FAQ Submission (Body/Electric) How to Mod an Alloy CenterCap for Front Manual Hubs

[NorCalBorn]

[Edit]Here's the before/after pics for a quick reference!

If you have a 89-95 Truck or 4Runner with the factory 4 spoke alloy wheels you can remove the center section of the centercaps that come on the back alloy wheels.
They'll just fit around your manual locking hub protecting the hub mounting nuts and everything steel from rusting out..and of course, it's a little detail that makes it all look nice. I simply went to the local parts yard and grabbed the first pair I found since I wanted a complete set for this job.

It won't add 10 horsepower or help you wheel though.

Tool(s) Needed:

Dremel Tool

Dremel Round Tipped Plunge/Carving Bit

Dremel Router Side Cut Bit

Basically you use the plunge bit to place holes in specific spots and then switch out to the side cut bit to finish the cut. Note, you'll want to cut just shy of the outside edge of the center face so you have room to sand and finish them up cleanly. Hit the inner surface with some sandpaper and throw them on and admire your work.

Onto the pictures.

 

[85+92]

...dont....they...make that center cap? my 87 4x4 p/u had those wheels and that center cap..

oh well

good work!

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

FAQ'd

They must be rare... I've never seen a stock center cap for locking hubs...

 

[KLF]

Yes, they do make them, I have a set as well, since my truck came from the factory with alloy wheels and manual hubs. BUT... they don't work on the '89-95 trucks, the offset on those wheels are slightly different. The center caps stick out a little bit.

I remember when my alloys looked that nice.

 

[NorCalBorn]

They're rare these days and hard to find as most people didn't opt for them if the dealership didn't have them installed.

It's a more foofy trim related thing, but I had a set and the time so I just wanted to get it finished.

KLF..yeah I got lucky and found a decent set, there are issues with the finish. I just only partially cleaned them up. If I get that resto with them I'd be going into the rest of it all at the same time and get them powder coated in a partial charcoal finish to go with all the black steel and white paint.