67-69 (Imp) wheel covers

[ImpJay]

Has any other member had problems with the wheel covers of 67-69 Imperials? Mine do not sit flush on the wheels of my 73, so I would like to hear experiences about how well they (should) attach and possible tips as to how to get them installed snugly.

Yesterday the right rear unit flew away with the fender skirt.

 

[Finn Yorker]

Has any other member had problems with the wheel covers of 67-69 Imperials? Mine do not sit flush on the wheels of my 73, so I would like to hear experiences about how well they (should) attach and possible tips as to how to get them installed snugly.

View attachment 292818
Yesterday the right rear unit flew away with the fender skirt.
View attachment 292819

View attachment 292820

Where did this happen? Luckily it looks like it didn’t end up runned over by truck.

 

[detmatt]

Ouch, that sucks! Do you still have the or an original cover from your year to compare how they attach?

 

[ImpJay]

Where did this happen? Luckily it looks like it didn’t end up runned over by truck.

Before the local gas station (Neste?) some miles away from Ace Corner. It went under an Audi, which was behind us, so the cover must be stout.

Ouch, that sucks! Do you still have the or an original cover from your year to compare how they attach?

No, all are now across the pond at Doc´s, but pics may help.

 

[Carmine]

They come off because they were a too-damn-heavy, beautiful-but-bad design. On my '69, when it's worthy of being driven... I'm going to look at making the center emblem removable and mount the hubcap to a 1980s style locking center, as seen below:

 

[ImpJay]

They´re now back on the wheels. The next Vantaa Cruising will show, if the wheel covers stay on or pop out.

 

[Mr C]

The rim may be a contributing factor. Can you post a pic of the rims? My 73 had ventless rims:

and the 67/68 have vented rims. Could be part of the reason they are not sitting snugly.

Even so, Carmine is correct. These weigh a ton and are very prone to flying off because of it. Especially with the spring steel in the clips being 50+ years old and that much weaker.

 

[ImpJay]

@Mr C

Here´s one older pic, which shows that the wheels are not vented.

This leads to a question about the wheels of 69 Imperials.