MAGNETIC HUB CAPS

Mike Lane Mods has another great product for the wheels of our Fanhome 1:8 scale Knight Rider K.I.T.T. build. This Magnetic Hub Cap Conversion Kit eliminates the need to use the 20 screws (5 in each wheel) that hold the four Hubcaps on. Not only that, it uses magnets to keep the Hubcaps in place so they can be easily removed to access the wheel screw or protect the Hubcaps as the build goes on.

Included with this kit:

  • 5 x 3M-backed Powerful Neodymium Magnets (4 + 1 spare)
  • 1 x Magnetic Rod (for removing the magnetic caps)
  • 1 x Felt-backed Protective Tab (to help protect the hub caps on removal)
  • 1 x Soft-tipped Sticker Applicator
  • 1 x Set of 24 Chromed Silver Hole Cover Stickers (20 + 4 spare)
  • 1 x Fully-Illustrated Instructions

Installation

Start by removing a Hubcap and finding the center molding mark inside the center. I found it easier to remove the wheel from the car before adding this mod. Peel the backing paper from one of the supplied Neodymium Magnets…

… and stick it directly in the center of the Hubcap. This is a strong adhesive so make sure it is placed correctly before pressing it into place:

Carefully peel and stick five of the Chromed Silver Hole Cover Stickers inside the wheel bolt recesses of the outer Rim, thus covering the stock screw holes as shown. Use the supplied soft-tipped Sticker Applicator to seat them fully:

Then, bring the modified Hubcap up to your wheel rim and the new magnet should easily ‘stick’ to the wheel screw. Repeat this process on all four wheels. That’s it!

NOTE: To remove one of these modified Hubcaps, place the felted side of the included Felt-backed Protective Tab against the center of the Hubcap. Then, slowly bring the supplied Magnetic Rod close to the Hubcap center until it attracts the magnet inside. You can then pull the Hubcap away from the wheel. If you are gentle, you can also use your fingernail to pull the Hubcap off, but you may risk scratching it.

Thoughts

I love magnetic wheel covers like this! I have used them on a few other partwork builds of mine, such as the BTTF DeLorean and Ghostbusters Ecto-1. For me, the biggest advantage is being able to access the wheel screws later on in the builds – over time they can loosen or need to be removed. The second bonus is a more accurate looking wheel bolt area. The stock screws looked out of place. Once again, another great mod from Mike Lane!

If you would like to purchase this mod, head over and check out Mike’s Magnetic Hub Cap Conversion Kit here.