'72 teardrop hubcaps

[rdefabri]

I have a chance to acquire some original teardrop hubcaps for my '72 240Z. They are mildly worn, but in good shape.

One thing I've noticed is that the ads I look at show the hubs in different hues - dark gray and a lighter, almost silver color.

Were multiple colors offered for the Z? If so, was there a color scheme followed (e.g., red cars got the dark gray)?

Thanks - trying to get the car to be "correct" - appreciate the help!

Rich

[Arne]

Color all started out the same, I believe. Perhaps slight differences due to different batches of paint at the factory, but that'd be about it. In my experience, the factory paint fades towards silver with years of exposure. The darker color you see (I'd call it a medium gray) is more correct.

[Mike B]

Arne is right, they were all one color of grey originally. The paint that Les at Classic Datsun sells is supposed to be a correct match. I have also seen someone use off the shelf Graphite color rattlecan paint that matched pretty well. Make sure you have a good look at the backs of any you consider buying as they tend to rust easily. Also take a good look at the chrome on the front for pits. These caps were used from 1972 through 1978 so they are a lot more common than the earlier D caps.

-Mike

[rdefabri]

Thanks guys, I'll check with Les on the paint.

Mike - when you say they rust - aren't they plastic? I believe there is a retaining right that goes around the edge, but what else would rust?

I am getting these for a song - $20 for a set. I've seen them, they look good, so it's worth the risk. Just want to understand what I might be facing if I try to refresh them.

[Arne]

The paint that Les at Classic Datsun sells is supposed to be a correct match.

I used Les' paint on my tail trim, it looks to be a very good approximation for the later hubcap color, as I remember it.

I have also seen someone use off the shelf Graphite color rattlecan paint that matched pretty well.

As it happens, I'm doing a refresh on a set of aftermarket mags, and wanted to paint some accents on them. I'm using Plasticote #5432 (coincidentally a Nissan color) on those wheels, and that is a fairly close match too.

These caps were used from 1972 through 1978 so they are a lot more common than the earlier D caps.

Close, '72 through '76. The '77 and '78 280Zs had silver plastic wheel covers.

[Arne]

when you say they rust - aren't they plastic?

Nope, the proper '72-76 hubcaps are stamped steel, plated and then painted.

[rdefabri]

Nope, the proper '72-76 hubcaps are stamped steel, plated and then painted.

Wow, I did not know that! We're the "D" hubcaps stamped steel as well? No wonder they run $500+!

[Arne]

Wow, I did not know that! We're the "D" hubcaps stamped steel as well? No wonder they run $500+!

Yup, all steel until the plastic ones in '77.

[Mike B]

I am getting these for a song - $20 for a set. I've seen them, they look good, so it's worth the risk.

Well, for $20 a set you can't go wrong.

Close, '72 through '76. The '77 and '78 280Zs had silver plastic wheel covers.

Thanks for the clarification. I knew they were used on at least some of the 280Zs, but wasn't sure if it was every year or not.

-Mike