Trim ring restoration?

[Terry F.]

Are there any people out there that can disassemble and restore trim rings? Just wondering, Terry

[Dick C.]

Re: Trim ring restoration?

Had a set restored in Fall River, Massachusetts. If interested e-mail me.

[Dave S.]

Re: Trim ring restoration?

Terry,
Most people are not aware that trim rimgs were originally flash chromed. If you have them polished they will have the polished stainless look which is not exactly as original. As Dick suggests the only method of restoration that i am aware of is buffing which will usually remove the original chrome. The fellow he refers to in Fall River did a set for me as well and they came out nice.

[Terry F.]

Re: Trim ring restoration?

That's a knew on on me. I never heard that they were flash chromed. Interesting. I will start to look at them closer. I am putting together a set for my 68 project and would like them to look nice. Any suggestions on how to take them on and off without messing them up? They are a bear cat it seems. I mess up a perfectly good one once trying to get it to snap on. Would lowering the air in the tire help getting them on and off? Thanks for the comments, Terry

[Dave S.]

Re: Trim ring restoration?

Terry,

Installation is easy. Just take your time and be sure the clips are properly lined up over the edge of the wheel. One at a time be sure each clip is right and then hit it w/ a rubber hammer. Good luck

[Dick C.]

Re: Trim ring restoration?

Terry, I emailed you the info on the guy in Fall River. My solution was one set on my bias tires and one set on my radials. Use only a rubber mallet and only hit the ring at the clip. Make sure the clips are in the correct position. Start hitting the ring at the clip with the mallet, lightly at first. Increase the impact until the clip is secure. Then hit the opposite one while keeping a hand on the first one so it won't pop off. Do the same with the other two. Taking them off, I use a large flat screwdriver placed between the clip and the rim and TWIST the screwdriver to pop the clip. Take your time.

[Tracy C.]

Re: Trim ring restoration?

I seem to have better luck with the weight off the wheels (jacked up) and low tire pressure. Using open palms at opposing sides, press partially on and rotate the wheel 90 degrees and repeat.

I'd avoid using a dead blow hammer. Figure if I loose my patience with a hammer in my hand, BAD things gonna happen to that restored trim ring...

[Harmon C.]

Re: Trim ring Removal Tip

I use two ice picks or scratch awls between the clip and the wheel on each end of the three prong clip. Sometimes a screwdriver will be needed to finish the job but the clip will be loose. Do this four times and you will never damage a high priced NOS ring. Lyle's Tip of the week !!

[Terry F.]

Re: Trim ring restoration?

I had a nice trim ring once. I smacked it with a rubber hammer at the clip and then I noticed I could see an outline of the clip at that spot:( That was the first time I ever put one on. It seems they are difficult to attach without the rubber hammer. Thanks for all the information. I will be extra careful next time. Terry

[Steve lischynsky]

Trim ring

Can you post the name of the Fall River guy and number??

Steve L
73 coupe since new

[Dick C.]

Re: Trim ring

Does nice work and starting to get busy.
Brightworks Restoration - Steven Grace
136 Kennedy St
Fall River, MA 02721
1-508- 672-5931