S30/hubcaprefinishing - Revision history

XenonzcarImporter: Fix: convert markdown link syntax to wiki syntax; remove broken self-anchor links

2026-05-16T23:35:10Z

Fix: convert markdown link syntax to wiki syntax; remove broken self-anchor links

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:35, 16 May 2026
Line 22:		Line 22:
	I began by removing the center ornaments. I used a pick to bend up the tabs on the retainer clips. The clips could then be pulled off.		I began by removing the center ornaments. I used a pick to bend up the tabs on the retainer clips. The clips could then be pulled off.

	~~![](~~https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap ~~refinishing~~/h_1.jpg)
			https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_1.jpg


	Next, the hub caps got a bath in hot, soapy water. After drying them off, I wiped them down with a wax & grease remover to make sure all dirt, grease & grime was completely removed. I keep a little PPG wax & grease remover in a spray bottle. Eastwood's Pre Painting Prep (or similar) would do, as well		Next, the hub caps got a bath in hot, soapy water. After drying them off, I wiped them down with a wax & grease remover to make sure all dirt, grease & grime was completely removed. I keep a little PPG wax & grease remover in a spray bottle. Eastwood's Pre Painting Prep (or similar) would do, as well

	~~![](~~https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap ~~refinishing~~/h_3.jpg)
			https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_3.jpg


	Once clean, it was easy to spot the dents & dings. A little hammer & dolly work straightened things out.		Once clean, it was easy to spot the dents & dings. A little hammer & dolly work straightened things out.

	~~![](~~https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap ~~refinishing~~/h_6.jpg)
			https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_6.jpg


	Next, I used paint stripper to remove the old paint, which is pretty thin. I put the hub cap in a large plastic tub that I got at Ace Hardware to prevent from making a mess. I poured a little stripper into a clean vegetable can and used a chip brush with natural bristles to apply it. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to prevent getting any on your hands.		Next, I used paint stripper to remove the old paint, which is pretty thin. I put the hub cap in a large plastic tub that I got at Ace Hardware to prevent from making a mess. I poured a little stripper into a clean vegetable can and used a chip brush with natural bristles to apply it. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to prevent getting any on your hands.

	~~![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_7.jpg)~~

	The old paint started to wrinkle within a few seconds of applying the paint stripper.~~![](~~https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap ~~refinishing~~/h_8.jpg)		https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_7.jpg


			The old paint started to wrinkle within a few seconds of applying the paint stripper.
			https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_8.jpg


			I rinsed the caps off and used a green scouring pad to remove all of the old paint. Repeat as needed to remove all of the old paint.
			https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_9.jpg

	I rinsed the caps off and used a green scouring pad to remove all of the old paint. Repeat as needed to remove all of the old paint.![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_9.jpg)

	Now it's time to mask off the areas that won't be painted. I used Scotch green tape. The 1/4" tape is perfect for outlining the scallops and the outer edges of the hub cap. I found it easier to stick a small section of the 3/4" tape in the "corners" of the scallops and trim to size with an X-acto knife. The 1/4" tape bunches up on the inside of the bend in the tight corners		Now it's time to mask off the areas that won't be painted. I used Scotch green tape. The 1/4" tape is perfect for outlining the scallops and the outer edges of the hub cap. I found it easier to stick a small section of the 3/4" tape in the "corners" of the scallops and trim to size with an X-acto knife. The 1/4" tape bunches up on the inside of the bend in the tight corners

	~~![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_10.jpg)~~

	~~![](~~https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap ~~refinishing~~/~~h_11~~.jpg)		https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_10.jpg


	~~![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_12.jpg)~~

	~~![](~~https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap ~~refinishing~~/~~h_13~~.jpg)		https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_11.jpg

	~~![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_14.jpg)~~

	~~![](~~https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap ~~refinishing~~/h_15.jpg)
			https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_12.jpg



			https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_13.jpg



			https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_14.jpg



			https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_15.jpg


	After masking the hub cap, I wiped it with a tack rag to remove any dust. Then I applied 2-3 light coats of SEM etch primer. I let the primer dry overnight, although it says on the can that it can be top coated after 1 hour.		After masking the hub cap, I wiped it with a tack rag to remove any dust. Then I applied 2-3 light coats of SEM etch primer. I let the primer dry overnight, although it says on the can that it can be top coated after 1 hour.

