How to cut out center of hub caps???

[Jim Ross]

I need to cut out the centers of my front hub caps to make room for the new Dynatrac manual hubs. I'm sure someone on this site has done it, so how should I proceed? Dremel tool or are there better methods?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Bob4x4]

Hole saw is what I would use

 

[Jim Ross]

4 1/2 inch? I don't have one that goes that large.

 

[Shadrach]

When I did my 03 caps I didn't have a hole saw that big either but was able to find someone who did. Other than a lathe it's the best way.
David

 

[Grey Wolf]

Hole saw and Dremel works fine.

 

[seafish]

Hole saw is what I used. May have been 4 1/4", I'll have to check if you want me to.

 

[Jim Ross]

OK, hole saw it is. I'll check to see if the local HD has one in stock. None of mine are large enough. I'm not sure if 4.25" is enough or if I need to go with 4.5".

 

[seafish]

Looks like I used 4 3/8" and it was PERFECT, allowing just enough room for the cap to go over th hub,but NOT infringing on the the circular indentations on the face of the cap that go over the lug nuts. Here are a couple of pics…sorry they are as clear as I could get them. You could go with 4 1/2" but then IMO it would not be quite as clean, though it seems as if others are doing it.

The tape is laid out accurately and burning the one gives you a 4 3/8" hole.

 

[Grey Wolf]

OK, hole saw it is. I'll check to see if the local HD has one in stock. None of mine are large enough. I'm not sure if 4.25" is enough or if I need to go with 4.5".

Lowe's has a good selection.

 

[Jim Ross]

Thanks! You did a very nice job....I'll try to do the same!

 

[AH64ID]

For $20 the local machine shop put them on the lathe for me. I then got the centers back and they are cool workbench ornaments.

 

[Bob4x4]

For $20 the local machine shop put them on the lathe for me. I then got the centers back and they are cool workbench ornaments.

Probably less than the price of the hole saw Around here I don't think you can get out off Maxine shop for less than a c note

 

[seafish]

For $20 the local machine shop put them on the lathe for me. I then got the centers back and they are cool workbench ornaments.

For $20, the local machine MAY decide to answer my question when I walk in the door…LOL

With the hole saw you get "trophy" center also…just need to use the pilot drill hole to mount it with a screw.

 

[Wayne M.]

I used a lathe. Once the center is found, a holesaw would be fine.

 

[RVTRKN]

Make several slash marks near the center of the hub cap, Put the hub cap on the rear with it jacked up and let run in gear at idle, the slash marks will show as a perfect center as it turns. That is your center mark that you use for a center punch for the pilot drill to a hole saw. Post some pics when your done.

 

[brods]

I used a lathe. Once the center is found, a holesaw would be fine.

How did you chuck it up? I figured the plastic was too flimsy to grip firmly enough to turn on the lathe. I marked the center on the inside (easier to measure), drilled a pilot hole through the center point from the inside and then used a hole saw from the outside.

 

[Wayne M.]

I actually had to think after I posted, but yes I grabbed gingerly the inside rim and found center. Once I did that I used a circle cutter like this one
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DZEEZS
slow speed on the drill press.

 

[Jim Ross]

I used a beam-type circle cutter similar to your's and the job came out very nice.
Thanks for your advice.

 

[Wayne M.]

I used a beam-type circle cutter similar to your's and the job came out very nice.
Thanks for your advice.

Please throw up a picture when done!

 

[Jim Ross]

They look exactly like the pics that Seafish posted above.