Basic snap on wire retention
Mostly this system was used on early to mid
90's
Buick Regal and Skylark. On this type (fig. A)
there are a series of plastic clips and a wire
that runs between the clip around the back
diameter of the hubcap.
Fig.
A
These wheel covers are easy to snap
on. Once the wheel covers is correctly aligned with the valve
stem opening, one just simply taps the hubcap into place. There is a groove
in the wheel rim in which the plastic clips seat, the wire keeps a constant
pressure on the clips holding the wheel cover in place.
Loss of these wheel covers occurs
when the plastic tabs are broken causing the wheel cover to become loose,
so care must be taken when installing. Once these tabs are broken, the hubcap
will no longer remain secure and will need replacement. We recommend using a
rubber mallet or the back of a fist to "tap" them into place when installing. Do
not use excessive force, the hubcaps should snap into place with moderate
pressure
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Buick Hubcaps that bolt onto lugs
The second and most common hubcap retention system uses plastic caps
(fig. B) that attach to the hubcap and thread on to the lug nuts. Late Model
Century,
LeSabre,
Regal
and Skylarks
all use this system. The lug
nuts on these vehicles (fig. C) have outside threads that accommodate
the plastic caps. All of the 99 and up Buick hubcaps use this system.
Fig. B lug
caps
Fig. C GM
threaded lug
Installation of these wheel covers is easy.
If the Buick hubcap has a center caps, remove it (fig. D). This will give you
access to the lug caps (fig. E). You will then line up the wheel cover to the
lug nuts being careful to ensure the valve stem is lined up with the slot that
has been precut into the hubcap. If you turn the hubcap over, there is
usually a notch indicating where the valve stem should go.
Fig. D remove
center cap
Fig. E exposed
lug caps
Using a 3/4" socket or lugs wrench, thread the caps onto the lugs.
Do not over tighten them or use any kind of air tool as this will strip out the
threads, possibly causing a future loss. These lug caps only need to be snug
tight.
Buick wire spoke hubcaps
Wire spoke wheel covers were the standard on most Buick models from the early
80s, until the late 90s. These hubcaps were very reliable until Buick launched
the plastic locking system in 1989. With the plastic locking housing (fig F)
Buick owners starting encountering losses of these "locking" wheel
covers in masses. The problem occurs with these wheel covers when the locks are
over tightened, the plastic housing on the back can develop a undetectable
crack. In time the crack grows and results in the hubcap eventually flying off. With a
replacement running over $200 at the dealer, these wire spoke hubcaps became a
huge source of frustration for many. Hubcap Heaven and Wheels stocks Buick wire
wheel hubcaps at a fraction of the dealers price.
Fig. F
plastic lock
housing
Fig. G locking
components
Anatomy of a Buick wire spike hubcap
A Buick wire spoke wheel cover has
four components
(Fig. G). The wheel covers, locking key (wrench), locking nut and the mounting
bracket. The Mounting bracket attaches to the car fitting behind three of the
wheels lug
nuts. This bracket is what hold the wheel cover to the car. In order to
attach the wheel covers to the bracket the locking nut is screwed onto the
bracket with a special patterned wrench (key).
A Buick wire spoke wheel cover has
four components
(Fig. H). The wheel covers, locking key (wrench), locking nut and the mounting
bracket. The Mounting bracket attaches to the car fitting behind three of the
wheels lug
nuts. This bracket is what hold the wheel cover to the car. In order to
attach the wheel covers to the bracket the locking nut is screwed onto the
bracket with a special patterned wrench (key).
In order for these hubcaps to be
theft proof, GM created six different patterns for these locks. The locking nut
and wrench need to be the same pattern in order to work. You can tell which
pattern your car has two different ways. First, the color. The cap at the end of the
locking wrench and the locking nut itself must be the same color. The second (and more
reliable since color fades) is a two letter code imprinted on the working end of
both the locking nut and the wrench. The two letter code always begins with the
letter P and ends in one of the following. B, D, G, H, S and Y. Before
calling in to order one of these Buick hubcaps, please find out which locking
pattern you have. You must have the correct lock in order to install the hubcap
on the car. The lock is the only thing holding the hubcap on.
Installing a Buick wire spoke hubcap
Installing a Buick spoke hubcap is an
easy process. First you remove the Buick logo (fig. H), this is where the locking
nut resides (fig. I).
Fig. H
removing logo
Fig. I locking
nut placement
You then place the hubcap on the
wheel, lining up the valve stem with the notch provided for it. Using the
locking wrench, you turn the locking nut clockwise (fig. J), securing it to the
mounting bracket (fig. K). Snap the logo back into place and you are done.
Fig. J
installing the
lock
Fig. K bracket
and lock
More about Hubcap Heaven and Wheels hubcaps
There are numerous websites on the net that state "center cap not
included" or do not show an emblem on the photo of the hubcaps. All of our
factory original hubcaps and wheel covers come complete
with the Buick logo, center caps (if applicable) and any attachment caps that are
needed. Any replica style will be clearly marked in the picture and on the order
page. We don't like deception and would love for you to return to us for all
your hubcap and wheel needs.
For more information such as determining your
correct
Buick hubcaps size and other question, please visit our
FAQ
and article page. For further discussion or questions, give us a call at 800-301-5814. As always, we are happy to help
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