pitter patter pitter patter pitter patter
 

My left rear wheel center piece is rattling. You know, the thing that goes in between the lug nuts. Does anyone know how much a new one is, or if there is something I can wedge in between it and the rim to make it stop?
Thanks.

Center Cap Assembly 28811PA010 $30.44 at subaruparts.com

http://www.subaruparts.com/diag/?mod...category=291-A

I've heard of people bending the metal clips on the backside of the cap out just a degree or two and that was enough for them to hold snugly again.

Doug

Davie Gravy,

What year is your SVX ?
I have a couple of old ones. They need painting.
If you send me your mailin address, I'll send one to you.

Larry, that's very nice of you to offer to do that.
Tommorow afternoon I'll try and bend the metal clips on the old one first to see if that works. If not, I'll PM you my mailing address. Let me know how much you would like for the piece and how much shipping is. I can send a paypal payment or check.
Thankyou very much.

Doug, I thankyou very much for that simple, yet very helpful piece of advice. I was able to bend the clips back and it now sits firmly in place.

Larry, thanks again for that kind offer, but I think it's under control now.

If I'm not mistaken (and I may well be), I believe there's a certain way the centers are supposed to be installed. John Hoffman (svxcess), I believe told me about it. John, any help here? I have two that rattle and I need to bend the tabs or put them on correctly.

Also, for those who need to paint their center caps, I found that Plasti-Kote Import Color paint code Datsun 5412 matches the 94 silver wheels perfectly. Also, for the 92 "gray" wheels, the color "Burnished Silver" works well. I was a little upset with the Burnished silver when I first painted them, because it looked just a little darker than the wheels themselves. Then, when I bought my second 92, it had brand new centers and they look just slightly darker than the wheels, so, I guess I chose the correct color. Both of these colors should be available at Advance Auto or Autozone.

The thing to do is to sand the old caps down to the yellow, or very close. Then, "mist" them with XIM sealer/primer/bonder (available at most hardware stores, Lowes or Home Depot). I say "mist," because if you put a heavy coat on them, they immediately "blister" and the bonder gives you problems. After you've misted them with the bonder, let them set for a day for a good "cure." Then, paint. I used toilet paper tubes to sit the caps on for easy painting. Spray the caps as directed. If you're adventurous, you can try painting the "Subaru" in the middle black, by thinning some black paint, and using a very small brush to apply the paint, then "tilt" the cap to allow the paint to flow into the letters (I, by the way, was NOT adventurous).

My caps have been painted for two years now, with no signs of wear.

Now I know why you're always in the John.

<<If you're adventurous, you can try painting the "Subaru" in the middle black, by thinning some black paint, and using a very small brush to apply the paint, then "tilt" the cap to allow the paint to flow into the letters (I, by the way, was NOT adventurous). >>

I used black nail polish. It comes with a brush and they have been holding up well since 1997.

Doug

I wonder if John Hoffman would take offense at this. I don't think that's politically correct. Somewhat like people referring to their male member as their "Johnson." Perhaps I could refer to mine as my "Singer." :D:D:D

Left over from your younger days as a goth? :eek:

<<Left over from your younger days as a goth?>>

Actually, Yes...

Doug

:eek:

Randy,

It all depends on how beautifully it makes music. :D :D :D :D

When you got to go any John will do.:D

Are you talking about the notch in the wheel and the plastic tab on the cap? The tab has to go into the notch. If you don't look for it you may not notice it.

Yeah. That's it. A notch. Great! Two Johns, no waiting! :D