I picked up two pairs of 16" aftermarket sombrero hubcaps. These clip on around the outside of the cap, not like the original Cads. So they will go on any wheel. They are chrome. Two are very deep and two not so deep. I'm probably going to sell one pair but would like to learn more about them. I see no stamps or markings...does anyone recognize these caps?
I say just as you said... aftermarket. as to 16"... all I know is that my 41 cad stock wheels take 15" tires and the stock hub cap is totally different. does not grip at the edge.
I know these are aftermarket. What I'm wondering is does anyone know who made them, and what vintage they were made?
Those remind me of the ones you would see in the old late 50s early 60s J.C. Whitney catalogs....maybe if someone on here could look through an old catalog for you...
About half way down the page on this epic thread: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/traditional-wheels-part-4-full-wheel-covers.767836/page-2 Post by @rusty truck sure looks the same, box in the background says Calnevar (assuming that's the box the cover came from)
Urzi's Auto Supply in San Jose, CA. was a custom shop outlet for Grand Auto Supply, They had those, my bud Bill Segal worked there, was very knowledgeable. Bill said the deep ones cleared early Ford rear axles, were more expensive than the shallow ones, most guys bought 2 deeps (rear) and 2 shallows, (front) Most cars running Sombreros were low, skirted Fords & Mercs, so I'm wondering about skirt clearance also. (but I think '49 on up Fords & Mercs had more room than skirted '42-'48s) I started going to Urzi's in '54, so that era was closing fast...Rakes were coming in, and these Sombreros, Foxcraft skirts, spotlights, and pickup stacks were all on the 'closeout' table, I recall it being on sale for a year or so... Research an old Eastern Auto catalog, seems like they were part of that line. (Eastern Auto was located in Los Angeles! Go figure...)
@Phillips Yes, I think you are correct, thanks for that! @Atwater Mike thanks Mike, that's the sort of info I was looking for! I'll see if I can locate on of those catalogs.
Calnevar v161. Could be ordered with other emblems as well. Check out Rik hovings website. he has scans of the catalog pages if I remember correctly.
http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_...aps/calnevar-wheelcovers/calnevar-hollywood-/ http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_...wheelcovers/calnevar-dress-up-w/pa050013.html
Chris just finished with the refurbishment of the Sombreos - had the dents metal worked and chromed, then fit Caddy emblems. Once spring comes they will go onto my 41 Ford
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