3/4T 4x4 Front Hub Cap Conversion
 

I followed PICKMUP ( Frank ) thread from 2008 on how to make your own front 4x4 hub caps. Mine are for a 68 big hub K20.
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=293221

From my experience GM painted caps are metal ( magnet test ) the early chrome caps are brass and then went to stainless. Frank thread show stainless. I did the same process for chrome over brass hub caps.

credit goes to MP&C ( Robert ) as this was done at his shop.

1) used the spline hub off of the dana 44 big hub as a template for the opening. You see the outline in pic #2
2) board a small hole in the cap to provide access for the tin snips. You can see the brass shaving.
3) cut out using tin snips
4) de-burred the opening
5) made the fixture to roll the edge of the cap. Took 16ga and rolled around a pipe, used a hose clap to hold the ends together to weld it into a circle.
6) used a linear stretch hammer to roll the edge using the fixture. Slowly work around the opening only bending a little at a time.


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Re: 3/4T 4x4 Front Hub Cap Conversion
 

credit goes to MP&C ( Robert ) all hub cap work was done at his shop. Check out one of his threads.
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=564201

7) used a another type of linear stretch hammer, still working around the opening slowly to roll the edge around the fixture.
8) when you are satisfied with your work install it on the wheel. The wheel is a 17x8 using center out of a 17.5 wheel installed into 17" DOT approved steel ring to be able to use clip style 68 hub caps.

I still need to paint the front cap to match the rear.

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Love the look of those reverse wheels, the caps are icing on the cake! Good to see you again James!
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Re: 3/4T 4x4 Front Hub Cap Conversion
 

I don't think there is a better person out there to do the conversion. MP&C could build something super cool out of an old washing machine skin. None better IMO

Re: 3/4T 4x4 Front Hub Cap Conversion
 

Great work! The nostalgic look of the correct hubcap is priceless. Everybody save those factory issue 17.5 wheels, the centers can be re used for custom made wheels for more popular tire sizes.

Re: 3/4T 4x4 Front Hub Cap Conversion
 

Great thread, James, and great work, Robert. This is FAQs section worthy.

Re: 3/4T 4x4 Front Hub Cap Conversion
 

Pretty slick work. Need to see more on the truck they're getting used on ;)