Any suggestions for center caps?

[Tutosnake]

When I switched to FIA wheels, the "original" center caps that came with the Halis sank in at the rear. I do not like this look:


So, I removed the rear caps and although I like the "unadorned" racy look, I do not want to get stuck cleaning down in there:



I then stuck a yellow ball down the opening. I couldn't find the right size ball, so I used a double strip of shipping tape around each ball, and this help fill in the small gap:



Any suggestions? I would like to find something that will stick in the hole without unreliable tape holding it. I drove the car for an hour or so and the balls didn't come off (and I am NOT talking about my own).
Anyone has done something different?

Hector

[Hotfingrs]

I love your car and love the look, but I personally would be worried about how many threads I had on the rear.

[Rick Parker]

Remove material from the back of the wheel to match the original offset. Assuming this hasn't been done, otherwise the center section would appear to be thicker.


Alternative: Bigger Balls?

[A98Coupe]

Tutosnake,

I think it looks better without the cap in the rears. It looks just like the original race cars. Also, those FIAs will look REALLY good when you get some brake dust on them ;-)

[rodneym]

Hey tuto,
I hope you're drivin that thing half as much as you're fussin over it!


What's the story on the spacers?

[PeteF]

The reason your center caps are recessed is because the spinner is not fully engaged on the hub. Your new wheels are apparently thicker than the old ones, and I see two exposed threads on your spinners. That may overload the remaining threads on the spinner and become a safety issue. Especially if your spinners are aluminum. I highly recommend you trim the wheel thickness to get full engagement, as others have said. Just trying to keep you safe.

[mickmate]

His spinners are stainless, there's plenty of thread there. I liked the old school missing rear caps too.

[CSX3183]

Your car looks great,,,,,,,,,,,,, with no rear caps, looks original.

NO 427 Cobra came with rear caps from Shelby, they are dust caps, to protect the bearings,,,,,,,,,,,,, which there are none on the rear.


Common mistake that has morphed into being "correct"

[PDUB]

Trigo makes grease seals that will give you the look without leaving it wide open. Paint them flat black and forget it...

[Tutosnake]

Wow, it is really refreshing all you people I haven't met in person, or at all, can be so concern about my safety... feels really good. I need to remember to tell my wife that all these hours I "spend talking to strangers" are more important than she thinks. Having said all that sentimental s^&%:

Hotfingrs and PeteF:
There are two threads exposed. However, my mechanic and I thought it is perfectly safe. Like Nick said, The spinners are, indeed, steel. I give a lot of business to my mechanic, and quite frankly, we have become good friends. I don't think he would expose me to any danger (although he does want to take me to the drag strip ASAP).

Rodney,
I fuss about fussing Maybe it's because I am a newbie and it is my first hobby car... I spend HOURS, and I mean HOURS, just staring at it. As you can see, the car lives in a storage facility (long story, but we are building a house and I have no garage). It is cramped and hot in that storage unit, without power and/or water. Yet, I spend hours to end "working" on it. I like it so much and want it to be perfect!! I am sure one or two of y'all feel the same way The car is 6 months old (since delivery) and it has 1100 miles, and considering my schedule, I'd say I 've driven it every time I get a chance. I love to make all that noise around town

CSX3183 and Hotfingrs, I appreciate your kind words. All Cobras are handsome!

Rick:
I'm SOL on the balls.

Nick, CSX3183, A98Coupe:

I'm going ball-less You guys helped me decide. It is the look I was drawn to from the beginning. Thanks!

PDUB, thanks for the idea!

Cheers All!!

Hector (Tuto)

[Got the Bug]

All personal preference. I like the caps and went with the AC emblem because it looks good with the color of my car and makes the car look finished.

[Rick Parker]

FYI the red balls were inserted in the hubs of the Competition cars to aid the pit crews in changing the tires quickly, it gave them a point to "Aim " at when chainging a tire in the heat of the battle, just like the current Sprint Cup guys, although their hubs are painted red.

[fordracing65]

Thank God you didn't use BLUE BALLS...lol

[CSX3183]

Would love to see some photos of red balls being used.

[601HP]

I had the caps until 2008. While going through tech inspection at Mid-Ohio race track they said I had to remove them because the caps may become a hazard on the track if they were to fall out.

After I removed them, I decided I liked the look.

David

[razerwire]

You could get some round alum. stock and turn your own or have someone do it. Cut grove in it for o ring to hold it on. Step on new hub cap would stop cap at distance you wanted it to stick out.

[Tutosnake]

Originally Posted by Rick Parker

FYI the red balls were inserted in the hubs of the Competition cars to aid the pit crews in changing the tires quickly, it gave them a point to "Aim " at when chainging a tire in the heat of the battle, just like the current Sprint Cup guys, although their hubs are painted red.

I know they used to paint the spinners red on the right and blue on the left to remind the pit crew which way to turn the spinner on changes. Red right Clockwise tightens, Left Blue clockwise loosens.

Some modern teams in different categories still do that to this day (Porsche comes to mind).

[CSX3183]

I don't recall that on Cobra's, however that was the case in 1967 on the Mark 4's.

Perhaps someone knows better.

[Got the Bug]

You could always go with caps that have a picture of Will Farrell on one side and John C. Reilly on the other side.

Hey it's creative. Sorry, could resist being a smart axx.

[Tutosnake]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

You could always go with caps that have a picture of Will Farrell on one side and John C. Reilly on the other side.

Hey it's creative. Sorry, could resist being a smart axx.

I'm tempted...