Restoring 70s Eldo caps, help please

[Ross DeVore]

I need suggestions from those that have done it. I have a nice set of caps for my 78 Eldo. They were white dics but due to UV have turned yellow. Curious if I have any options to fix what I have; do I need to start over?; Should I just look for a good set somewhere else instead of restoring these. You help and thoughts are appreciated.

Ross

[Ralph Messina CLC 4937]

Hi Ross,

I haven’t worked on your hubcaps but I’ve painted color stripes on chrome. If your caps have a painted white center, the simplest method would be to use a white enamel over the existing paint. Scuff the surface, clean it off with same brand prep as the paint you select. Mask off the area to be painted and shoot. If the paint is chipped or worn off you should strip it, scuff the metal, mask, apply a coat of a self etching primer and continue with the same brand paint. I suggest you find a local paint supplier and get their suggestions about the specific paint and prep materials available. I’d start with Eastwood because they have aerosol cans and it will save a lot on materials

I’m not certain, but I recall that in one year the painted center of Eldorado caps was actually some type of adhesive decal. If that’s the case, you may want to ask the paint supplier about painting the decal. Depending on the decal material the paint may or may not be compatible. If you can’t paint the decal, remove it start at the bare metal as above.

Hope this is some help,

Ralph

[George Woodford clc21025]

I had my 76/77 Eldorado (stainless) hubcaps buffed and polished.  They shine like chrome.  Do not chrome plate these hubcaps.  The cost is about $100 each.  I would recommend leaving them unpainted, but you can prep and paint the centers.  This is what was done for the 76s.  Or if you desire, you can purchase new reproduction discs and paint them, then stick to the hubcaps.  I dont recommend the latter.  Check with USA Parts Supply for the discs.  They list them in their catalog.