TOPIC: replacing the clips on trailer rims

anyone out there ever successfully replaced the clips on the trailer rims that hold the half moon hub caps? i bought this kit from a vw parts supplier and the clips are a little different than the ones i removed from my rim, but they should work. the tool has a dimple on the end (to accommodate the rivet?) with the exception of pop rivets, i know nothing about riveting. any advice?

this is the rim i'm trying to replace the clips on. thanks, scott

Try to avoid hitting your hand when you swedge the rivet :~)
Sorry - that was just too tempting.
You back the rivet up using a dolly block or perhaps a slug of steel clamped vertically in a vise - then with the tool and rivet set to go drive it home.
You might try a practice run or two.

I, for one, am curious to find out how those clips work.

Peter
The NOS Hubcap Guy
in Denver

I'd put them on with small stainless machine screws and nyloks, but that's just me.

Good luck!

Frank

that's a good idea frank! why didn't i think of that? i guess i was thinking along the lines of using the original method, but the screws sound like a great solution! i'll give both methods a try.
peter, i'm concerned about this clip design too but it's all i've found so far. anybody out there know of another source for them? scott

Most people put aluminum rub rail on with rivets Scott. I don't like rivets in general. I did my rub rail with oval head Phillips stainless #8 machine screws, flat washers and nyloks. It might take a little more time, but it looks great, is very secure (especially for something like what you're doing) and can easily be removed if need be.

Good luck!

Frank