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Volvo decals for Hydra center caps

I would like to clean up and paint a set of Hydra wheels. I have the original center caps.

Using the correct Volvo paint number for the wheels will make them lighter/brighter then the original center caps. Painting the center caps to match will eliminate the black design and logo. I don't like the look of a plain center cap.

Does any one have any suggestions for a reasonable facsimile of the original look?


--
Any twenty minute job is just a broken bolt away from a three day ordeal








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    Volvo decals for Hydra center caps

    I found a service that will reproduce decals for the Hydra center caps.

    For an 8" x 13" waterslide sheet that would contain 8 decals:

    One time set up fee 15.00
    Printing 32.00
    Shipping 9.00 Total $56.00

    Allrounderco posted the part number (1343663) for the Hydra caps on this thread and the caps are still available from Tasca for $12.14 (plus shipping and the cost of wire springs).

    So I don't plan to pursue the decal route. When I paint the wheels I will just order new caps and springs. The original caps can be sold to offset the price of the new ones.
    --
    Any twenty minute job is just a broken bolt away from a three day ordeal








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      Volvo decals for Hydra center caps

      That sounds reasonable. I'd definitely rather make the effort to match the centercap color (with them being so attainable and reasonable) than go the other way. And if I end up deciding to keep my wheels silver (always a safe bet, and of course MUCH better resale if I discover I really liked the 15"s better), I may do the same.

      Or maybe I'll buy your used set, stick them on my used wheels (sans painting) and call it done. I don't have money (or need) for new tires at the moment, so I'm free to think and rethink this (probably to my detriment)...








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    Volvo decals for Hydra center caps

    When new, I think that Hydras have a clear coat as well.

    I painted one set of wheel covers (flat, dished covera with 22 holes) maroon to match the interior of our '88 745 GLE - our high school colors are maroon and grey like the car. My daughter drove the car when she was in HS.

    For an insignia, I made a Volvo V 2 inches high and cut my decals out of silver reflective tape. When done, I saw that the center cut out of the Volvo V was a nice arrow.

    I installed the arrow above the Vs. I even made the arrows face the direction of rotation!








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      Volvo decals for Hydra center caps

      I've got a set of Hydras I'd like to have refinished, re-tired, and on the car by spring. As I need centers anyway, I came across an STL file for purchase which I can use to 3D print up a set. Why might this be of interest to someone who already posesses center caps? Well there is a version with the correct logo embossed into the cap. I think that's pretty slick:

      https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/gadget/volvo-hydra-center-cap-to-65-1mm-bore

      Don't have a 3D printer? Neither do I. But my local public library does, along with people skilled to get me going.









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        Volvo decals for Hydra center caps

        Thanks for posting this. I know absolutely zero about 3d printing but have bookmarked the file. As mentioned libraries sometimes have the printers and more are showing up all the time in peoples' hobby and work space.
        --
        Any twenty minute job is just a broken bolt away from a three day ordeal








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          Volvo decals for Hydra center caps

          Yeah, I know next to nothing about it myself. The university age son of a friend of mine has one, and I did get to see it in action. I found the file by accident when searching for the availability of the OEM caps. A reddit user advised that P/N 1343663 is correct for new Hydra caps. If that's true, they are still available, and quite cheap. I wouldn't even mess with trying to make them, except that I really like the embossed logo. My car is white, and I'm toying with the idea of going full '90s, and painting the wheels white, as well. Or if I stay with silver, I needn't be so accurate with color match, and can use DupliColor wheel paint out of a spray can. I've used it before, with decent results. I'll let you know my experience if I get to this before you solve your dilemma.

          -Wilson








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    Volvo decals for Hydra center caps

    Starting with a white or dark first coat on the wheels can help lighten or darken the final top coat to better match the plastic caps as long as you don't make the top coat too thick and apply it fairly evenly. Beyond that it would either be living with a mismatched or totally plain cover (both yecch), pinstripe masking of the black decal (PITA, destined to fail) or having custom new decals made up ($$). I'd spend extra time trying to custom match the existing wheel paint. I expect a good auto paint supply shop should be able to color match it without a paint code.
    --
    Dave -still with 940's, prev 740/240/140/120 You'd think I'd have learned by now







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