Hub cap holes

[DonMuncy]

A couple of folks inquired about the holes in my hubcaps in the photos I posted. The holes are made with a knockout punch (I have also heard them referred to as Greenlee punches, from the manufacturer of their brand name).

You drill a hole in the appropriate spot, insert the punch through the hole and wrench the punch to cut out the hole. They make a real neat clean hole. They are pretty expensive. I haven't checked Home Depot or Lowes electrical section, but I know Grainger and high class tool stores have them.

Mine are either 3/4 or 7/8 inch. I would have to go to the hangar to check for sure. Either size would work, but I have learned that some tubes/wheels have the stem in slightly different locations, and the larger hole would give you a little extra leeway.

You will want to check in the aviation section at Lowes for the exact size plugs available. I originally got chrome plugs until some smart-aleck told me they would look better painted white.

Don

[helitim]

Thank you Don

[1964-M20E]

I would double check the wheel balance after doing this. my $0.02

[HRM]

They have a very inexpensive set of Greenleaf style punches at Harbor Freight.

[DaV8or]

They are also known as chassis punches. Here's what he's talking about-

 

 

[chrisk]

Why do Mooneys have hub caps?  Do they serve a useful purpose? 

[DonMuncy]

They look neat.

[rbridges]

Why do Mooneys have hub caps?  Do they serve a useful purpose? 

 

just cleaner looking, I suppose.  

[smccray]

I originally got chrome plugs until some smart-aleck told me they would look better painted white.

 

[smccray]

Why do Mooneys have hub caps?  Do they serve a useful purpose? 

 

Because hub caps are awesome!

[Guitarmaster]

http://hubcapmike.com/bhc01-13.html

Perhaps this is where they got the name?

[Marauder]

http://hubcapmike.com/bhc01-13.html

Perhaps this is where they got the name?

Pretty funny and they look like the ones I have on mine.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[chrisk]

What size are the screws for the hub caps, and what is a good source.  Over the years, the slots have become a bit rounded.

[DaV8or]

Why do Mooneys have hub caps?  Do they serve a useful purpose? 

 

They don't need them, but they sure do enhance the appearance of your plane. After installing mine for those cosmetic reasons have also noticed that the wheels and bearings stay way cleaner. It may make no difference as the bearings are sealed, but I figure that by keeping the outside of the bearing seal clean it can only extend it's useful life. Great mod to your plane if you don't have them.

 

The only downside is adding air to the tire requires removing them, hence why Don punched holes in his. However this solution IMO detracts from the good looks and lets the dirt back in. My solution was to get Michelin Leak Stop tubes for all three wheels. I only need to add air twice a year now it seems.

 

Oh yeah, I'm pretty sure I gained at least 2 kts with the gear down and 1 kt with the gear up.

[chrisk]

I have a butyl tube on one of my mains.  It's literally twice a year that I need to add air. The other tires seem to need air every 4 to 6 weeks.  I have the tubes to put in the other tires, but have not taken the time.  I'll probably replace the older main this year and use that time to swap in the butyl tube.  --I got the tubes from Desser Tire

[jetdriven]

Both of my butyl Desser tubes failed. One didn't hold air past the first day. The other failed a year later.

[chrisk]

Both of my butyl Desser tubes failed. One didn't hold air past the first day. The other failed a year later.

I have a 1.5 years on my butyl  Desser tube.  No problems so far.  --Have others had problems with these?

 

Tubes seem crazy expensive.  $45 for the Desser tubes and $65 for the Michelin.

 

Also check out http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSAIB.nsf/dc7bd4f27e5f107486257221005f069d/9ce8b9c1995b8ab786257995006afb5b/$FILE/CE-11-47R1.pdf   I think most of these tubes are out of the supply chain.