may break.

 

[detmatt]

Well hopefully he has later wheels on his car then.

 

[ImpJay]

Well hopefully he has later wheels on his car then.

They wouldn't fit without spacers. During 55-66 the bolt pattern was 5x5.5'' and 67-73 5x5''.

 

[detmatt]

I did not know that.

 

[ImpJay]

I did not know that.

But now you do.

 

[Boomer]

Well, that sucks. Shame on me for not learning more before buying the set of four to put on my '66. The valve stem alone shows they are for '67 and later.

Hey Matt, got any spare '66 shells in good shape to swap? I've got 4 that are dent-free and just need paint. Was just getting ready to clean, mask, and paint them. Looks like everything else will transfer.

 

[detmatt]

Well, that sucks. Shame on me for not learning more before buying the set of four to put on my '66. The valve stem alone shows they are for '67 and later.

Hey Matt, got any spare '66 shells in good shape to swap? I've got 4 that are dent-free and just need paint. Was just getting ready to clean, mask, and paint them. Looks like everything else will transfer.

I just have the one and it’s not too bad, just a little wavy around the outside edge and some minor dings. I’d use it if I needed it.

 

[garyh]

I run the 67-69 style Wheel covers on my '66 Imperial by using a 2" Valve stem and an Extension. I have the Factory wheels and I have been doing this for over 15 years !