Pimp this minivan!

May 3, 2010 2:11 PM

Hubcaps that don't fall off?

Hi -- I would like to dress up my hoopty 2001 Mercury Villager minivan. Its original hubcaps fell off after a couple of years as did its replacements from the autoparts store.

Is it possible to find decent 'caps that won't fall off?

posted by toastchee to Travel & Transportation (5 answers total)

Nope - they have to be removable so you can change the tire, and that means they can't be permanently mounted. So with a hard enough impact off they fly.

What you want is replacement wheels - either aftermarket or the upgraded rims that came with that car. More expensive than caps, but can be had fairly cheap especially if you hit up a junkyard or salvage place.
posted by anti social order at 2:20 PM on May 3, 2010

Best answer: I just use cable ties to keep them on.
posted by jonesor at 3:37 PM on May 3, 2010

Moon Discs are so sweet. I had no idea you can still get them!
posted by imjustsaying at 4:53 PM on May 3, 2010

Lots of GM hubcaps are held on either the lug nuts or the caps on the lug nuts. Non logoed replacements are available so if your van matches a GM pattern you could look for a set of those.

Also many faux wire wheel caps are bolted to a special centre cap on the rim (it's what the small holes in between the lug nut holes are for) but you need to like wire wheels and find a compatible wheel.
posted by Mitheral at 7:30 PM on May 3, 2010

Best answer: You can't. It sucks. My dad always suggested using a few touches of glue to secure them. Enough to keep them secure, but not so much that you can't break the glue seal when you need to change the tire.
posted by radioamy at 8:03 PM on May 3, 2010