The Right Tool for Wheel Rebadge

[dsiles]

All,

Just received in my wheel centers for my 2012 Genesis R-Spec and wing for the back. Looking to do the swap this weekend, but for those that have done the center cap swap, looking for some advice of those before me.

What is the best tool to remove the center cap, I see on the replacements there is a good deal of hooks that need to be released. I saw many posts about doing a heat and replace for wheel centers, but I don't think that applies for the 2012 R-Spec 19" wheels. Size wise they appear to be a one for one swap.

Did you use a screw driver or something software like a plastic putty knife to save the metal on metal rims, etc.

I appreciate any insight and I will try and capture video of my swap so there is some help for those that come after me as well.

 

[scottdk]

All,

Just received in my wheel centers for my 2012 Genesis R-Spec and wing for the back. Looking to do the swap this weekend, but for those that have done the center cap swap, looking for some advice of those before me.

What is the best tool to remove the center cap, I see on the replacements there is a good deal of hooks that need to be released. I saw many posts about doing a heat and replace for wheel centers, but I don't think that applies for the 2012 R-Spec 19" wheels. Size wise they appear to be a one for one swap.

Did you use a screw driver or something software like a plastic putty knife to save the metal on metal rims, etc.

I appreciate any insight and I will try and capture video of my swap so there is some help for those that come after me as well.

The "heat and replace" you mentioned also applies to the R Spec wheels. All of the Genesis sedan wheels use the same center flying H, which is the same size wing sticky also.

for the entire plastic cab removal, notice that there is a little tab to insert a tool to pry off.......the tool in your trunk is a great tool to remove the caps or any flathead screwdriver.

 

[dsiles]

Scott,

Thanks for the info and tip about the notch, I hadn't noticed it.

 

[scottdk]

Scott,

Thanks for the info and tip about the notch, I hadn't noticed it.

Glad I can help

I just re-read your post and I didn't quite understand what you meant....I didn't realize you have an R Spec, so you DO NOT have the pop off plastic cap in order to access the lug nuts.

SO - Just tape up the edge of the wheel around the center cap (electrical tape works well and is thick) and maybe use a very small flathead screw driver if you have one. Otherwise a puddy knife would probably work also.

Also, not sure what you mean by this -

What is the best tool to remove the center cap, I see on the replacements there is a good deal of hooks that need to be released.

 

[dsiles]

Thanks for the help. I did use a small screw driver and after the first wheel which left the slightest mark on the rim the rest went smooth. I am now rebadged on the wheels and trunk while passing on the hood. I ordered my airbag yesterday as well.

Pictures attached.

 

[scottdk]

Thanks for the help. I did use a small screw driver and after the first wheel which left the slightest mark on the rim the rest went smooth. I am now rebadged on the wheels and trunk while passing on the hood. I ordered my airbag yesterday as well.

Pictures attached.

Looks outstanding, congrats