Modern Materials In Hubcaps And Wheel Covers
 FACTORY OEM 17" CLADDED CHROME STEEL WHEEL FOR A 2003-2008 FORD EXPEDITION Lowest Price: US $79.95 |
 4 HONDA CIVIC CENTER CAPS ALL CHROME VINTAGE ACCORD CRX ACURA STEEL WHEELS Lowest Price: US $47.00 |
 CHROME 22.5 STEEL BULLET HOLE WHEEL SIMULATORS COVERS Lowest Price: US $59.88 |
 Marshin Wheel Rim Outer Flange 2.15x18 Steel Chrome Lowest Price: US $72.99 |
 Marshin Wheel Rim Outer Flange FD 1.85x12 Steel Chrome Lowest Price: US $44.99 |
 92 93 94 95 FORD F150 WHEEL 15X7-1/2 STEEL CHROME Lowest Price: US $37.00 |
 FORD F250 F350 EXCURSSION 17" (1) 1999-2010 OEM FACTORY CHROME STEEL WHEEL RIM Lowest Price: US $99.95 |
 Western Wheels Chrome Steel Center Cap w/Red Center Lowest Price: US $25.00 |
 Classic Saab 900 Saab Chrome Steel Wheel Center Cap Lowest Price: US $19.95 |
 98 02 Yamaha R6 Chrome sprocket wheel motorcyle accessories 48T stock steel Lowest Price: US $99.99 |
 SETOF4 13" CHROME Hub Caps Wheel Covers Rim Cap Lug Cover Hubs for Steel Wheels Lowest Price: US $47.00 |
 SETOF4 14" CHROME Hub Caps Wheel Covers Rim Cap Lug Cover Hubs for Steel Wheels Lowest Price: US $47.00 |
Article by Hitesh Bhoi
Our father's and grandfathers' wheel covers were gleaming orbs of chrome plated steel, glittering wire spoke patterns, or flat chrome Frisbee look-alikes. Before 1980, chrome plated steel was the only material light and strong enough to do the job. Unfortunately, plated steel thin and light enough for hubcaps was easily dented, and if scratched or driven in winter, i.e., in salt conditions, was likely to rust.
ABS plastic (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) was introduced as a standard material in plumbing pipe in the 1970s, and became the universal material in hubcaps by the mid 1980s. ABS has the attributes of rigidity, strength, and high resistance to salt, chemicals, heat, cold, pressure, and impact. It has excellent resistance to breaking, scratching and chipping, even at low temperatures.
Parts made of ABS plastic weigh only a fraction of their steel counterparts. They can be painted or chrome plated to produce a range of visual effects. Scratches or dings on the surface of plastic are stable, and look the same years later as they did the day the scratch occurred. Whereas, when chrome plated steel is scratched, it will then rust. These qualities make ABS plastic an ideal material for hubcaps, wheel covers, and many other automotive parts.
Today, nearly all wheel covers for passenger vehicles, including original equipment and aftermarket replicas, are made of ABS plastic. In fact, the majority of non-structural auto trim items, including company logos, lettering, grills, cowlings, bumpers, frames, light reflectors, bezels, etc, have been made of (chromed) plastic for nearly 20 years.
One category of modern hubcaps still made of metal is known as 'Wheel Simulators', which are made of highly polished stainless steel. Wheel simulators are designed primarily for the larger wheels supporting heavy utility vehicles, dual wheel trucks and RVs. A few models are available for single wheel trucks and trailers. 'Simulators' are so named because they look like, but they are much less expensive than, chrome plated wheels. Further, stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant, which can not be said for chrome plated wheels.
Our father's and grandfathers' wheel covers were gleaming orbs of chrome plated steel, glittering wire spoke patterns, or flat chrome Frisbee look-alikes. Before 1980, chrome plated steel was the only material light and strong enough to do the job. Unfortunately, plated steel thin and light enough for hubcaps was easily dented, and if scratched or driven in winter, i.e., in salt conditions, was likely to rust.
About the Author
Latest News:
Possibly related pages:
