Upcycling a Rusty V8 Hubcap


Upcycled V8 hubcap Table Lamp, Desk Lamp

Three years ago I picked up a couple of rusty hubcaps at a yard sale. They were part of a bigger haul which included some of what you see below.

Route 11 Yard Crawl Treasures

The hubcaps are sitting on the table, but besides those, here is a reminder of some of my flea market flips.

If you forgot any of the projects or would like to see how I transformed this rusty junk make sure you click on the links.

I might be missing a project but a lot of the other treasures are my sister’s.

Upcycled V8 hubcap Table Lamp, Desk Lamp

One of the hubcaps was from a Ford V8, circa 1936.

1938 Stuart - Copy
In it’s former life my hubcap may have looked like this.

Mine…not so shiny.

Upcycled V8 hubcap Table Lamp, Desk Lamp

If my hubcap had been in good shape it may have been worth something.  Mine was not in good shape.  There were dents and rust on the outside of the hubcap and rust had totally taken over on the inside.

Upcycled V8 hubcap Table Lamp, Desk Lamp

When I bought the hubcap I envisioned some kind of ceiling light, but once I got it home my vision faded.

So now it’s been three years and I spy this lamp in a local thrift store.  It’s not your normal lamp…it would have held a bowl or dome on top, not a regular shade.

Eureka!  I have a dome, it just happens to be a hubcap.

Upcycled V8 hubcap Table Lamp, Desk Lamp

Now I had to give the hubcap a good cleaning.  My grinder and an Electric Sander did a great job in getting rid of most of the crusty rust on the inside of the hubcap.

The goal was just to get it back to a flat surface for painting.

Upcycled V8 hubcap Table Lamp, Desk Lamp

The black part of the hubcap also had some rusty parts so that had to be sanded down as well.

Upcycled V8 hubcap Table Lamp, Desk Lamp

Taped off the silver part of the hubcap so I could spray the bottom portion with black spray paint.

Upcycled V8 hubcap Table Lamp, Desk Lamp

With a metal drill bit,  I drilled a hole for the lamp nipple.

Upcycled V8 hubcap Table Lamp, Desk Lamp

I was going to spray the inside of the hubcap with some shiny metal spray paint but opted for Rub ‘n Buff Silver Leaf instead.  I’ve used the gold silver leaf on a couple other projects and wanted to try the silver…it did not disappoint.  Just put a little on your finger and rub away.

Upcycled V8 hubcap Table Lamp, Desk Lamp

The top still has a few dents and dings, but we’ll just call that character.

Upcycled V8 hubcap Table Lamp, Desk Lamp
Upcycled V8 hubcap Table Lamp, Desk Lamp
Upcycled V8 hubcap Table Lamp, Desk Lamp
Upcycled V8 hubcap Table Lamp, Desk Lamp

Upcycled V8 hubcap Table Lamp, Desk Lamp

I have one more hubcap to transform and hopefully it won’t take another three years for me to come up with a project.

Have a great weekend.  Stay inspired.

 

Need more upcycled lamp ideas,  make sure you stop by my gallery of lighting… I’m sure you’ll find your inspiration.

 

Shared at Salvaged Junk ProjectsMetamorphosis Monday,

Wow us Wednesdays, Talk of the Town,

I was featured at

DIY Salvaged Junk,

 

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