Hubcap Clip Questions

jazzed · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:37 am Post subject: Hubcap Clip Questions

Just rounded up 5 rims and of the 25 clips, I'm missing 11. Has anyone used the WW clips with success? Should I remove the OG clips and install all new ones, or just install the missing ones? Is the $12 hubcap rivet tool sold by WW worth buying?

GLHTurbo · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:43 am Post subject:

the tool is a must... I just did a handful on my 14"s. Haven't fit any hubcaps to them yet though to report back.
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justcruzin · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 12:15 pm Post subject:

I was only missing 2 of my clips and I used the WW one's to replace them. The only thing I didn't like is it seemed like the studs that came with them were pretty small. We did manage to get them mushroomed out good enough to hold the clip on, but I was still not to happy with the size of them. We didn't have any special tools to install them. Just tried to use a hammer and something on the back side to hold the stud in place, like a socket.

I can't say for sure how they are holding up, there were only 2. I left the other original clips on, so for all I know they are doing the holding! I do think with the right tools though, one could get those little studs to mushroom out good. Just wish they would make them a bit bigger.
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Dave24 · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 12:53 pm Post subject:

On my 5 rims, there were only 8-10 clips left. I removed them, and replaced them w/the WW clips and rivits. Been on the bus for 5+ years, no issues. IMO, they are just fine... nice and tight. And YES, buy the tool.

dreadnotmusic · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 1:50 pm Post subject:

The WW rivets and clips worked great. I made my own tool though:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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sventinker · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 2:17 pm Post subject:

does anyone know the hole size for the rivet? mine were drilled out very poorly and need to be welded shut and redrilled. should I drill it to fit the smaller WW rivet? or go factory size?
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cru62 · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 4:57 pm Post subject:

I found the rivets to be smaller than the original holes as well. I don't know why they would send those, because the originals seems to fit pretty tightly in the hole. I will try to get the correct size rivets.

The biggest problem I had was that the clip touches the rim where the cap fits. So it is almost impossible to paint the rim decently with the clips installed. I also have a set of the chinese Huff clips which are just as bad. If they are held up to a good original clip the profile is way off. Sad

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KarmannBob · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 6:24 pm Post subject:

I had no problem with the WW clips, rivets, and tool. I think the original clips are made of a tougher spring steel though. To avoid enlarging the rivet holes I carefully ground off the original rivet heads and then popped the remains through with a punch rather than drilling. I also painted the clips prior to installing to delay eventual rust.
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VolksFire · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 6:50 pm Post subject:

All the repop clips ive used were shit. nothing like wasting all day drilling out broken rivets, then rivet in new ones only to have all 5 snap immediately upon hubcap installation. so pissed Mad

i prefer to use og clips. ill drill out good ones from junk rims. i just pop rivet mine in with a rivet gun. before negative comments, theyre still holding 3 years later with daily use.
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sub-hatchtim · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 10:30 pm Post subject:

i used ww clips on all 5 of my rims and i also purchased the tool i dont remember it being all that expensive and it works well

im happy with them

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camerod · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:52 pm Post subject:

The new WW clips are very nice, not to be confused with the old shorty import type that break the first time you pop on your hubcap.

I use an air hammer W/ punch bit to pop out the old pins and the hammer head bit to mushroom the new WW pins using the WW tool as the back stop. takes less than 5min. per wheel start to finish. I usually just replace all of the clips, chances are those old clips are waiting to break the second you slap your caps on.

It helps to dial your air hammer to it's lowest setting( if it is adjustable like the snap-on unit)
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bushaus · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:57 pm Post subject:

I used the clips that are sold by Ronnie at Bustoration (samba: splitpile) and made my own tool using a ground-down tool-steel punch and a bench vise. Caps have been off and on lots, no broken clips yet. Very Happy

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fizzbang · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 12:10 am Post subject:

I installed the WW clips (about 12 over 4 rims) and they are all still on there and tight after some hubcap pulls dialing in my brakes and other things.

The tool made it very easy for my first time and they are all very tight. Highly recommend the tool and a big vise on a cement floor. The clips seem a little smaller than the hole, but when your beating them it's amazing how they spread and tighten themselves in there.

I would paint them before you install or see if they would bend a hair off the rim. They do seem to touch the rim and you'll miss that little spot like cru62 said.

Riff Raff · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 6:52 am Post subject:

A fairly comprehensive comparison of German and Brazillian clips:

http://nutsusers.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=virtualgarage&action=display&thread=377
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EverettB · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 8:27 am Post subject:

And here's the thread from the Bus FAQ with lots of info:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=167948
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BeeDubyaBugz · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 2:23 pm Post subject:

I just did all my rims with the newer version of the WW hubcap clips. I have had no trouble with them. And we have had the hubcaps off a few times for adjustments of the brakes. Not one problem. They have been on the bus about a year or so. The tool makes the job much easier. The rivets were a hair small but they do tighten up ok.
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EverettB · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 5:03 pm Post subject:

EMPIImp69 · Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 7:58 am Post subject:

Anyone ever weld the rivet to the rim on the backside? thanks
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chrisflstf · Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 9:33 am Post subject:

You can also use a small flathead screw/nut to secure them also. Makes replacement pretty easy

RobzKombi · Samba Member Joined: July 15, 2003 Posts: 2137


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