I'm trying to install my new center caps on my "bullet hole" factory mags.
They attach with 3 screws.
My problem is that several of the screw holes (in the wheel) are missing the plastic plugs that anchor the center cap mounting screws into the wheel.
Has anyone come up with a replacement for these plugs?
I thought about using a drywall anchor that would accept that size screw (cutting the anchor down to size).
Any thoughts?

 

Look in the HELP! catalog at your favorite auto parts store.

 

Excellent!
Thanks!

 

Well, I struck out on the Help/Dorman catalog lead.
Doesn't look like they have what I need.
Any other suggestions before I check the Ford parts counter?

 

If you have at least one that you can remove, you can take it to a decent hardware store
and see if you can find something that will work. I had the same problem you're having but
with different wheels, I found some nylon inserts in the Help! section of an auto parts store
as those things are fairly generic in my experience and are used in lots of places besides
automobile wheels.

Gimme a few minutes and I'll see if I have something I can take a picture of....

 

OK, here's a pic of the things I'm talking about that fit my wheels, you might need
something slightly different but it sounds like they serve the same purpose.

If you need something different, pictures are helpful.

 

Perhaps those were intended for license plate mounting?
Credit given for thinking outside the box.
I believe that might work.

The hole the anchor needs to plug is about .35"

 

I've seen 'em used there, too. The Help! blister package I got came with i think a few
different sized ones, don't remember for certain.

As I said they're pretty generic and multi-purpose; try a decent hardware store (not a
big-box store like Home Depot)

 

I took your suggestion and tried the local Ace Hardware and found some small nylon bushings. They were a bit oversize so I took my dremel and made a cut length-wise.
Now they fit the hole snug.
After using a countersink to help get the screws started (the hole in the bushing was a tad small), the screws made their own threads and tightened the bushing even more in the wheel.
Looks like problem is solved.

As always, thanks!

 

UM - In my refinishing aluminum wheels how-to I give the part # for those plugs, which I got from NumberDummy. And, Silver State Ford has them at ~$.70 each, although there's a minimum charge of ~$12.

But, for you there's a better deal. I have several extra. Hopefully your hardware store bushings will do the trick, but mine are available should you need them.

 

Thanks Gary!
I'll give my hardware store fix a shot.
Hopefully they won't loosen up anytime soon but if they do, expect a call.

Snow melting at your place?

 

Snow is melting!! Tomorrow should be even better. Maybe, just maybe I'll get to drive the truck later in the week when it is ALLLLL gone. Changes from last drive, of any length, include new wheels & tires awa balancing, new front end bushings and rear spring bushings, new front brake pads, turned rotors and drums, properly lubed and adjusted wheel bearings, and badly needed lubrication to the front calipers. Oh yes, wash, polish, and wax. Wonder if there will be any improvement.

Btw, and not to ignite any M vs W wars, I drove my father's '81 F150 4x4 w/a 351M today. First time after having gotten used to my '82 F150 4x2 w/a very slightly warmed-up 351W. Both trucks have 3.50 gears and C6 trannys, but his M doesn't hold a candle to my W. I really do want that truck and plan to restore it, but I sure hope I can wake the sleeping M up.

 

My opinion: Turn it into a 400.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post9887870

 

Yep, I've read that thread and followed most, if not all, of the links. But, what all of that doesn't tell me is how a 400 with all the proper goodies feels compared to my 351W. Trust me, I'm not a W bigot. Until I bought this truck I was a Mopar guy. But, now that I've driven the two 351's I'm struck by how much difference there is. Maybe I'll find someone around here that's awakened his M and I can drive it and compare it to mine.

Anyway, thanks for the link and the thought.

 

You're lucky to have your dad's 4x4 avail.
Lord knows you probably needed it if the snow was as deep as it was at our house.

I parked the truck and drove the wife's 96 Landcruiser with factory e-lockers front and rear. Nothing like piece of mind. There were times I actually used them (lockers)!