Centre caps for steelies??

[Propofol]

Just wondering if centre caps for steelies exist.

I'm worried about my front hub nuts. The surrounding area has already rusted since I changed over to my steelies and the same goes for the rears (although I'm not that concerned since there are no exposed nuts).

Thinking about painting them after I scrub the rust off but I'm also open to suggestions.

Cheers.

[Krakor]

That's a good question!

Mine are starting to rust too.

Anyone can give us some info on this?

[Noisy Crow]

Even with hubcaps, you will get rust... they don't form a seal against the centre of the hub, so water will get in. So, realistically.... there's not a lot that can be done. If you really don't like it, you can paint the exposed bits with Tremclad or Rustoleum. Or smear them with grease, but keep it off of the mating surfaces, studs, brakes, etc.

[mit-gee-mui]

If you meant hubcaps by the words "centre caps":

Yes, they do exist. Not many people use them though.
Some old discussions with places where you can find hubcaps:
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=11332&highlight=hubcaps
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=20671&highlight=hubcaps (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=20671&highlight=hubcaps)


Just know that only certain hubcaps fit certain steelies. (I learned the hard way on my 3.:bang)


Also, there are the kinds that cover the lugs such as the mazda6 ones
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y226/AJBOY_99/new002-1.jpg
Source: http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=28396

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y226/AJBOY_99/DSC00036.jpg
Source: http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showpost.php?p=232842&postcount=1


and those that don't.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y226/AJBOY_99/new001.jpg
Source: http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=28396 (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=28396)



:)

[Flagrum_3]

Even with hubcaps, you will get rust... they don't form a seal against the centre of the hub, so water will get in. So, realistically.... there's not a lot that can be done. If you really don't like it, you can paint the exposed bits with Tremclad or Rustoleum. Or smear them with grease, but keep it off of the mating surfaces, studs, brakes, etc.

I agree hubcaps will not protect the front spindle nut or threads from rust! Best bet is to smear them with black grease (litely smear) you don't want that shite getting on your brakes.For the rear you can paint it with some rust paint but I would suggest doing it carefully with the wheels off, or you'll have trouble getting the wheels off in spring.
I was going to order some baby moon covers for my wheels but unfortunately they won't work with the new style steelies.


_3

[JMAK74]

If spreading the grease ain't your thing (that sounds funny), then spray the area with WD-40 - you'll have to repeat that several times through out the winter.

JMAK

[Krakor]

Thanks for the pics MGM!

Thanks for the info from everyone else.

The paint idea might be good.

:chuckle

[mleblond]

I just used black caliper paint and painted the center black :chuckle

[Luxury_Tax]

What about those smaller caps that just cover the lugs? Like the ones from the B series trucks, or like what you see on police cruisers. I always liked that look. Would the caps from the B-series fit on the 3?

Flipdaddy, perhaps you can answer?

[chorizo]

What about this one.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/picture.php?albumid=61&pictureid=234

[Go_Habs_Go]

What about this one.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/picture.php?albumid=61&pictureid=234

interesting! does that fit on a Mazda3?

[Luxury_Tax]

What about this one.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/picture.php?albumid=61&pictureid=234

That is what I was talking about.

[chorizo]

That is what I was talking about.

More from this site:

http://www.centercaps.net/caps/listing.php?make=21

[ZeroChalk]

Just paint them black.