	~~![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_16.jpg)~~

	~~![](~~https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap ~~refinishing~~/h_17.jpg)		https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_16.jpg



			https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_17.jpg


	When I repainted the grille, rear finisher & hubcaps on my '73 I had a local paint shop mix up a pint of paint using the		When I repainted the grille, rear finisher & hubcaps on my '73 I had a local paint shop mix up a pint of paint using the

	["recipe"](hubcaprecipe.htm)outlined in Wick Humble's book. It is a silver/grey metallic with flattener. Fortunately, I had some left. I used a Sharpe Cobalt gravity feed gun to spray the top coat. I applied 3 light coats, waiting 5-10 minutes between each coat~~![](~~https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap ~~refinishing~~/h_18.jpg)		["recipe"](hubcaprecipe.htm)outlined in Wick Humble's book. It is a silver/grey metallic with flattener. Fortunately, I had some left. I used a Sharpe Cobalt gravity feed gun to spray the top coat. I applied 3 light coats, waiting 5-10 minutes between each coat
			https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_18.jpg


	Once the paint was dry I removed all of the masking tape. The cap is starting to look nice! I polished up the center ornament with a couple of Meguiar's products (see http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/s...ghlight=hubcap). With a polished center ornament attached this hubcap is ready to put on the car. Might not be 100% show car quality, but darn nice for a Z that is driven! Now I've got a couple of spares in case I lose one again!		Once the paint was dry I removed all of the masking tape. The cap is starting to look nice! I polished up the center ornament with a couple of Meguiar's products (see http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/s...ghlight=hubcap). With a polished center ornament attached this hubcap is ready to put on the car. Might not be 100% show car quality, but darn nice for a Z that is driven! Now I've got a couple of spares in case I lose one again!

	~~![](~~https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap ~~refinishing~~/h_19.jpg)
			https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap%20refinishing/h_19.jpg


	[[Category:Imported from Xenonzcar]]		[[Category:Imported from Xenonzcar]]

XenonzcarImporter: Inline image refs: rewrite to local archive; clean empty image artifacts

2026-05-16T18:01:23Z

Inline image refs: rewrite to local archive; clean empty image artifacts

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2026-05-16T06:38:35Z

XenonzcarImporter moved page Sites/Xenonzcar/s30/hubcaprefinishing to S30/hubcaprefinishing without leaving a redirect: Flatten Sites/ namespace; provenance preserved via ImportedFrom banner

← Older revision	Revision as of 06:38, 16 May 2026
(No difference)

XenonzcarImporter: Site import

2026-05-16T06:26:25Z

Site import

New page

{{ImportedFrom|site=Xenonzcar|title=S30 Hub Cap Restoration|url=http://www.xenonzcar.com/s30/hubcaprefinishing.html|archive=https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/hubcaprefinishing.html|fetched=2026-05-15}}

I lost a "Z" hub cap when I took my Z out for a drive recently. So I decided to refinish a few caps, one replacement and a couple of spares. After digging through my stash, I found a few suitable donors. The topic of hubcap refinishing has been addressed before, but I thought I'd document the steps I took to bring these hub caps back to life.

== Items Needed ==

* Paint stripper
* Automotive Masking Tape
* Dish pan
* Dish Soap
* rubber gloves
* scouring pad
* Paint Brush
* PPG wax & grease remover or simular
* hammer & dolly
* X-acto knife
* pick
* Paint

== Process ==

I began by removing the center ornaments. I used a pick to bend up the tabs on the retainer clips. The clips could then be pulled off.

![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_1.jpg)

Next, the hub caps got a bath in hot, soapy water. After drying them off, I wiped them down with a wax & grease remover to make sure all dirt, grease & grime was completely removed. I keep a little PPG wax & grease remover in a spray bottle. Eastwood's Pre Painting Prep (or similar) would do, as well

![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_3.jpg)

Once clean, it was easy to spot the dents & dings. A little hammer & dolly work straightened things out.

![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_6.jpg)

Next, I used paint stripper to remove the old paint, which is pretty thin. I put the hub cap in a large plastic tub that I got at Ace Hardware to prevent from making a mess. I poured a little stripper into a clean vegetable can and used a chip brush with natural bristles to apply it. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to prevent getting any on your hands.

