Flat Hubcap Question

[DeVerde]

So here’s an oddball question. Is there a way to use clips for the flat style hub caps from a ‘72 standard beetle? As in, can I use flat hub caps on older wheels or is that a silly idea? Are the backs of the clipped hub caps drastically different?

[DeVerde]

I went to the local VW restoration guy (Cox Motor Co.) and it looks like the flat hubcaps can fit if the clip locations are changed slightly, maybe 1/8” toward the center of the rim, or if you were to bend the clips up a bit. Up against the flat hubcap, the clips seem to fit perfect so I purchased 4 sets and I’ll give it a go.

The clips he had

Looks like an almost perfect fit.

[DeVerde]

The best, worst idea I had was to go to Lowe’s and get some plexiglass, use some magnets to hold the clips in place, and trace the hubcap onto the plexiglass. That gave me a 10 1/8” measurement from side to side. So I used a protractor to trace the outside of the hubcap, measured from river hole to river hole on the clips, traced that, and then traced the bolt pattern of the rim I am using (8x6.5”) onto the template. Seeing how the bolt pattern is square, I am able to draw a straight line across the circle and drill two halfassed 9/16” holes on the 6.5” circle. Now all I need to do is figure out how to river the clips onto the rim. Thoughts?