Whats the trick to removing center crest/wreath from hubcaps???

[d307p]

I am going to take the hubcaps from my '76 Eldorado to a graphics shop to have black vinyl added to make them look original.  Problem is I can't get the crest and wreath off.  There are little locking type washers that don't screw on and off. The posts of the crest are plastic so I don't want to use a flathead punch and small hammer.  I tried to use a tiny screwdriver to pry the locks open in the cuts, but could not get them to pry open.  Any suggestions?

[cadillactim]

I've removed lots of these, and most of the time you will end up breaking some of the pins when you try to pry off the spring steel clips. The safest way to remove them is cut the clip off with a dremel cut off wheel. Just cut one side of the clip off, then remove the rest of the clip.  You can get other clips at a hardware store that will work on reassembly.

Tim

[76eldo]

Tim is exactly right.  That's how I do 'em.  When you re-install, use a deep 1/3 inch socket to gently drive the speed clip back on by tapping softly with the cap supported on a flat surface, protected by a towel.

Brian