Aquafied Iris

I own a set of the infamous '82-'83 Trans Am bowling ball hubcaps to fit the 15" Turbo Cast N89 rims. I am having them repainted and have run into a problem. I want to replace the red Pontiac arrowhead decals, but don't know where to purchase replacements. I once heard that Pontiac used the same center decals on these caps as the ones used on the '76-'81 Rally II caps. Does anyone know anymore information on this? I'll post a pictures of the caps for those that are not familiar with these caps.

Dens71TA

iTrader: (5)

This was covered a few months ago in the History and Restoration section. I took one of my NOS bowling ball caps and compared the Pontiac arrowhead to a '73-81 Rally II center cap arrowhead and they were the same dimensions. Classic Industries has reproduction Rally II center cap decals in their Firebird catalog which should be a direct fit for bowling ball caps.

Aquafied Iris

I called up Classic Industries and they said they did not carry such a decal. Of course, I only have a Classic Industries catalog from 1999. The item wasn't listed in that catalog, but it was a third gen and fourth gen catalog. Would you happen to have the catalog number to the decals? It'd be a great help, believe me! Thanks!

Dens71TA

iTrader: (5)

Its in the latest Classic catalog. Part number is G8901 at $7.95 each.

Aquafied Iris

Many thanks to you kind sir. You have been most helpful!

wildjeff

iTrader: (1)

I bought 4 of the 1973-81 Rally wheel insert from classic industries with the intent of putting them on some Bowling Ball hubcaps but they are a bit smaller. They're about 1/4 inch shorter in length.

Here is a scan of the 1973-81 Rally wheel insert next to a NOS ’82 cap with original arrowhead.

Aquafied Iris

Ouch! Did you ever end up applying any? Does it look noticeable that it's not the right decal?

wildjeff

iTrader: (1)

I didn’t apply them, I wanted the original look. Someone who doesn’t know probably wouldn’t notice. They are the right proportion and color, just a bit smaller. Oh, and they’re flat instead of having the raised pattern in the red part.

They could be good temporaries until someone reproduces arrowheads for the ’82 wheel covers.

Aquafied Iris

Do you think it would be possible to remove the original arrowheads from the caps without harming them? I was thinking maybe I could remove them, paint the caps, then lay them down and apply the clear coat over them? I understand why you want the original look of the decals. It's just a shame nobody produces them. It's also nice to know that I'm not the only one wanting to keep the decals instead of throwing them out.

wildjeff

iTrader: (1)

They are glued on and can be removed with a sharp thin hobby knife fairly easily. Just use the knife to ply it loose. Be careful not to bend them or cut yourself. Chances are it will damage the paint underneath but if the caps are going to be repainted it’s not a problem.

I don’t think a coating of clear will hold them on. You will need to glue them back on. I don’t know what kind of glue to use on paint but I would think a body shop would know.

TAdan

What are they glued on with? Here is a trick I learned to remove taillight birds. It might be worth a try.

Submerge the cap in very warm/hot water (just about steaming) for 10+ minutes. It might loosen the glue, and make the arrowhead easier to remove.

I have used this several times on 82-84, and 85-90 taillight bird emblems.

Good luck.

wildjeff

iTrader: (1)

I don’t know what kind of glue they used. When I was in high school I had an 84 S/E with 14” Turbo cast wheels. I peeled the arrowheads off and stuck them to my work bench. I wish I had them now.

Aquafied Iris

Damn, I would have done that! However, As of about 20min ago, I just dropped them off at the local body shop to have them repainted! I did tell him, however, if he could get the arrowheads off without damaging them, I'd like to have them back.

I'm having 6 caps painted. This way I have replacements in case I lose one (or two). I also ordered the GM clips that help hold the caps onto the Turbo Casts, so I hope that doesn't happen. One trip to the local dealership cost me 30 bucks for a bag of 25 when someone on ebay is selling them for 60! Whatever.

Maybe I should call the guy and tell him about the glue.

Also, I have another set of 15"x7" Turbo Casts if anyone is interested in them.

Aquafied Iris

Also, this gets me thinking...

The people making Knight Rider conversions remove the center decal/emblem. Is there anyone out there that has done this and who I can buy the decals off of? Thanks.

TAdan

Be sure to post some pics when they come back from the body shop

While I know it sounds silly (and kind of cheap) you might want to use some black zip ties to hold the caps on. If you place them from the back of the cap, to the wheel, they are not very noticable. After all your effort, it might be good insurance. I know you bought the GM clips. Id say use those and a couple of ties.

From what Ive heard, these caps could fall off when the cars were still new.

I would look around on the KR boards for anyone who is repainting their original hub caps, and try to get the emblems from them.

Aquafied Iris

Zip-ties? How is this possible? Where do I get the zip-tie to go through the backside of the cap? How can I get the rim off if I ever get a flat?

Oh, and I'll be sure to post pics when they come back from the shop. Should be about a week.

