Late 1990's. It was done because for cost reasons.
2002
Anything plastic on a vehicle wheel is there purely for decoration so it will not affect the function of the wheel but it wont look as pretty.
a plastic wheel cover normally clips on. Use a tire tool or screwdriver to pry around the edges and pop the cover loose from the wheel.
Start with pulling the steering wheel all the way down (use the handle under the steering wheel), then pull the plastic that is under the cluster out towards you, under the plastic cover are two screws that you have to take out. After that you just need to wiggle the cluster out, and replace the bulbs.
Try making a mould from it, and cast it in fibreglass, or you can even make your own high strength plastic from stuff you have in the pantry...google on...
well go to the big wheel and start making out with him thats a good idea
Start with pulling the steering wheel all the way down (use the handle under the steering wheel), then pull the plastic that is under the cluster out towards you, under the plastic cover are two screws that you have to take out. After that you just need to wiggle the cluster out, and replace the bulbs.
To install a plastic wheel arch on a 1998 Fiat Punto, first, ensure you have the correct replacement part and the necessary tools, such as a screwdriver and possibly a socket wrench. Remove any existing damaged wheel arch by unscrewing or unclipping it from the body of the car. Align the new plastic wheel arch with the mounting points and secure it in place using screws or clips as needed, making sure it fits snugly against the body. Finally, check that everything is secure and properly aligned before finishing.
You first need to loosen the plastic lug nut covers until they are no longer attached to the wheels lug nuts under the cover. After all five plastic lug nut covers are loosened completely from the lug nuts, you can gently pop the cover from the wheel. If the plastic lug nut covers have been damaged so they are not removable, you will need to get some needle nose pliers and basically break off the plastic lug nut covers. (The plastic lug nut covers keep the wheel cover attached to the wheel. The plastic lug nut covers snap into the wheel cover.) And then the game is on----finding replacement plastic lug nut covers and/or wheel covers......speaking from experience!!!
You can use a buffing wheel (stitched or sewn for a firmer wheel) and plastic polish, this will soften the edges quite nicely. Tip: do not apply a lot of pressur, just enough to soften the edges
Wheel center caps are generally made of aluminum or chrome plastic.
When the steering wheel unlocks,the shifter sometimes does not..Turn on key,see that the steering wheel is unlocked,then turn the wheel back andforth till the shifter releases.If it won't release,the plastic component in the column is broken. . .Very rarely does the plastic break,it just gets worn,thus making it hard to release. . .Parking on a hill without the Ebrake is what causes this to wear. . .Pull the upper column apart and replace the plastic mechanism and you will cure the problem. . . . . .