Below we introduce three interesting articles on hubcaps. But first, what is a hubcap?
A “hubcap” or “wheel cover” is basically a decorative disk. This hubcap attaches to the outside of an automobile steel wheel to improve wheel area appearance. So, the American automotive manufacturers, after about 1950, started producing “original hubcaps”. The variation of these designs is truly amazing. And, a true demand exists for the original design / supply.
Hubcap Hilton is a source for such original hubcaps supplied on automobiles. Our supply typically dates between 1960 to 1990.
One or all of the following three articles may be of interest to you. Also a recent post on some of this same data is at hubcap features.
SUMMARY OF FIRST ARTICLE
The terms “hubcap” and “wheel cover” have meanings that can vary significantly. The definition depends on both the industry and the time frame under discussion. So, this article aims at the OEM automotive industry from about 1950 to 2000. And, in this time frame, “hubcaps” were very common. Auto manufacturers make “hubcaps” as decorative disks to cover the ugly outer carbon steel wheel area. A hubcap is a wheel cover. A wheel cover is a hubcap. Read this article for a discussion, with many pictures, as hubcaps first appeared as stainless steel formed disks. And hubcap history included wire wheel luxury designs. Hubcap variation finished out their existence with neat plastic designs before becoming basically antique!
Again, click on title above for a full presentation.
SUMMARY OF SECOND ARTICLE — HUBCAP IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Between 1960 to 2000, over some 3,000 different HUBCAP designs exist. Some designs were for one model for one year. While other designs were for several models for several years. HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY EACH DESIGN?
A very recognized, and common, identification system is the Hollander Interchange Reference Number. And, the Hubcap Hilton Number system is an alternative numbering system.
Again, click on title above for a full presentation.
LISTS OF HUBCAP NUMBERS
Included in the above discussion of the identification systems are several LISTS that correlate the two unique ID numbers to the unique hubcap product page. These LISTS can be helpful to find a certain product. But, for most shoppers, it is easier to just follow the instructions on our SHOP page.
Again, click on title above for a full presentation.
SUMMARY OF THIRD ARTICLE
This article covers the following variation and features in hubcap designs.
1 FULL SIZE STAINLESS STEEL DESIGN
-TRIM RIM OPTION
2 FULL SIZE PLASTIC DESIGNS
-LOCK OPTION
4 BACKSIDE ATTACHMENT TO WHEEL DESIGNS
5 SMALL SIZE CAPS AND RIMS
Again, click on title above for a full presentation.