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Assembly Instructions - Page 3 - Installation of Adapters, Wheel Weights and Tire Valves

62 You will need the adapters, snap rings, wheel weights, and tire valves from the PSR kit. You will also need the brass wheel bushing and plastic brake drum from the Pocher kit. It is a good idea to paint the brake drums and trial fit them to the bushings prior to installation. They are very hard to remove once installed on the PSR wheels.

It is advisable to complete only one wheel first in order to learn the process. Not that it's difficult, it just gives you a chance to determine if different tooling or methods may work better.

63 OK, lets start. First off note that each wheel hub and adapter is marked with a measurement (i.e. 375) a number (1, 2, etc) or a letter (A, B, etc).  These are matched sets and should be assembled to with their corresponding mate. (The adapters are checked and custom fitted to each hub after the chroming process)

Note: The picture shows an adapter with the Pocher bushing already installed. Just disregard the installed bushing - I forgot to take a pic of the adapter by itself!

64 Grab a wheel adapter and a Pocher bushing - and position as shown (aren't digital camera's great? Just think what a difference it would have made if the Pocher original factory instructions were online...kind of a scary thought; an employee might have had to actually assemble one!)  
65 Insert the Pocher bushing into the adapter until the knurling prevents you from going further. Using a hammer, drive the bushing into the adapter. Take your time and care doing this, most of all, just don't over do it.
66 Now take the adapter assembly and insert into the wheel as shown  
67 I use an 18MM socket for this but you can use anything that will fit, as long as the opening will allow the small end of the bushing assembly to fit, and it is not too big that it catches the spoke ends at the back of the hub.
68 Set up as shown.  
69 Press the bushing in as far as it will go (there may not be a need to use a hammer, it all depends on how  much adapter expansion has occurred once the Pocher bushing is installed)  
70 I use a piece of wood to help protect the finish in case a hammer goes awry!  
71 Choose your method!

And then, hammer the wood until it (the wood) contacts the edge of the hub.

72 Finally, take a 10mm or other similar sized tool, and with light taps,  finish seating the adapter.
73 Install the snap ring on the backside of the hub.
74 Next is the brake drum.

Put the wheel assembly facedown on a CLEAN protected surface. Thick construction paper works well. Press brake drum onto bushing as far as it will go.

75 Use that same 18mm socket to seat the brake drum. (Tap lightly)  
76 This is what a seated brake drum looks like. The Pocher bushing is only protruding by about .005" - .010".

 

77 Next is the wheel weight install. Use tweezers or needle nose pliers to handle these little items.
78 I've found the best adhesive to use is some sort of a silicone adhesive. It's strong, easy to apply, and if it inadvertently smears - it can be easily peeled off. Auto manufacturers use this adhesive to install trim and badges.
79 Install the weight. You will notice that it follows the contour of the rim...
80 Leaving the weight as in step 63 is fine, but for a little more realism you can apply pressure to the wheel weight as show to have it sit almost vertical. A picture of an actual Mercedes 540K wheel is shown for reference. (Many thanks to Sebastian Morliere for the close-up - www.allsportauto.com)
81 Here is a pic of the one wheel weight installed. Only 27 - 42 more to go!!!!  
82 Next is the tire valve. This is simple. Cut the end so the "hex nut" is sitting flush with the rim. install some silicone adhesive and you're good to go.  
83 Here comes the ugly part. The plastic hub cap install. (I hear ya! Plans are in the works to offer machined brass/chromed hub caps shortly) For now, the best bet is to file the sprue marks from the back and then...
84 Take some needle nose pliers and slightly deform the flange as shown (do it on both sides of the flange) and then press fit hubcap into the wheel. Alternatively, you could also use (sparingly) the silicone adhesive.  
85 Congrats! Once you have installed all wheel weights and tire valves - go ahead - install on your Pocher and crack open the bubbly!  
86 I hope these instructions are clear and all parts install smoothly. If you run into a problem PLEASE contact me and I will do whatever is required to rectify the situation. Also, if you inadvertently damage or loose one of the small items just drop me a line, I will send out replacements.

Enjoy