72 GMC K1500 Front Hubcap Source / Can They be Made? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**spmtamu11** · 02-10-2021, 12:57 PM

Hey guys,

My truck came with the white wagon wheels when I bought it. Looking to go back with the original steel wheels and dog dish hubcaps (haven't decided between Stainless/Chrome and White version yet). Having a hard time sourcing the fronts with the hole for the 4x4 hub. Does anyone have a good source for some originals?

In the meantime I figured I would think about plan B. Has anyone tried machining out the center of non K hubcaps? Seems like it wouldn't work out, but figured I would ask the group. Surely I'm not the only one who has wondered if it would work.

TIA!

sick472 · 02-10-2021, 01:38 PM

I have used a Dremel tool with a cut-off wheel and cut holes in hubcaps. Use a awl scribe to mark the circle, rough-in with the cutoff wheel and come back with die grinder and fine carbide bit to finish it up nice and round. Some sandpaper will knock the sharp edges down. It takes a steady hand and some patience. If you cut and/or grind too rapidly you run the risk of discoloring the hubcap with heat build up.

Machining them sounds risky. Once the tool cuts through the hubcap...it might want to throw the cap instead of finishing the cut. Not to mention how you would fix a rather flimsy hub cap. I'm no machinist, however. I'm sure there is a way to machine grind the hole, but your common shop may not have that equipment.

**landarts** · 02-10-2021, 05:51 PM

There has been a few members on here that have made them before. Lots of people will cut out the center a little small then use a mandrel to bend over the inner lip. Some have made them out of wood or a metal pipe. I will see if I can find a few threads and update here.

CG · 02-10-2021, 07:54 PM

Board member/vendor PICKMUP (Frank) has built a very nice "jig" for removing the center of the caps for use on 4x4. Im not sure what he charges to do them, maybe shoot him a PM. They look super nice.

52napco · 02-10-2021, 08:53 PM

I don't believe anyone does the smaller caps since they are still obtainable..always some on ebay or the classifieds here

Andy4639 · 02-10-2021, 09:10 PM

Looks like a 4" hole saw would do the trick nicely!

best view · 02-10-2021, 09:51 PM

Randy does them

**spmtamu11** · 02-12-2021, 11:50 AM

Thanks guys, I figured someone would have at least tried it. Good to know it's doable and there are folks who could help out if I get in over my head.

I'll definitely try to source them first on here and usual places (ebay, craigslist & facebook marketplace).

Quote:

Originally Posted by best view

Randy does them

What is Randy's display/username? TIA!

**too much stuff** · 02-12-2021, 01:15 PM

What is Randy's display/username? TIA![/QUOTE]

He is not a member here anymore.
I don't know of anyone punching out the 1/2 ton caps.
You could try franks in wash. (pickmup) i think is his board name

**DeadheadNM** · 02-15-2021, 01:01 PM

Posting this just as a heads-up that cut examples are being offered now - at least this seller was upfront about it.

"These are very nice and clean 10.5 inch blazer or k10 hubcaps. The fronts were machined by an airplane parts machinest and are done perfectly."

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1967-1973-C...cAAOSw~kRgJrlT

Andy4639 · 02-18-2021, 10:34 AM

Not mine but you may want to call are send him a message.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...69635219856162

02-10-2021, 12:57 PM	#1
spmtamu11 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Frisco, TX Posts: 57	72 GMC K1500 Front Hubcap Source / Can They be Made? Hey guys, My truck came with the white wagon wheels when I bought it. Looking to go back with the original steel wheels and dog dish hubcaps (haven't decided between Stainless/Chrome and White version yet). Having a hard time sourcing the fronts with the hole for the 4x4 hub. Does anyone have a good source for some originals? In the meantime I figured I would think about plan B. Has anyone tried machining out the center of non K hubcaps? Seems like it wouldn't work out, but figured I would ask the group. Surely I'm not the only one who has wondered if it would work. TIA! Attached Images

