Hello,

I'm seeking some technical information regarding the above O.E.M. (554457). These are center caps, with Rocket Emblem, snap-on (five screws). Internal stampings state (413693 L.D.C. 1). Those I wish to purchase are the same with the exception of internal stampings reading (413693 L.D.C. 2) Does anyone know the meaning of the stampings. Some stampings read WDC on my caps.

Any and all information would be most appreciated. Picture enclosed. Thank you.
P.S- These are snap-on.

 

Are these numbers cast into the cap itself, or are they stamped in the spring steel clip that holds it to the wheel? John

 

I have a set of these that were NOS when I bought them and they have the same stampings. I suspect that L.D.C. has something to do with production runs, but am not sure.

John, the part number is actually cast on the inside of the pot metal, not the spring retainer. The spring retainer has the 5 screws holding it to the center cap. Not like the bolt on cap which uses the 5 screws to attach to the wheel. Duh, of course you already knew that....

 

Thank you very much Allen. I believe you may be correct in reference to the stampings (just production numbers). I just wished to make sure before bidding. I've enclosed a picture with stampings (inside of cap). By the way, if I cannot acquire any, do you know where I may find "New". Thank you.

 

Well, thank you. Would anyone know where I may acquire any new, should I not find any?

 

The pics show the back side of the cap well. What's way more important is the condition of the chrome surface on the front.

Repro caps are made. Fusick Automotive sells them. Although they say 73-77, this cap will fit all push on center style SSIII's.

Super Stock III Center Cap: New reproduction push-on type Center Wheel Ornament for Super Stock III Wheels 15" X 7" used on 1973-77.
Includes retainer for wheel push on application. CO7393 SSIII Center Cap 55.00 ea

 

Are they O.E.M. (with Rocket Emblem)? Ebay auction is trying to "bleed" me. Picture enclosed. Get back to me if you can, auction on Ebay ends at 8:00 P:M Bids up to 162.50 for 4 "new". A rip off.

P.S- They must be as pictured. I have a show vehicle. thanks.

 

What I can say about Fusick is they are licensed by GM to reproduce those caps, so IMO they would be as close to OEM as you can get. The parts that I have bought from Fusick I'm pretty happy with. On most of their repro's they try to include part numbering as you would find it from the factory. I just looked at your post. 162.50 for 4 new OEM caps is actually not bad. Last year the repros were selling for 49. On the auction do they say the parts are OEM and will come in the OEM boxes?

 

Thank you very much Allen. Actually, the bids are up to 182.50. Every time I bid, the trick hits the button again. Havn't bid in two hours, "no one" has bid. This is trickery for sure. Hope he gets what he has planned. Anyway, there is a parts store on Ebay selling 4 for $179.00 but only show applications to 81'. Do you think they would fit? Anyways, thanks for Fusick. I'll most likely purchase from him, if he has them. He's been around a long time. I very much appreciate you providing the link to Fusick. I was just about out of options. Reply at your convenience.

 

The trick to bidding on ebay is not to place a serious bid till the last second. It's called snipe bidding. Pick the highest amount you're willing to pay. Enter that amount just prior to the auction ending. But don't hit confirm till you're within 10 seconds of the auction close. It doesn't let others know you're interested, and it doesn't give them time to react. Not always a guarantee you'll win, but it has served me well over the years.

I just did a search on line. Parts Place doesn't have them. Year One has them for 135.00 per cap. Same at Supercars Unlimited. You know you can buy the correct repro cap inserts (black with the red rocket) for 5.00 each? The exterior of the cap can be cleaned and re-chromed - just take out the spring clip retainer.

So just out of curiosity, why are you replacing yours?

 

Lost one Allen, if you can believe it. The round retainer clip was there but the cap apparently fell off. This has been a mystery to me, especially with 5 screws holding it in place. PartsPlace Inc. out of Chicago has four new for $175.00 on Ebay, and Summit Racing has them on Ebay for $259.00 (Wheel Vintiques). If you are not busy, could you take a look at the $179.00 (4) and tell me what you think? Also, try to provide me an explanation as to how this cap came off with 5 screws. As I said, the clip was still on the hub; with all screws missing. thanks very much Allen.

 

Hello Allen,

I've provided the link on Ebay for the $179.00 for (4). Punched in application and states they are not compatible.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-87-CUTL...12011164977695
Your opinion please. Link ENCLOSED. Thank you.

 

Yikes. Well I can relate to that. I had these caps on my 78 Cutlass Calais. It was a very quiet riding car, but one day as I was driving down the back alley with the window down I could hear a repetitive 'kachink' sort of noise. Thought it was a dragging brake pad. I stopped to take a look. While I was looking I bumped the wheel and the cap moved. So I tried to wiggle it off. The cap was 1/2 way off the screws that were holding the snap retainer. Took all 4 off and they were all loose. All 20 got a dab of loctite and put back together. Never had another issue with them. I double checked the ones I have on my 72 just to be safe and they're good.

re: the 179.00 set of 4. If that's from the Parts Place - no, don't buy them. They are for bolt on center caps - which are completely different than the ones you have. Can you send me the link? If you only need 1 clip on cap, I'm not sure why you would go for a full set. The replacement you get will match your existing caps perfectly.

Here's what the bolt on's look like:


This is the style you need for your car (my car in photo, it's not a show car though)

 

No Allen, they are snap-on from PartsPlaceInc. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-87-CUTL...12011164977695

 

I need the cap itself, only the "clip" remained on the hub. I have no cap. Irrespective of this, I believe that Parts Place Inc. has the snap-on. Please check link I provided. I also IM'd you.

 

Gee, if you look like your avatar I'd even consider delivering you one of my OEM ones in person....