Taxi cab hubcap ads

Here in Okinawa, the taxi cabs have starting advertising a company on hubcaps. They look like some kind of shell that fits where a hubcap usually would go. It’s the first time I’ve seen this particular method of propaganda distribution.

What I can’t figure out is how they stay upright. The ads stay orientated while the wheels turn. When the car takes off, they roll a little clockwise, not far though. It’s gotta be simple, else I would imagine prohibitive costs.

I’m seriously considering taking one off a cab, just to see how the damn things are put together. Save me from yet another foray into a foreign nation’s legal system and tell me how these freaky things work!

My guess is that he sign is weighted at the bottom and pivots around the center.

Astroglide, the concept of a shell of sorts fitting over a wheel hub is nothing new; I know I’ve seen odometers mounted on semitrailer wheel hubs for as long as I can remember.

My WAG: Weld a rim just inside the rim of the wheel. Build a hubcap with a ball bearing clutch in it. Put a lead weight at the bottom. Pop it in place and off you go.

–Tim

Astroglide, I was in a Wal-Mart the other day, and I saw a product named after you. It was a liquid on the “personal lubricants” shelf. Did they steal your name, or did you name yourself for a personal lubricant?