![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_7.jpg)

The old paint started to wrinkle within a few seconds of applying the paint stripper.![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_8.jpg)

I rinsed the caps off and used a green scouring pad to remove all of the old paint. Repeat as needed to remove all of the old paint.![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_9.jpg)

Now it's time to mask off the areas that won't be painted. I used Scotch green tape. The 1/4" tape is perfect for outlining the scallops and the outer edges of the hub cap. I found it easier to stick a small section of the 3/4" tape in the "corners" of the scallops and trim to size with an X-acto knife. The 1/4" tape bunches up on the inside of the bend in the tight corners

![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_10.jpg)

![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_11.jpg)

![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_12.jpg)

![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_13.jpg)

![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_14.jpg)

![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_15.jpg)

After masking the hub cap, I wiped it with a tack rag to remove any dust. Then I applied 2-3 light coats of SEM etch primer. I let the primer dry overnight, although it says on the can that it can be top coated after 1 hour.

![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_16.jpg)

![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_17.jpg)

When I repainted the grille, rear finisher & hubcaps on my '73 I had a local paint shop mix up a pint of paint using the

["recipe"](hubcaprecipe.htm)outlined in Wick Humble's book. It is a silver/grey metallic with flattener. Fortunately, I had some left. I used a Sharpe Cobalt gravity feed gun to spray the top coat. I applied 3 light coats, waiting 5-10 minutes between each coat![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_18.jpg)

Once the paint was dry I removed all of the masking tape. The cap is starting to look nice! I polished up the center ornament with a couple of Meguiar's products (see http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/s...ghlight=hubcap). With a polished center ornament attached this hubcap is ready to put on the car. Might not be 100% show car quality, but darn nice for a Z that is driven! Now I've got a couple of spares in case I lose one again!

![](http://xenonzcar.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_19.jpg)

[[Category:Imported from Xenonzcar]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:01, 16 May 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{ImportedFrom\|site=Xenonzcar\|title=S30 Hub Cap Restoration\|url=~~http~~://~~www~~.~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/hubcaprefinishing.html\|archive=https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/hubcaprefinishing.html\|fetched=2026-05-15}}		{{ImportedFrom\|site=Xenonzcar\|title=S30 Hub Cap Restoration\|url=https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/hubcaprefinishing.html\|archive=https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/hubcaprefinishing.html\|fetched=2026-05-15}}

	I lost a "Z" hub cap when I took my Z out for a drive recently. So I decided to refinish a few caps, one replacement and a couple of spares. After digging through my stash, I found a few suitable donors. The topic of hubcap refinishing has been addressed before, but I thought I'd document the steps I took to bring these hub caps back to life.		I lost a "Z" hub cap when I took my Z out for a drive recently. So I decided to refinish a few caps, one replacement and a couple of spares. After digging through my stash, I found a few suitable donors. The topic of hubcap refinishing has been addressed before, but I thought I'd document the steps I took to bring these hub caps back to life.
Line 22:		Line 22:
	I began by removing the center ornaments. I used a pick to bend up the tabs on the retainer clips. The clips could then be pulled off.		I began by removing the center ornaments. I used a pick to bend up the tabs on the retainer clips. The clips could then be pulled off.

	![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_1.jpg)		![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_1.jpg)

	Next, the hub caps got a bath in hot, soapy water. After drying them off, I wiped them down with a wax & grease remover to make sure all dirt, grease & grime was completely removed. I keep a little PPG wax & grease remover in a spray bottle. Eastwood's Pre Painting Prep (or similar) would do, as well		Next, the hub caps got a bath in hot, soapy water. After drying them off, I wiped them down with a wax & grease remover to make sure all dirt, grease & grime was completely removed. I keep a little PPG wax & grease remover in a spray bottle. Eastwood's Pre Painting Prep (or similar) would do, as well

	![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_3.jpg)		![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_3.jpg)

	Once clean, it was easy to spot the dents & dings. A little hammer & dolly work straightened things out.		Once clean, it was easy to spot the dents & dings. A little hammer & dolly work straightened things out.

