Original D Wheel Caps

[Graphx007]

I am in the process of restoring my original '70 D Wheel Covers and wanted to gather some additional info about them. Does anybody have detailed reference pictures of these wheel caps in Mint/show quality condition? Were the covers chromed or polished? What color is the grey area? What is the best method to restore the caps to their original beauty ( mine clean up well enough for driver quality)? Thanks for all of the help.

[Decoy12]

Try this thread, where Randy fixed his up:

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?29484-D-Hubcaps&highlight=hubcaps+D

[esprist]

OK. It is chrome plated and gray part is the same color as grille, tail lamp finisher(3pc), and (UK front air dam and UK, Euro, or JDM rear wing)

D center cap is plastic chromed with semin gloss black.

http://jdm-car-parts.com/datsunnissan-original-detail/truth-about-d-hubcaps-on-early-240z-cars/

Now early ones have less retaining ears(skipping teeth) that is for early car collectors' garage, but later ones have more teeth and practical.

Good luck!

[motorman7]

..... and gray part (of the hubcap) is the same color as grille, tail lamp finisher(3pc), ........

!

This does not seem to be correct. My original D hubcaps and tail lamp finisher and grill are un-restored and virtually untouched and they are no where near close in color or texture.

[AZ-240z]

This does not seem to be correct. My original D hubcaps and tail lamp finisher and grill are un-restored and virtually untouched and they are no where near close in color or texture.

Bought my car new on 3/71 and the paint color and texture on taillight finisher panels, D-hubcaps, and front grill was an exact match on my car. Paint is gray, and texture is what Wick Humble, who wrote the book on How To Restore Your Datsun 240-Z, called a match book scratch texture.

Dan

Edited April 28, 2011 by AZ-240z

[motorman7]

Bought my car new on 3/71 and the paint color and texture on taillight finisher panels, D-hubcaps, and front grill was an exact match on my car. Paint is gray, and texture is what Wick Humble, who wrote the book on How To Restore Your Datsun 240-Z, called a match book scratch texture.

Dan

Odd, will have to take pics. My hubcaps are definitely gray but the grill and back seem more like a flat black color with rough texture. Would have to rule out sun exposure as rest of paint is great , but could be exhaust influence.

[cygnusx1]

Anyone notice that this car has D caps on it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Datsun-Z-Series-240Z-1972-Datsun-240Z-auto-silver-red-interior-RARE-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem45fa2dbcd1QQitemZ300550044881QQptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks#v4-43

[esprist]

Technically they were suppose to be the same. But they are not.

You caught this one!

I just did not want to confuse Graphx007.

Due to different material, different production location, and date, they come out in different color.

My UK front spoiler, rear wing and tail lamp finisher, and JDM grille are not the technically the same color even though they are NOS original paint condition.

[7T1240]

The gray paint is available from Les Cannaday at Classic Datsun Motorsports...click here http://www.classicdatsun.com/

Then click on "240Z Parts", then click on "Misc". You'll see a page with three colors available in rattle cans - Air Cleaner Orange, Nissan Engine Blue, and rear panel / hubcap gray.

Gary S.

[26th-Z]

Boy, has this topic been thrashed over the years. An archive search is suggested from Her Majesty. In the mean time the attached pictures should help. 'D' hubcaps, or wheel covers, came in two styles. The early style had fewer spring clips to mount the wheel than the later style. The location of the air valve hole is different between the two styles. You are reading correct information here. They were chromed with the grey (anthricite), metallic, matchstick finish that matches the grill and the tail light valance. I know we have argued about this but I'm in the matching color camp. The actual center caps with the 'D' are chromed plastic with a black matt finish paint. There are other center cap designs like the chorme hexagonal center nut you see on early domestic market cars. Enjoy the pictures.

[motorman7]

From the pics, The original hubcaps and rear trim color do look fairly close. Les' paint is lighter but also 41 years younger.

A shameless excuse to show off my babies.

[JLPurcell]

I just gave Todd from the Indianapolis club two original "D" caps. Chris (26th Z) is correct. The gray matched the texture (matchstick) and color of the grill and tail light panel. I am sure that Todd would be glad to post photos but that would be redundant on the site. jlp