Why Were Center Caps A Necessity?

Are they wheel covers, center caps or hub caps? Are there variations in them? Why were they developed? These are just some questions to ponder whether they interest you or not.

Car lovers have always had a long love of hubcaps for years. Some believe that the art deco style of the Chrysler Building pays homage to the hubcap.

So, how did they come around to begin with? At first, they were required. In the beginning, automobiles used wooden spokes. These spokes linked the outside rim to hub where the wheel bearing is at. The wheel bearing is packed with grease. A cover was necessary to keep the grease in and the dirt out.

Now you know why it was developed. The center cap was covered with the little cap and the spokes were left open to the elements. Suffice it to say, the spokes did not have a long life. Polished and often decked out with pin striping, age made them unattractive with cracks. Old spokes could be heard coming from far away.

Toward the end of the twenties and thirties, steel wire spokes were developed. Center caps were still needed. Again, the spokes were left uncovered. The thirties, practicality became second to fashion. Hubcaps were stamped with the name of the auto maker in brass or stainless steel and they were bigger. Caps were supposed to be stylish; but the spokes still showed. They were complicated to clean and the wind noise when traveling down the road was maddening.

In 1934, Cadillac came up with the first disc that covered the whole wheel. It created a streamlined appearance.

Cadillac started using pressed steel wheels in 1938. Full sized hubcaps were used for the wheels. What is important is that Cadillac made this cover a symbol of comfort and style. It didn't take hot rodders long to look for old Cadillac wheel covers for the 1930-1950's customized hot rods. Those who owned Cadillac's started having their covers stolen.

The 1970's brought the beginning of the use of plastic hubcaps by automobile makers on the cars. Steel hubcaps were tossed aside during the 80's and plastic hubcaps continued on. Plastic automatically makes people think of cheap and easily broken pieces. That is not true with this plastic. The plastic used on hubcaps is weightless, resilient and tough. Some weightless hubcaps come right off a car. Keep in mind that automobile makers produce these items that are not all that perfect either. They also come off quite simply. It is not enough to have all these things combined though. All hubcaps have to have an unyielding retention system. A 360 degree, all steel retention ring is the absolute best. It simply holds on to the wheel and holds the hubcap in place.

Since you are now an expert when it comes to the history of the hubcap, you can wow your friends at the next get together with the information that you have learned. You may not wow them but maybe you enjoyed learning a little history that most people do not know.