FJ TRD Centercap Mod for TRD OR Wheels

Having a hard time snapping new center cap on. Thankfully I ordered 5 center caps but broke the first one, one of the tabs snapped off. I cut down the legs and in trying to snap on was unable to get that good click into place. The legs aren't too long as they are now even with the retention clip- I gradually cut down but it feels like 1 or 2 tabs don't click in. I have 2012 off road, any suggestions? I noticed spring on new center cap different but seems like majority not switching this. My existing center cap snaps in/out no problem. I still have 4 new I could sell but want the new caps on my truck. Any special technique/trick I can try? I almost/shoulda ordered 6 as shipping higher than part.

 

I can't imagine the rims changed what so ever but I do recall the clips being difficult to insert. Once properly aligned I placed the cap on at an angle and then pressed the remaining tabs in one at a time. It did take me a few minutes to get everything secure BUT once on there were no issues.

I am not sure what you are running into but pictures help things more than words.

 

Unless they are different, I had never had a problem putting mine on, I put it straight on and just hit it with my hand in the center and it pops on.

 

Thanks for input-my caps are cut down just like in your pics-I kept gradually trimming and trying to snap on until legs almost even with spring. Felt like 3 or 4 snapped into place but the last 2 wouldn't "click" in. I know when I put originals back on they popped right in. Sounds like you lined up and did 1 tab at a time. Did you just push/snap in? I'm not very mechanical but I had neighbor try ( he built an airplane in his garage ) and he couldn't get it either. I'll either try again or maybe sell remaining 4. Thanks for any/all help.

 

I do not remember a positive CLICK on mine either but I do recall pulling like hell on them after install and not having them release without angular pressure or mechanical removal (in other words they didnt just pop off).

Have you tried both sets of retention springs? (stock and new)

 

Update- finally have 1 cap on! Went back and read entire forum, figured I had nothing to lose and would try one more time with cap with the 1 broken clip. I tried to switch springs but the old springs are too small for the new center caps. I spent about 15 minutes trying/turning/rotating new cap and finally it held. Pulling on it seems secure even though 1 clip is broken. I think I'll drive around and if secure will resume with the other three. It sucks to be mechanically challenged, should be done and have pics by 4th of July. thanks all for help/advice, I'm sure I'll be back.

 

PS- You can tell by the screw up with the quote on previous post I'm more dangerous with computers than tacomas.

 

I'll be getting those put on with my next tire rotation

 

FYI- I purchased 5 of the center caps from ToyotaPartsZone.com for $55, this included CA sales tax and $12.95 delivery.

 

Completed center caps mod today. After finally getting first cap on I knew what to expect and next three were much easier. Glad I stuck with it, took a lot more push/pressure to get on than what I expected, especially after putting original back on. Thanks to all for advice/help!

 

Nice job, mcdee. I had the same issue with mine. 1st one I tried putting on, did the line up and hit with hand routine like I have done with hub caps for years, and broke a couple clips. So I had to line it up and "squeeze" it into place too. It's a bitch, but now I don't have any problem. And you know they won't just fall off. I bought a new one to replace the broken clip one, but have yet to put it on, its been holding with 2 broken clips for a long time. So you should be good with missing only one clip.

 

Nicely written thank you. I did all 4 this AM before work - only broke 1 clip but they all seem to be holding well.

2 things I would recommend :
1) SAFETY GLASSES are a must as there are pieces of plastic (usually molten) flying off the Dremel cutting bit
2) Do it outside or in a well ventilated area - my basement stinks to high heaven (burnt plastic smell)

I used a long wide bladed flat screwdriver to insert the caps. I hooked the bottom, engaged each side and when it came to the last clip - a little downward pressure with the screwdriver helped a lot.

 

Great points!

I guess the first one is a given for me and all my work is done in my garage (otherwise the wife would burn the truck and bury me in the backyard)...

 

Thanks for the idea...just ordered mine today. Although the black ones were $15 on the same site :-( but well worth it. Specially after I get my rims powdercoated

 

Does anyone know if this mod will work for 2012 TRD sport rims. And if anyone did it do u have pics....thanks

 

Yes, it will work. The 2012 Sport Rims are the same as they have been from 05, look through the thread and you'll find several pictures of the Sport rims with FJ center caps, you don't even have to mod the caps to get them to work, they should just drop right in.

This guy used the black centercaps:

 

I just did this mod on my 2012 Off Road. Followed the directions and this was an easy upgrade! Great write-up. Thanks!

 

What's the color code for the black ones? I'm having a difficult time locating them, I think I'm retarded or they're harder to find...

 

$20 PTR20-35081 TRD Center Cap

PTR20-35081