Steel wheel center cap nuts

[Sam Solo]

I don't know what else to call them. But I need some and no matter how I word it in google search, all I get is center caps. I called my local Chrysler dealership and they don't sell them by the part. You have to buy the whole center cap.
I can't be the only one who has needed these. What are you guys doing doing to either find them or to get the screws to anchor into the plastic without breaking the center cap & still hold it tight?

 

[05 Blue Unlimited]

Can you post a wider shot (a bit further away).

 

[Sam Solo]

Can you post a wider shot (a bit further away).

Here's one from the net. The nuts are actually metal caps on the end of three posts with a hole that accepts the screw. The post are at 12, 2 & 7 o'clock on the picture.

 

[05 Blue Unlimited]

So if I understand the screws are stripped? If so can't you just fill in the hole then drill and re-tap.

 

[MountaineerTom]

If you can’t find any, take some thin aluminum and shape it around a wooden dowel closest to the size you need as best you can to make it tight. Drill an appropriate size hole in the middle.

Lowes, Home Depot and ACE hardware stores sell thin aluminum in smaller sized sheets.

 

[Sam Solo]

So if I understand the screws are stripped? If so can't you just fill in the hole then drill and re-tap.

No, nothing is stripped. The sheet metal nut thing that goes on the end of the post is gone. I could just put the screw into the end of the plastic post but I doubt that will hold long term, especially on the highway. I think by the time I tightened it enough for my comfort, the plastic would crack. That’s probably why Chrysler capped it with a nut in the first place.
I like your idea about filling the hole. I had thought of that but then, again, I’d just be filling plastic and I’m not confident in that holding long term.

 

[Sam Solo]

If you can’t find any, take some thin aluminum and shape it around a wooden dowel closest to the size you need as best you can to make it tight. Drill an appropriate size hole in the middle.

Lowes, Home Depot and ACE hardware stores sell thin aluminum in smaller sized sheets.

Fabrication 101! Great idea! I don’t know why I didn’t think of that myself! This would certainly be within my skill set. I even have some scrap galvanized sheet metal in the garage, close to, if not the same thickness!
Thanks!

 

[MountaineerTom]

Fabrication 101! Great idea! I don’t know why I didn’t think of that myself! This would certainly be within my skill set. I even have some scrap galvanized sheet metal in the garage, close to, if not the same thickness!
Thanks!

It may or may not work, but hopefully it does. : )

 

[RussTJ]

How about a plastic anchor? You could cut it to length and glue it in. They come in different sizes and are available at any hardware store.

 

[05 Blue Unlimited]

I’d just be filling plastic and I’m not confident in that holding long term.

No matter what you end up doing you will be attaching to plastic. As for torque, use a thread tight product to hold the screw in.

 

[Sam Solo]

How about a plastic anchor?

As for torque, use a thread tight product to hold the screw in.

These are great ideas guys! Thanks! However, another member pm'd me saying that he's switching to different wheels in a week or two and he could send me his off of his center caps. I appreciate all the suggestions. This is a neat forum the way people jump in and help figure out a way with all sorts of issues. Even the silly stuff like center cap nuts!
If it doesnt work out with the forum member sending me his from his center caps, I'll definitely be using these suggestions. Maybe even make a youtube video! I'll keep you posted.
Thanks again!