[bhw3]

I recently acquired a 1955 Nomad. The car is great, with one exception, it did not come with stock wheels and tires. My personal preference is the original wheels with full wheel covers, and wide white wall tires. The car has disc brakes on the front. I discovered that an original riveted 5” wheel would not clear the calipers. I bought four 15 x 6 Rally wheels from Summit, and modified them by welding nubs around the wheel to hold the wheel cover on. The process was relatively simple. After the welding was completed, I had the wheels sandblasted and power coated the car color. They turned out great. I’m anxious to get the tires mounted on them and on the car. I’m posting some pictures for anyone who might be considering doing the same thing.

 

[angs1957]

They have turned out really good, what did you use to get the nubs raised, they look factory.

 

[FUZZY]

I had to do the same thing for a customer quite a while back. It is a simple procedure that can be done by anyone with a welder in just a few minutes. Then powder coat or paint and ready to go.

 

[bhw3]

I’m not a welder, but I found a very experienced man who used a Tig welder to build up the material. I gave him a sample of a stock wheel, so he knew exactly where to put the welds. Then he took a cone shaped grinder and smoothed them into shape. I’m very pleased with how they turned out. The wheel cover fits perfectly. Now, I’ve got the look I wanted with plenty of clearance for the disc brake calipers.

 

[BamaNomad]

The only observed problem with using full wheel covers over a 'rallye wheel' is that gravel can come thru the cooling holes in the rallye wheel, and then be hung behind the wheel cover to create an irritating 'rattling' sound when driving... but one can just turn the music up, or use ear plugs to alleviate this!

 

[bhw3]

Thanks for pointing that out. I hadn’t considered that possibility. But, then again, I have no intention on driving this car on any gravel road. Have a great day!

 

[Pops @ Tri-5.com]

Personally, I would not cover-up the beauty of your rally wheels...Get some trim rings and these 55/56 center caps for rally wheels.

 

[bhw3]

That’s a consideration. But, will the beauty rings fit now that I have welded on the nubs? Who sells that particular center cap?

 

[BamaNomad]

I don't think the nubs will affect the beauty ring attachment, possibly depending on which style of retention they use? The original trim rings for Rallye wheels used the 4 separated 'clamps' for the edge of the wheel, while later ones and repros use the continuous 'fingers' for grip... the later ones with the fingers 'might' have a problem with the nubs?

Is there a source for good reproduction center caps for '55 and/or '56? '55's have white/ivory accent, while '56's have black accent paint. Are NOS ones still available?

 

[mr55/56]

NOS 55/56 rally centers were never made as rallys came out in mid 60s, when I bought mine you had to paint them yourself.

 

[BamaNomad]

The real question is: Will the '55-56 poverty caps work on later ('67-77) Rallye wheels?

 

[mr55/56]

The real question is: Will the '55-56 poverty caps work on later ('67-77) Rallye wheels?

Absolutely no, the dog dish caps require large nubs. The rally centers are aftermarket.

 

[bhw3]

Does anybody produce a reproduction 1955 center cap that will fit a Rally wheel?

 

[mr55/56]

Does anybody produce a reproduction 1955 center cap that will fit a Rally wheel?

Yes, that is what Pops, Bama and I have been discussing. See Pops photo above and my comment on painting to match.

 

[BamaNomad]

So WHAT is the answer to this question:
Does anybody produce a reproduction 1955 center cap that will fit a Rally wheel?

A clear response would be great if you know the answer....

 

[bhw3]

Exactly! Thank you. I appreciate all the feedback, but I still haven’t heard who sells the center caps that fit a rally wheel.

 

[DZAUTO]

OK

 

[BamaNomad]

Chevy Hubcaps, 1956, 56C-1130, Set of 4

<strong>Best Quality Reproduction Hub Caps For 150 & 210 Steel Wheels</strong> <ul> <li>Officially Licensed GM Restoration Part</li> <li>Highly Polished Chrome Plating</li> <li>Correct Color Black Painted Inlay</li> <li>Fits Original 1955 & 1956 Steel Wheels</li> <li>Set Of 4</li>...

scottyshubcaps.com

So... will these 'reproduction' caps fit on either original, or reproduction Rallye wheels?

 

[DZAUTO]

OK

 

[Fogger]

I run GM Rally wheels on my '55, 6" front and 8" rear. I bought the caps from Summit that look like original '55/'56 . They fit the wheels without any modification. Painted they look great!