How to remove baby moon hubcaps?

[poezlaw]

I got baby moons, but they fit tight over the clips- what is the trick to removing them without damaging them?

[68 TWind]

I have them on my TW. I just use a really large flat blade screwdriver. Carefully twist rather than just prying while working my way around the hub cap. If you can't get the tip in between you might try using one of those hard plastic wedges that you can by at a hardware store for leveling toilets. Tap the plastic wedge in with a non marring hammer and then use the screwdriver or other flat piece of steel to work the caps off. Be very careful when you put them back on. If the clips are rusty and real tight, you can dent the cap when you bump it back on with your hand (how do I know this?)

[miker64867]

Google search, Hyde Tools paint can opener. I use one on a 1948 Dodge Coupe to get the moon caps off. Works great, doesn't damage the painted wheel and is very cheap. Probably find them @ Home Depot, Lowes or Ace Hdware for ~$1.

[Phoenix]

You need an old-fashioned hubcap hammer. Use Google, Yahoo, etc. to search for topic, or look on EBay, Amazon, etc. The rubber part protects the wheel when using the pry bar to pop the baby moon off; then you use the rubber part to hammer it back on.

[richie rich]

I removed my '63 Safari moons with a crowbar.No damage. Very tough moons.

[Silverfoxrae]

Not to "hijack" this thread, but if you change your rims- I've got the original split rims- how do you set up to be able to put the baby moons back on your wheels?

[Ganaraska]

Originally Posted by Silverfoxrae

Not to "hijack" this thread, but if you change your rims- I've got the original split rims- how do you set up to be able to put the baby moons back on your wheels?

If you mean what I think you mean the old wheels had clips. Newer wheels had bumps.

If your wheels have broken clips you can get replacements and rivet them on. There was a thread on this last year but to cut to the bottom line, do a web search for antique Chevrolet truck restoration parts sellers. They have the appropriate clips and they are not expensive.