Center Steering Wheel Cap is loose

[rasher]

My center cap is loose in that it flops around when I turn the wheel. It even falls off occaisionally when it works itself loose. Anyone seen this one before? What's the fix? Should I try bending the ears in or out? This is pretty embarrassing.
Thanks - Bob

[Alan H. Tast]

Bob, how many times have I told you to stop by the office and let me get a look at the thing? All kidding aside, you probably need to bend the tabs slightly toward the back of the center cone, i.e. away from the column, so that when you screw it back in it will press against the retaining ring on the steering wheel. It might also be that the retaining ring on the hub of the wheel needs a little tweaking as well by tapping the retaining lugs in slightly. Too much, and they won't be able to catch each other. Too little, and it will still flop around.

BTW, keep an eye on our local club's events calender for several upcoming shows in the Kansas City area, including City Market and several Ford dealerships, over the summer. Go to www.VTKC.com for the list. I'm hoping to have my '63 out and about for a few of these, provided I can get the thing to a drivable condition within the next couple of weeks.