Creating your own custom center caps Step by step procedure Bill Donaldson Time required 1 2 hours plus drying time.

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1 Creating your own custom center caps Step by step procedure Bill Donaldson Time required 1 2 hours plus drying time. This procedure will instruct you how to prepare your existing center caps and apply vinyl decals. It is not intended to refinish worn or broken center caps, rather customize new products to ones specific desire. For my project I had American Racing ATA plastic center caps. These caps offered a couple of challenges: 1. The ATA lettering in the center caps was embossed 1/8. A cavity this deep below the decal surface will allow moisture and dirt to gather. Over time this will break down the decal adhesion and in time ruin the decal. I need to fill the cavity so that this will not happen. 2. The plastic is chrome plated. In order for the decal to form a good bond with the plastic the chrome will need to be removed. 3. The allowable decal area is 2 3/8. The closest standard decal size is 2 ¼. I need to remove the chrome plating in the center of the cap and leave a small area to serve as a transition from the chrome outer ring and decal.

2 Disclaimer: Neither the author of this document or any parties mentioned within assume any liability for damage of any piece resulting from either improper or misunderstood instructions. Follow these procedures at your own risk. Always follow the decal manufacturers instructions before you follow mine. They may have elements in their instructions that you must follow due to the decal materials or manufacturing method. Step 1 Measure the diameter of your center cap that you want the decal to fit into. This step is very important as it will determine what specifications you will give to the decal manufacturer. Some manufacturers use sell decals in prepared sizes usually in ¼ increments. Step 2 Order your decals. I ordered mine from F-Body Vinyl, This company is highly regarded for quality workmanship, price and variety. You will find many different sizes, styles and colors to choose from. Take your time and think about what you want and follow the ordering instructions, be specific when you order so that there are no surprises. Step 3 Using 150 grit sandpaper remove the chrome plating in the recessed letters and top surface of the center cap where the decal will lay. Take care not to remove the chrome plating beyond where the decal will lay. Step 4 Use glazing and spot putty to fill in the recessed letter area. To avoid cracking of the putty you should apply multiple thin coats. Give the putty ample time to set and harden before performing the next step.

3 Step 5 Using 150 grit sandpaper sand the entire gasket surface smooth. Step 6 Using soap, water and light scrubbing clean the entire surface where the gasket will lay. Clean the surface again using Isopropyl alcohol Step 7 Gather the following supplies: o Mixture of dish soap and water (fill about 6oz of water and add 1 drop of cheap dishwashing liquid). Do not add more than one drop of soap, it will take longer for the decal to dry and may result in your decal not adhering correctly. o Your decals o Your prepared center caps o Small Exacto knife o Scissors

4 Step 8 Using your scissors cut the area between the decals so that you only have to work with one decal at a time. Step 9 In my case I was working in a tight recessed area. I had to remove the front overlay on the decal so that I was only dealing with the circle. If you have the area to work with, I recommend cutting as close as you are comfortable with around the decal leaving the overlay in place. This is where the Exacto knife and a lot of patience come in handy. Step 10 IF YOU ARE USING REFLECTIVE DECALS REFER TO THE MANUFACTURES INSTRUCTIONS AT THIS POINT. SOAP AND/OR WATER MAY RUIN THE ADHESION CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS TYPE OF DECAL If you are not using reflective material, you are now ready to apply the decal. Using your finger, apply a generous coat of the soapy water to the area that you wish to apply the decal to. This step will allow you some forgiveness and time to center the decal.

5 Step 11 Remove the decal from its backing and apply a coat of soapy water to the adhering surface of the decal. Step 12 This is a critical step and one that requires patience. Place, do not press, the decal onto your center cap. Use your fingers to center the decal in the center of your center cap. Once you have the decal centered, apply pressure from the center of the decal outward until the entire decal is flat. Once you press the decal down you will not be able to correct the placement and may ruin the decal attempting to do so. Make sure that you work all of the bubble out from under the decal before allowing it to dry. Tip: Until the decal is seated you may use the Excato knife to get under the decal and lift it up. Use care that you do not cut the decal if you choose to use the knife

6 Step 13 After you have given the decal time to dry, and if you have not already done so in step 9, slowly remove the protective overlay. The time that is required for the decal to dry will depend on how much soap and water you have used. You re finished, put the center caps in your rims and enjoy the new custom look!