Tracing back the gears of time, the story of Ford's iconic "P-R-N-D-L"

The Baby Moon Hub Cap: A Blast from the Past If you're a fan of classic automobiles and have a soft spot for Americana, you've likely come across the term "baby moon hub cap" at some point. These shiny, timeless accessories have a fascinating history and a unique place in the world of automotive design. In this blog post, we'll dive into the development, design, production statistics, and popularity of the baby moon hub cap. Development and Design The Baby Moon hub cap, also known simply as "baby moons," emerged during the golden era of classic Ford automobiles in the 1950s and 1960s. These hub caps are characterized by their smooth, minimalist design. Unlike their full-sized counterparts, which were aluminium, baby moons were all about simplicity and elegance. Made from high-quality chrome or stainless steel, baby moons were designed to fit snugly over the hub of a car's wheel, providing a clean and polished look. Their minimalist design made them a popular choice among car enthusiasts who appreciated the understated beauty of classic cars. Production Statistics While it's challenging to pinpoint exact production statistics for baby moon hub caps, they were widely produced during the mid-20th century, primarily as aftermarket accessories. Various manufacturers, including companies like Mooneyes, produced these hub caps to cater to the growing demand from car owners looking to enhance the aesthetics of their vehicles. During their heyday, baby moons could be found on a wide range of American cars, including Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge models. They became a symbol of the era's automotive style and are closely associated with the classic Ford automobiles that many enthusiasts still cherish today. Popularity Over the Years The popularity of baby moon hub caps has endured over the years, thanks to their timeless design and association with the classic Americana era. Car enthusiasts and collectors continue to seek out these hub caps to complete the authentic look of their vintage vehicles. Additionally, baby moons have found a place in modern hot rod and custom car culture. Enthusiasts often use them to add a touch of nostalgia to their custom builds, demonstrating the enduring appeal of these simple yet iconic accessories. Conclusion In conclusion, the baby moon hub cap is a classic automotive accessory that has left an indelible mark on the world of classic cars and Americana. Its development, design, and continued popularity reflect the enduring appeal of timeless automotive aesthetics. While exact production statistics may be elusive, the legacy of the baby moon hub cap lives on in the hearts of car enthusiasts and collectors, making it a cherished piece of automotive history.

As a classic Ford enthusiast, my journey in the realm of restoration has been nothing short of exhausting. The thrill of bringing a vintage beauty back to its former glory is unparalleled. However, this passion comes with its challenges, the most significant being sourcing the right parts. This is where classic reproduction Ford parts have become a game-changer for someone like me. For years, the pursuit of authentic, original used and NOS parts was akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. These parts, often scarce and very expensive, could mean the difference between a stalled project and a triumphant restoration. Then entered the world of reproduction parts – a world that has not only made restoration more accessible but also more reliable. Initially, I was skeptical about using reproduction parts. Would they fit correctly? Would they maintain the authentic look and feel of my classic Ford? These concerns, however, were quickly dispelled. Modern reproduction parts are crafted so that they seamlessly blend with the original components. Manufacturers use advanced technologies and materials to replicate parts. One of the biggest advantages I've experienced with reproduction parts is the availability of parts. Unlike original parts, which may have undergone decades of wear and tear, reproduction parts are brand new and often incorporate modern engineering improvements. This doesn't just bring peace of mind; it enhances the driving experience, making it safer and more enjoyable. From a cost perspective, reproduction parts are generally more affordable than their NOS counterparts. This affordability has allowed me to allocate resources to other aspects of restoration, like professional paint jobs or interior refurbishments. Moreover, the availability of these parts means less time scouring swap meets and more time in the garage, doing what I love. In conclusion, classic reproduction Ford parts have transformed the restoration landscape for enthusiasts like me. They bridge the gap between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of classic Fords continues to cruise down our roads, not just reside in our memories. They are a testament to the evolving nature of car restoration, blending tradition with innovation, and keeping the spirit of classic Fords alive and roaring.

INSTALLING A CLASSIC FORD DISTRIBUTOR 1932-1941 Old Ford Trucks, 1932-1941 Ford Passenger Cars and 1939-1941 Mercury Cars with original V8 distributor: 1. Check inner caps one at a time to make sure they fit distributor housing, sand them if needed. Also check to make sure once installed rotor does not hit the inner cap. After fitting inner caps put inner and outer caps together with the spark plug wires and set aside. 2. Mount coil to distributor making sure coil brush makes contact with rotor and copper contact is not bent. 3. Make sure the mounting surface is clean and there is nothing in the camshaft slot where the distributor mounts. Check to make sure mounting bolt threads are clean and free of dirt, set bolts on top of engine for easy reach. 4. Time to mount the distributor. Put gasket on base of distributor, you can put a small amount of sealant on the gasket. Place distributor on to timing cover using fingers to turn rotor to make sure distributor is correctly seated in the camshaft. The distributor will mount flat to the timing cover when correctly installed. If the distributor is not seated correctly you can crack the distributor case when you tighten the bolts. Now you can put the three mounting bolts in and tighten. Do not over tighten(snug). 5. Install inner/outer caps to the distributor and pop the bail over to hold in place. 6. Install vacuum line to distributor. 1941-47 (6 Cylinder “G” Engine) Old Ford Trucks and Passenger Cars, 1942-1947 Old Ford Trucks and 1942-1948 Passenger Cars/Mercury Cars (V8): 1. Make sure the mounting surface is clean and there is nothing in the camshaft slot where the distributor mounts. Check to make sure mounting bolt threads are clean and free of dirt, set bolts on top of engine for easy reach. 2. Place the rotor on distributor and mount distributor cap and turn rotor slowly to make sure the rotor does not hit the inner cap. If rotor hits cap lightly file end of rotor till it clears. Remove distributor cap and set aside. Leave rotor on distributor. 3. Time to mount the distributor. Put gasket on base of distributor, you can put a small amount of sealant on the gasket, be sure not to get sealant on vacuum rubber grommet. Place distributor on to timing cover using fingers to turn rotor to make sure distributor is correctly seated in the camshaft. The distributor will mount flat to the timing cover when correctly installed. If the distributor is not seated correctly you can crack the distributor case when you tighten the bolts. Now you can put the two mounting bolts in and tighten. Do not over tighten(snug). 4. Install distributor cap and pop clips on for 42 crab cap. If you have a 46-48 with the inner and outer cap you will have to install plug wires into cap first before installing caps on distributor.