Save Our Tubes (De Dion that is).

[Smart Enuf]

This thread got me to try an experiment. I went to the hardware store, got a pair of 3" test caps in the PVC pipe section,

http://images.hardwareandtools.com/T/6154587.jpg

sprayed on some plastic primer and Rustoleum Cobalt Blue Metallic paint, and hot glued them on. These are the results:

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/gal...php?i=2250&c=8

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/gal...php?i=2251&c=8

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/gal...php?i=2249&c=8

I drilled drain holes in the bottom to take care of any water that might get in.

Just drove 100 miles with these on and they remained firmly in place.

Total cost was about $2.50 for both test caps and $6.00 for the paint (plenty of leftover for future projects).

This also raises the possibility of drilling a hole through the center of these caps and attaching 3 inch chrome/brushed bathtub overflow covers. I saw those at the store and figured they could be used as well for the "blingier" look, for those so inclined.

[jwight]

Pretty resourceful! My dumb question of the day - could they be reversed so they fit inside the tube? I think I'd do them in black but that's just me. Thanks for taking the time (and the mileage) to come up with this.

[Smart Enuf]

That was my first thought, but the plug part won't fit in. It's 3 inch I.D., give or take, whereas the tube is 3 inch O.D.

[xcrew229x]

Hate to rain on anyone's parade, but if that De Dion tube is cold, and subjected to any heat source (like the engine), it's gonna sweat. Inside. Any plugs in the end will allow that water to cling to the inside, and rust. Airflow thru it is necessary to dry it. Plug at your own risk.

[kwagar]

I have no interest in plugging my tubes-don't see any reason but I did want to dress them up a bit and found these inserts on e-bay UK. Fasten with three set screws-look nice!

[jwight]

OK, cough up the source!

[a2jack]

Here is a fix and photo by Deezle. Wal-Mart SS coffee cups.

A2Jack

[kwagar]

Originally Posted by jwight

OK, cough up the source!

John,
I don't remember the vendor's name but I have seen them on the E-bay-UK site everytime I've looked. Just go to e-bay UK and search for smart cars.

[kwagar]

Originally Posted by jwight

OK, cough up the source!

John,
Try the link below for the caps. They are referred to as axle caps. Current bid on a set is 18.50 british pounds!





http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Nippers-SmartBits

[jwight]

Thanks, Ken. Price is a bit steep; maybe SmartBillet could come up with something similar.