	![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_6.jpg)		![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_6.jpg)

	Next, I used paint stripper to remove the old paint, which is pretty thin. I put the hub cap in a large plastic tub that I got at Ace Hardware to prevent from making a mess. I poured a little stripper into a clean vegetable can and used a chip brush with natural bristles to apply it. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to prevent getting any on your hands.		Next, I used paint stripper to remove the old paint, which is pretty thin. I put the hub cap in a large plastic tub that I got at Ace Hardware to prevent from making a mess. I poured a little stripper into a clean vegetable can and used a chip brush with natural bristles to apply it. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to prevent getting any on your hands.

	![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_7.jpg)		![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_7.jpg)

	The old paint started to wrinkle within a few seconds of applying the paint stripper.![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_8.jpg)		The old paint started to wrinkle within a few seconds of applying the paint stripper.![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_8.jpg)

	I rinsed the caps off and used a green scouring pad to remove all of the old paint. Repeat as needed to remove all of the old paint.![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_9.jpg)		I rinsed the caps off and used a green scouring pad to remove all of the old paint. Repeat as needed to remove all of the old paint.![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_9.jpg)

	Now it's time to mask off the areas that won't be painted. I used Scotch green tape. The 1/4" tape is perfect for outlining the scallops and the outer edges of the hub cap. I found it easier to stick a small section of the 3/4" tape in the "corners" of the scallops and trim to size with an X-acto knife. The 1/4" tape bunches up on the inside of the bend in the tight corners		Now it's time to mask off the areas that won't be painted. I used Scotch green tape. The 1/4" tape is perfect for outlining the scallops and the outer edges of the hub cap. I found it easier to stick a small section of the 3/4" tape in the "corners" of the scallops and trim to size with an X-acto knife. The 1/4" tape bunches up on the inside of the bend in the tight corners

	![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_10.jpg)		![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_10.jpg)

	![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_11.jpg)		![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_11.jpg)

	![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_12.jpg)		![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_12.jpg)

	![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_13.jpg)		![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_13.jpg)

	![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_14.jpg)		![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_14.jpg)

	![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_15.jpg)		![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_15.jpg)

	After masking the hub cap, I wiped it with a tack rag to remove any dust. Then I applied 2-3 light coats of SEM etch primer. I let the primer dry overnight, although it says on the can that it can be top coated after 1 hour.		After masking the hub cap, I wiped it with a tack rag to remove any dust. Then I applied 2-3 light coats of SEM etch primer. I let the primer dry overnight, although it says on the can that it can be top coated after 1 hour.

	![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_16.jpg)		![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_16.jpg)

	![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_17.jpg)		![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_17.jpg)

	When I repainted the grille, rear finisher & hubcaps on my '73 I had a local paint shop mix up a pint of paint using the		When I repainted the grille, rear finisher & hubcaps on my '73 I had a local paint shop mix up a pint of paint using the

	["recipe"](hubcaprecipe.htm)outlined in Wick Humble's book. It is a silver/grey metallic with flattener. Fortunately, I had some left. I used a Sharpe Cobalt gravity feed gun to spray the top coat. I applied 3 light coats, waiting 5-10 minutes between each coat![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_18.jpg)		["recipe"](hubcaprecipe.htm)outlined in Wick Humble's book. It is a silver/grey metallic with flattener. Fortunately, I had some left. I used a Sharpe Cobalt gravity feed gun to spray the top coat. I applied 3 light coats, waiting 5-10 minutes between each coat![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_18.jpg)

	Once the paint was dry I removed all of the masking tape. The cap is starting to look nice! I polished up the center ornament with a couple of Meguiar's products (see http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/s...ghlight=hubcap). With a polished center ornament attached this hubcap is ready to put on the car. Might not be 100% show car quality, but darn nice for a Z that is driven! Now I've got a couple of spares in case I lose one again!		Once the paint was dry I removed all of the masking tape. The cap is starting to look nice! I polished up the center ornament with a couple of Meguiar's products (see http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/s...ghlight=hubcap). With a polished center ornament attached this hubcap is ready to put on the car. Might not be 100% show car quality, but darn nice for a Z that is driven! Now I've got a couple of spares in case I lose one again!

	![](~~http~~://~~xenonzcar~~.com/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_19.jpg)		![](https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s30/images/hubcap refinishing/h_19.jpg)

	[[Category:Imported from Xenonzcar]]		[[Category:Imported from Xenonzcar]]