The caps CAN be removed while the wheels are on the car...by using a thin bent (90 degree) slotted screwdriver, BUT it's not really worth the effort...so easy to remove when the wheel is off!
I just painted mine. They were even much worse than the ones in the photo above! I just sanded lightly....then painted using a store bought can of silver paint (Pep Boys). It is not an EXACT match...but VERY CLOSE! [The custom paint store wanted $25 for one spray can!] Take your best cap to the store to pick out the silver paint. I think you'll be happy with this compromised approach.
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Jim
1995 Laguna Blue SVX AWD L - 240K (daily driver) -
"ReBuILT" used engine at 236K miles (6/13)
2013 Veloster Red - Driver Now??Dropsprings [1/2" rear, 1" front] with Koni Strut Inserts> Magnaflow Exhaust System>
ECUTune Stage 1av1 Upgrade (from 1v4)>
ECUTune TCU MOD> Aluminum Crankshaft Pulley> Stainless Brake Lines> Phenolic Spacers>
Perforated Brake Rotors (dint like, OEM now)> SmallCar Shift Kit (resting since TCU MOD)> 7-Position Ground System>
High-Pressure Fuel Pressure Regulator (resting)> ATF Cooler & Campaign Filter> Yellow Polish Polyurethane Bushings> Pioneer Double-DIN Stereo with JL AUDIO Speakers>
Driveshaft Rebuilt with C-Clip U-Joints>
15 Min MOD>
20 Min MOD .. . (2011)
Valentine One Radar Detector with Remote Display - ucan'tseeme! 