I just tried the knock off spinner tool made by Sarto Rocheleau in CA- this is machined aluminum alloy item which fits over the 3-eared spinners on my Kirkham Cobra and Safir GT40. Comes with everything needed included a wheel chock. This is the best and most effective tool for this that I've ever seen or used.
I have no financial stake in this, and I did not know the manufacturer until I search on line for this, but this is a beautifully made tool which will do its job admirably AND protect your knockoff spinners at the same time. Anyone with a Cobra and knockoff spinner wheels should own one. I have also emailed KMS, who built my car, about this.
We also own an old Jaguar, a Series 1 E-type, and I purchased the tool that he makes for that car as well. Fits equally well, and just as well made.
Seriously, all you need is an American Hammer lead mallet. Getting it off the first time might be a chore, but bang each ear in rotation until it comes loose, and it will, then be sure to use anti-sieze on it before reassembing (be stingy, you don't need much and trust me if it oozes out it's a mess). Tighten it by hitting on each ear until it "sings" - you'll notice a tone change in the sound when its tight and they all sound the same. Then you'll have an easy off with the mallet after that.
I have tried every thing including propane, lead hammer and 10 foot lever. I have a large specially made fixture that slides into the hub and over the 'wings' with steel arms to whack with the hammer or slide the lever over. Nothing. I have oxy-acetylene but worried about over heating the aluminum knockoff. Any suggestions welcome.
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #732, 428FE (447 CID), TKO600, Solid Flat Tappet Cam, Tons of Aluminum
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hoppy
I have tried every thing including propane, lead hammer and 10 foot lever. I have a large specially made fixture that slides into the hub and over the 'wings' with steel arms to whack with the hammer or slide the lever over. Nothing. I have oxy-acetylene but worried about over heating the aluminum knockoff. Any suggestions welcome.
But for the fact that it's an ERA, I would suspect the hubs are on the wrong sides of the car. Have the wheels ever been off the hubs?
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA Street Roadster #782 with 459 cu in FE KC engine, toploader, 3.31
Posts: 4,483
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You have probably done this already but it couldn’t hurt to saturate it with the best creeping, penetrating oil you can find. And I assume you do have the car sitting on the ground with weight on the suspension? It also might help to roll the car and work on all 3 ears of the spinner with a mother thumper 6 lb lead hammer, rather than concentrate on one ear.
I saw this thread several days ago and finally figured it was time to pull the trigger on an alternative to whacking my expensive car with a hammer. I picked up the set from https://knockoffspinnertool.com/ and am really impressed with how nicely made it is! I'll be using it from the first time in a couple of weeks when it's time for Spring cleaning.
Thanks to everyone for sharing their knowledge on this topic! Made it a lot easier to spend the money when I knew I was getting something good!
It also might help to roll the car and work on all 3 ears of the spinner with a mother thumper 6 lb lead hammer, rather than concentrate on one ear.
WHen using the lead hammer it is ESSENTIAL that you tap each ear in succession all the way around and repeat in that pattern. Doing one ear only will likely get you a broken ear.
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