What is the easiest way to remove the stock wheel center caps without marring them and without taking the wheel off? I am replacing them with spinners I think. BTW..does anyone have one for sale to replace the one I screwed up?

 

Get behind the wheel and push from the inside. I know that involves taking off the wheel but it's the safest way.

 

This^

 

small suction cup or get a thin knife blade between the cap and the wheel and pry carefully

 

I tried Velcro and only managed to pull the black off from around the pony which bent and destroyed the cap. I hate the thought of removing each wheel for such a simple task. There has to be a easier safe way.

 

But the wheels are so easy to take off...

 

In the time you've spent thinking and posting about this, you could have done it. Swapping my summer to winter wheels in my driveway, one wheel at a time with a floor jack/torque wrench, takes me less than 30 minutes.

 

Yea you are right, I'm just a tired old man so it'll take me longer, but I do have all the proper tools and equipment. Was just hoping there was a short cut I hadn't thought of. Thanks.

 

Wheels must be removed for satisfactory results......So......

Have the tires balanced.......and be sure the caps are adjusted as you want them.

Have your kids/grandkids do it with your supervision.

Pay neighbors kid.

 

I assume they are hard to get off without removing wheel to prevent them from getting stolen.

 

Try using fishing line - loop it around the cap where the cap meets the wheel, and tighten the loop. once the fishing line is under the lip of the cap, pull straight out.

I don't know if this will work, but the attempt is not likely to damage either the cap or the wheel.

 

this actually sounds plausible. as long as the line dont break. some of those caps really hold in there

 

I've used heavy test flyline for things like this. Tie it tight with several granny knots. Works good for pulling teeth too.

 

The easiest way is to get some Scotch fasteners, put them on the center cap, then pull off the fastener with a pair of pliers. No need to take the wheels off.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...v8QYR9jaeG7ToA

 

Thanks but this does not work on the 2014 standard 18" center cap. It did pull of the black plastic around the Pony, thereby destroying the cap. I did finally remove each wheel one by painful one and knocked them out from the back.

Fishing line would not begin the fit between the wheel and the cap..although it was a good idea.

 

Bill, how do you physically feel after pulling all those wheels? I gave my "Lola Mae" her first hand washing and detailed waxing yesterday. Lemme tell ya, I was exhausted last night. But today, I feel like I've gained some body strength after that lengthy task. So much so, I'll be washing and hand waxing Mom's '01 Grand Marquis LS on Monday. I hate getting old, but the Marquis needs protection from the rays. Lola Mae is priority in regard to garage space.

 

Hi Bill. I will feel better tomorrow after I get her washed and dried. Still resting up from wheel episode and installing the side scoops too.