02-10-2021, 01:38 PM	#2
sick472 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Sedalia Mo. Posts: 1,130	Re: 72 GMC K1500 Front Hubcap Source / Can They be Made? I have used a Dremel tool with a cut-off wheel and cut holes in hubcaps. Use a awl scribe to mark the circle, rough-in with the cutoff wheel and come back with die grinder and fine carbide bit to finish it up nice and round. Some sandpaper will knock the sharp edges down. It takes a steady hand and some patience. If you cut and/or grind too rapidly you run the risk of discoloring the hubcap with heat build up. Machining them sounds risky. Once the tool cuts through the hubcap...it might want to throw the cap instead of finishing the cut. Not to mention how you would fix a rather flimsy hub cap. I'm no machinist, however. I'm sure there is a way to machine grind the hole, but your common shop may not have that equipment. __________________ He who is without oil shall throw the first rod. Compressions 8.7:1 1972 C10 1976 C10 (parts truck) 1985 K20

02-10-2021, 05:51 PM	#3
landarts landarts Join Date: May 2005 Location: Star, Idaho Posts: 1,327	Re: 72 GMC K1500 Front Hubcap Source / Can They be Made? There has been a few members on here that have made them before. Lots of people will cut out the center a little small then use a mandrel to bend over the inner lip. Some have made them out of wood or a metal pipe. I will see if I can find a few threads and update here. __________________ 71 K20 Idaho Edition 69 K10 from the Field 68 Second Chance Fix and Sale 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 K2500 The "Fixrupr" build thread 72 Cheyenne 1/2 ton " FIXRUPR " - daily driver 67 C20 all original paint 71 K20 Custom 4x4 (Idaho Edition) 72 K20 GMC Super Custom 4x4 72 K20 Custom Deluxe 4x4 69 K10 Custom package 4x4 (69 K10 from the field) 69 K10 Custom 72 K20 Custom Deluxe 4x4 72 K20 Crew Cab Project 71 GMC Jimmy CST 72 Blazer 70 Blazer

02-10-2021, 07:54 PM	#4
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Monroe, Wa. Posts: 19,773	Re: 72 GMC K1500 Front Hubcap Source / Can They be Made? Board member/vendor PICKMUP (Frank) has built a very nice "jig" for removing the center of the caps for use on 4x4. Im not sure what he charges to do them, maybe shoot him a PM. They look super nice. __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … … Monroe Swap meet May 18-19. Mike has the same spots for the NW guys he's had forever. Lunch time BBQ at the spaces. If you have stuff to sell bring it along. If you have a question PM stllookn (Mike) here via the board. https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=851291

02-10-2021, 08:53 PM	#5
52napco Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: upstate sc Posts: 2,098	Re: 72 GMC K1500 Front Hubcap Source / Can They be Made? I don't believe anyone does the smaller caps since they are still obtainable..always some on ebay or the classifieds here

02-10-2021, 09:10 PM	#6
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: 72 GMC K1500 Front Hubcap Source / Can They be Made? Looks like a 4" hole saw would do the trick nicely! __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

02-10-2021, 09:51 PM	#7
best view Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: newbury new hampsire Posts: 1,986	Re: 72 GMC K1500 Front Hubcap Source / Can They be Made? Randy does them

02-12-2021, 01:15 PM	#9
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,693	Re: 72 GMC K1500 Front Hubcap Source / Can They be Made? What is Randy's display/username? TIA![/QUOTE] He is not a member here anymore. I don't know of anyone punching out the 1/2 ton caps. You could try franks in wash. (pickmup) i think is his board name __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

02-15-2021, 01:01 PM	#10
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,284	Re: 72 GMC K1500 Front Hubcap Source / Can They be Made? Posting this just as a heads-up that cut examples are being offered now - at least this seller was upfront about it. "These are very nice and clean 10.5 inch blazer or k10 hubcaps. The fronts were machined by an airplane parts machinest and are done perfectly." https://www.ebay.com/itm/1967-1973-C...cAAOSw~kRgJrlT __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

02-18-2021, 10:34 AM	#11
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: 72 GMC K1500 Front Hubcap Source / Can They be Made? Not mine but you may want to call are send him a message. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...69635219856162 Attached Images __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.



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