TAdan

After you put the hubcap on the normal way. Take a black zip tie, and loop it between one of the spokes in the wheel, and one of the plastic pieces on the back of the hub cap. (Its tough to describe, hehe).

To get it off, just keep a pair of small cutters in your car.

luvofjah

iTrader: (2)

I would highly recommend zip ties, cuz they will come off...

I bought some black weather / uv proof ones about 14 inches... The caps have 10 boxes around the outer edge... If the cap were laying on a table, boxes facing up.. I drilled 2 holes... one on top of the box, point straight down & another on the wall of the box (vertical) wall closest to the other hole... These boxes are close together, 2 sets, then a space, 2 sets, then a space... the second hold I drilled was "in the space" on the wall closest to the top hole... this way, the zip tie hugs the fins firmly...

Raf

Aquafied Iris

Just an update, the bodyman was able to remove the center decals (all of them) without ruining them. So far, however, it's been two weeks and he still hasn't gotten to them yet.

luvofjah

iTrader: (2)

This weeks episode of "Trucks", Stacy mentioned a company that makes full custom decals to be used on the outside of autos... I'll check the DVR and post the company name if I can.

Raf

How are you planning to mount them?? I would recommend the uv/weather proof zip ties... some people use silicone or gm clips... I think zip ties is best...

1989karr

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Aquafied Iris
Just an update, the bodyman was able to remove the center decals (all of them) without ruining them. So far, however, it's been two weeks and he still hasn't gotten to them yet. [/QU


Don't worry, I'm sure the wait will be well worth it

Aquafied Iris

Well... it has been over three weeks since I dropped off my caps so I called up the guy I talk to this afternoon. Right now they are sitting in primer. He said he should be finished with them around Wed. The guy seemed pretty nice about it. He apoligized for the wait and said that he's been really overwhelmed by projects in the last couple of week. I just hope he does a nice job on them. Pics still to come.

Anyway, this down-time has been spent restoring my other set of rims. I'm really happy with the way they turned out. I'll post pics soon for all that are interested as well.

For now, here's a pic of the arrowheads: They seem kind rigid. My guess is that they aren't mere stickers, but a piece of thin, solid alluminum or some other metal, with a sticky backing.

Aquafied Iris

I've started a thread in the restoration section of the forum with lots of pics on my progress so far as promised. Here's a link:

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...92#post2434592

Jproz1167

iTrader: (3)

aqua

how much you want for the rims

Aquafied Iris

Just picked up the caps today and I'm very happy with the outcome. They look great! Next step is to get some 3M car emblem apoxy to put the arrowheads back on.

Check 'em out!

Aquafied Iris

Another pic:

Aquafied Iris

Just put the decals on. Looking great! Next is the task of putting the caps on the rims. I bought some long black zip-ties from the local Wal*Mart and thought I'd give the zip tie deal a try. Before I try this, what has everyone else done? I plan on possibly drilling holes in the center of the box tabs on the back of the caps. I then plan on removing the tires/rims from the car and zip tying the caps to the rim. One question I have is whether I can get an airgun to fit into the cap holes when putting the tires/rims back onto the car. Is it better to try this method or try leaving the rims on the car, lifting the car up and zip tying the caps on that way? A response would be greatly appreciated.

luvofjah

iTrader: (2)

Most people use 4 or 5... I used 10...
If you lay the cap on a table, you see those box tabs, there are 10 of them... in groups of 2...space, another 2, space, etc...
I drilled a hole, into the box tab, about half an inch from the space, drill aiming straight donw on the table... then on the wall closest to the hole, in the middle, I drilled another hole... it's kinda a 45 degree angle into the wall... anywayt, take the wheels off the car, I sat it between 2 chairs... I used the zip ties and they wraped tightly around a fin... understand?

You shouldn't have a problem putting them on the car later, try the air gun with the cap off, tit should fit...

Raf

Aquafied Iris

Caps are now on. Looking great! Next step: painting/installing a formula "power bulge" hood to complete the look.


Here's a pic of the result:

luvofjah

iTrader: (2)

Looks tight, using zip ties?
Raf

Aquafied Iris

Yeah, I drilled holes in the center of the tabs. There's a total of four per wheel. Those things aren't going anywhere.

1982TA

iTrader: (1)

Those wheels and caps look sweet on your car. As much as people hate them I think they look cool on early third gens.

ZentaiGuy

Hello, I'm not sure if you are still looking for just the logos from the Bowling Ball Hubcaps given the date of the posting, but I have saved the red logos from my bowling ball hubcaps for my knight rider conversion. if you are interested please give me a call I have 5 in really good condition and saved them just incase someone out there might want original ones.

My eMail is:
mdk.graphics@rocketmail.com

TheExaminer

Love the bowling ball hubcaps, brings back memories of watching Knight Rider when I was a kid. For most of us over 30 thats how the 3rd gen love affair started. We should all date three girls named Jen, and marry the third one, er, at least propose to the first one on the third date if you like her enough......