Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 Wheels)

Posted By: filmsurgeon

Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 Wheels) - 05/11/14 01:41 AM

I just ordered a set of American Racing's Magnum 500 wheels (VN500; aka:AR500). I'd like to put a set of Magnum 500 (Bull's Eye) center caps on. Does anyone know if any of the reproduction Bull's Eye caps will fit the AR Magnum 500 wheels. Wheels are 2-piece polished aluminum. I have about 4 weeks to wait for delivery because they are custom built to order. In the meantime, I'd like to get a set of the center caps. I've seen that Wheel Vintiques makes them (I guess for their Magnum 500 steel wheels), Classic Industries sells that style of center cap (don't know who the manufacturer is), and I've also seen several listings on ebay, as-well-as the caps being available from other venders. Also, what was the correct height for the cap? I have seen caps for sale in several different height measurements (everything from 1-7/8" to 2-1/4"). Thanks for the help/advice.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wvi-5002-1

http://www.classicindustries.com/mopar/parts/md2307.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400667425764

Posted By: filmsurgeon

Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 Wheels) - 05/11/14 08:03 AM

Did I post this on the wrong Forum? Has no one put these wheels on there Mopars and used the Magnum 500 Bull's Eye Center Caps? Thanks.

Posted By: Daty Rogers

Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 Wheels) - 05/11/14 12:46 PM

Right forum, Q is what do like? Slim, stick out, spinners (which would make those wheels pop), it's up to you. No easy answer. It's up to you.

-Daty

Posted By: filmsurgeon

Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 Wheels) - 05/12/14 10:27 PM

I like and want to put on the Chrysler Magnum 500 (Bull's-Eye) center caps. I'm just wondering if anyone else has put those center caps on the American Racing Magnum 500 aluminum wheel. I'm fairly certain that the center caps will fit/work on these wheels, but I question whether the retainers/inserts will fit through the back of the center hole. Even if it does fit, I would imagine that the material thickness would be greater than the steel wheels they were originally used on, which would prevent the use of the supplied bolt that's used to hold the cap to the wheel. If that were the case, I would just use a longer bolt. I suppose I could just get a set, and try it out when the wheels arrive in about 4 weeks from now. If the retainers don't fit through the wheel's center hole, I could probably improvise and come up with an alternative solution to holding the center cap in place. Any other help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 Wheels) - 05/12/14 10:39 PM

Why not wait until the wheels are done, then bring one into Classic and try a center cap on it ?

Posted By: filmsurgeon

Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 Wheels) - 05/12/14 11:28 PM

Quote:

Why not wait until the wheels are done, then bring one into Classic and try a center cap on it ?

Not a bad idea. Had not thought about that. It would probably only take me about 45mins to get there from my house. Do you think they'll be agreeable to letting me try a cap on a wheel?

Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 Wheels) - 05/12/14 11:46 PM

As average as their service has become it seems...just ask them to pull one from stock so you can see if it fits your wheel. As long as you only set it on there and don't bolt it down, couldn't see how that would bother them?

That is what I would do at least, unless someone else has run a similar cap in the past and knows just what fits for sure.

Posted By: filmsurgeon

Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 Wheels) - 05/15/14 08:37 PM

Looks like the center caps will work with minor modifications to the back retainer/insert.

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=99165.0

Regarding lug nuts: What would be the proper lug nuts to use with these AR500 wheels? I assume something with a shank, but how long of a shank? I'm fairly certain that the standard acorn style (with the tapered end) that are used with the steel Magnum 500 wheels would NOT be appropriate for the AR500 Aluminum wheels. Is that correct? Thanks again.

Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 Wheels) - 05/15/14 08:54 PM

Most all the modern 2 piece billet style wheels I have come across use acron seat.

Just have a look at a picture of the wheel you are getting, should be able to tell just by looking.

By the way,looking up VN500 on Summit, and shows..

Quote:

Lug Nut Seat Style:Conical seat - 60 degree

Posted By: filmsurgeon

Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 Wheels) - 05/15/14 09:17 PM

Quote:

Most all the modern 2 piece billet style wheels I have come across use acron seat.

Just have a look at a picture of the wheel you are getting, should be able to tell just by looking.

By the way,looking up VN500 on Summit, and shows..

Quote:

Lug Nut Seat Style:Conical seat - 60 degree

Cool. Thanks. A little surprised because I would have assumed that with aluminum being softer than steel, and the fact that the material would be thicker than a steel wheel (where the wheel mounts to the hub), you'd most definitely need to use a shank lug nut with a washer.

Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 Wheels) - 05/15/14 09:21 PM

Nope...acorn nuts is basically all they use on current wheels. All the 2 piece billet stuff you get is that way. (that I have ever come across)

Only thing I can think of that still uses a washer and mag nut is things like Convo-pro, Prostars, Autodrag, Draglite, etc.

Posted By: filmsurgeon

Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 Wheels) - 06/04/14 03:52 AM

Got my new wheels last week and have been test fitting them to the car. The prior owner installed a Master Power Brake (MPB) 4-wheel power disc brake conversion kit. Although I'm not a fan of MPB conversion kits, I don't have it in my budget right now to change it. The front wheels fit perfectly with no mods needed. However, the rear wheels were coming in contact with the brake calipers. So I had to grind off a little bit of caliper housing material; maybe about an 1/8", but afterwards I have just enough clearance. Regarding the center caps: Got mine in today. They measure 2" tall (perfect). As far as the retainers, I decided to take a different approach. After looking at them, I concluded it wasn't necessary to cut off the tabs to get them in the wheel's center hole. All I needed to do was to bend them just enough to get them in. With the tabs remaining, it provides a bit more centering and support for the cap and retainer. I've included photos showing the bend angle of the retainer tabs, and the install. Hope this helps for anyone looking to take this route. BTW - the wheels are absolutely BEAUTIFUL, and the center caps are very nicely made repros. Thanks for all the support.

Posted By: 440sixpack

Re: Center Caps? (American Racing VN500 Wheels) - 01/02/18 01:24 AM

Dear Filmsurgeon:
I just ordered the American Racing VN500 wheel in 17X8. I have a 1970 Charger. I too am looking for bulls eye center cap to fit. As you know, the current AR center cap is a "snap in" style. I know this post is old, but wondering if you have any current solutions? thank you!