Go figure...

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 08-10-2007, 12:59 AM

Where's that head-scratching emoticon?

My hubcaps need to be replaced. The silver stuff (it's NOT paint) is peeling off. They original equipment, and I wanted to get more of the same. Well, the dealership want NINETY BUCKS EACH for them! I bought one in the past for 25.00 on ebay, but haven't found any since. Sooo...I can buy alloy wheels fro the same price or less (if I don't get the expensive ones). Is this not weird, or what?

FWIW, I will NOT drive my car without hubcaps. A neighbor has the same make and model as my car (although there's is a beater, mine looks like new) and Intrepids without hubcaps look terrible.

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 08-10-2007, 01:01 AM

Darned "no edit" option! It should read: They ARE original ... and their car is a beater! My dog distracted me and Guitar Hero is going at full blast (DSs have a friend spending the night).

**PrairieRose** · 08-10-2007, 07:56 AM

I agree with you for not driving it without the hubcaps if you can avoid it at all. Most cars look awful without them. I think the way you feel driving the car is worth a lot..... . I mean it doesn't have to be new or even in perfect shape but as long as it looks like it's been maintained, kwim? Anyway, it's the pits how much they charge for hubcaps and other things like that. My dd's a/c knob broke off of her 98'Grand Prix. $27 for a plastic KNOB! Outrageous.

**YankeeMom** · 08-10-2007, 08:57 AM

I feel you. My dh's truck has wheel caps. Not hubcaps, these just cover the very center of the wheel. The dealership wanted something outrageous. Dh was able to find it online (not ebay, so check around) for less. Dh used GMpartsdirect.com

**Katybird** · 08-10-2007, 09:42 AM

You might try the salvage yards too. You may be lucky and find a set in great condition that you can pick up cheaply, maybe from a car that was low milage and garage kept and then in a accident that totaled it but did not hurt the hubcaps. It would be worth a look-see.

**latierra84** · 08-10-2007, 09:58 AM

im not liking this because i drive an intrepid too and so thinking about it costing $90 for each one makes my stomach hurt.

hope youre able to get some and for much less than 90. check the junk yard.

**cdmom** · 08-10-2007, 10:02 AM

You may want to check salvage/junk yards.

**Jaded** · 08-10-2007, 10:43 AM

I'd either check junkyards or post on Craigslist under Wanted that you are looking for them. Somebody might know someone who sells them. We have a guy down the road who only sells hubcaps. He picks them up off the sides of the road sometimes, so sometimes doesn't have a complete set.

Also, auto supply stores have that chrome paint that is really pretty good looking. Maybe you could just repaint them. Check auto body shops. They may repaint them cheaper than $90 each.

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 08-12-2007, 02:07 AM

DH is a mechanic, so we know to check the junk yards. I am going to wait a couple of months longer until I get my winter wood and beef paid for. THEN I will look into replacement/painting or whatever I decide to do. I am still checking ebay and other sites; never know what will show up!

**Libby** · 08-12-2007, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by PrairieRose

I agree with you for not driving it without the hubcaps if you can avoid it at all. Most cars look awful without them. I think the way you feel driving the car is worth a lot..... . I mean it doesn't have to be new or even in perfect shape but as long as it looks like it's been maintained, kwim? Anyway, it's the pits how much they charge for hubcaps and other things like that. My dd's a/c knob broke off of her 98'Grand Prix. $27 for a plastic KNOB! Outrageous.

I had that prob on my 98 Sunfire GT

Coincidence?? Hrm....but my mechanic was kind enough to fix it for me for free -yes the dealer wanted $30 for a new knob but the knob that fell off was still in perfectly good condition. What he did was he took pliers and with the car running - he blasted the a/c. Then he turned the dial minus the knob using the pliers to where the air got to be warm but not hot and not cold and guestimated that that was the middle ground. He put a dab of some kinda mechanic glue - epoxy? - on the inside of the knob and shoved it back on and let it dry. Just a drop or else it wills stick and you cant repair it. I think crazy glue would've worked just as well had I been bright enough to think of it

It worked like a charm and if the temp wasnt dead on - just turn the knob a bit more to desired temp

Cheap fix eh?

Originally Posted by Lori Biever-Launder

DH is a mechanic, so we know to check the junk yards. I am going to wait a couple of months longer until I get my winter wood and beef paid for. THEN I will look into replacement/painting or whatever I decide to do. I am still checking ebay and other sites; never know what will show up!

I think great ideas have been suggested - ebay, online sites, car wholesalers, junk yards, collision centres but what about the flea markets? They have the odd ball hubcap set sometimes as well - good luck in your hunt!