Original Airstream hubcap help

[desertair27]

[/ATTACH]I've got some old original Airstream hubcaps that need some serious help.They are rusted and I guess I could get them re-chromed at about $50 bucks each which seems high but is the going rate.Anyone have any alternative ideas.I've thought about having them powder coated or even paint them but I'm afraid they won't turn out to be half as nice as good old chrome.
Please let me know what you've done!
Thanks

[BillTex]

I re-chromed ours...once...it was pricey and did not last more than 1 or 2 seasons.
(We have some pretty good plating shops around here too..so I am fairly confident it was a good job.)
Chrome just does not hold up to the road debris/junk.

Ultimately I had them powder coated silver (for less $ than chrome) and the powder coating has been holding up very well for 4-5 yrs now?

My $0.02

Bill

[desertair27]

Hey Bill
Thanks for the info. What color did powder pat them?
Mike

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by BillTex

Ultimately I had them powder coated silver ...

Still silver...

[rideair]

They do make a powder coat in the color "Chrome". I've used it before on cars and it turns out pretty well.

Enjoy,

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by rideair

They do make a powder coat in the color "Chrome". I've used it before on cars and it turns out pretty well.

Enjoy,

Yeah...that is actualy how the coater described it to me.
The actual result is more of gray/silver...kind of metal flake.

It is not a reflective/white metal/mirror finish...like chrome...

I am pleased though...the finish looks fine, blends well with the AS, and so far has been more durable the Cr...

Can you post a pic of yours? Is it really Cr like/reflective?
I am curious how it compares to what we had done...
How was the cost relative to Cr?

Bill

[rideair]

I used the chrome color for a trim part on a Chevy Truck. A guy showed me all the parts he had done for his (I think they are called a "Racer") Honda that's been lowered, NOS, Turbo'd, etc... they take about every part and powdered coated a different color in the front end, you know the cars, the ones that sound like a loud fart going down the road.

I'll try and get pics.

Enjoy,

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Those are very cool hub caps, but I honestly, do not think they are original. I think these are the closest ones around to original. The difference being they are stainless steel, not plated steel. They also lack the double bead the early Airstream baby moons had. I know they are pricey, but they fit perfect and are very thick metal.

[desertair27]

Thanks for the info Frank, I just assumed these hubcaps were original since they were on a 60's trailer and had a blue stripe on them. I might as well buy the ones you suggested since they cost as much as it would to have these rechromed or powder coated.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

They would look excellent re plated...

[desertair27]

Originally Posted by 62overlander

They would look excellent re plated...

I think they would too! How about these, any idea If they might be OEM? They were on a 68 Soveriegn

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by desertair27

I think they would too! How about these, any idea If they might be OEM? They were on a 68 Soveriegn

Those are really nice! Way better looking than the ones on my 1983 Excella.

I like that they have vent holes that will allow air circulation. That's a good thing.

[Jerky guy]

Originally Posted by 62overlander

Those are very cool hub caps, but I honestly, do not think they are original. I think these are the closest ones around to original. The difference being they are stainless steel, not plated steel. They also lack the double bead the early Airstream baby moons had. I know they are pricey, but they fit perfect and are very thick metal.

Yes those from mikes are good and thick hub caps,have to be to get them on they fit very tight and look great. I have them on my 73 overlander!

[rideair]

Mike,

I have a set very much (if not the same) as yours that came on my 1966 Overlander International model. They are original AS wheelcovers.

I plan to have mine plated as well some day.

Enjoy,

[doncrim]

I need one hubcap for 1974 sovereign. Any ideas where I can find one?

[desertair27]

Originally Posted by doncrim

I need one hubcap for 1974 sovereign. Any ideas where I can find one?

Your best bet is here in the classified section under used parts or ebay.Post a picture here of what you need, someone may have exactly what you're looking for.

[ALANSD]

when I was looking for a 4th cap to match the 3 original ones on my 66, a great member here told me that they came from a 1956 Plymouth Savoy. Sure enough! I was able to buy a set off EBAY for a reasonable price.

[ALANSD]

when I was looking for a 4th cap to match the 3 original ones on my 66, a great member here told me that they came from a 56 Plymouth Savoy. Sure enough! I was able to buy a set off EBAY for a reasonable price.