rlafash

The 62 Stafire I just purchased has original, full, spinner, body color painted wheel covers. However, there is no way to keep them in place on the wheels. I'm guessing that there are some type of "clips" that are missing from either the wheel covers or the wheel rims. There is no clear evidence of where such clips were attached on either the wheel covers or the wheels. Any information on how these wheel covers are attached and if and where the missing "clips" can be obtained, is appreciated.

rocketraider

Welcome to the pleasuredome of early 60s Oldsmobiles!

You are correct in that these wheel covers use special spring clips to hold them onto the wheel. You may also notice they have no valve stem holes. To check tire pressure the covers have to be popped out far enough to access the valve stems. Why? who knows. But Oldsmobile was obsessed with hiding as many fasteners as possible.

You'll see a "rim" on the inside of the wheelcover. The clips hook onto those, then they have to be positioned against the outer edge of the wheel and snapped into place.

The clips are used 1957-60 and then again 62-63; 1961 clips are a breed unto themselves. You should be able to get them from www.fusick.com

My personal opinion of these wheelcovers is that they are a PITA and more trouble than they're worth, but to have a factory correct car it's them or nothing unless you use the dogbowl caps and trim rings, and they look pretty plain on a Starfire though they look great on a Ninety Eight. Then there's the matter of finding 1961-62 trim rings.

If you don't mind a little variation from stock that will keep the three-bar spinner appearance, find a set of 1963 or 1964 PO3 Custom Wheel Discs. They look similar but are heavy diecast and have a Lucite center piece with the same Oldsworld emblem that's stamped into your current set. And they do NOT use those damned clips!

Difference in 1963 and 64 is the center piece is larger on the 64 part.