C3 Trim Ring Identification?

[William H.]

Can you help with identifying this Trim Ring? It's relatively new looking with bluish clips. But, it does not have the inner ring indentation that goes all the way around the circumference (which my 1970 originals have). Thanks for your help. Bill

[Russ S.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Identification?

It appears to me to be a GM trim ring approximately from around 1976. The earlier ones had a ring that was flat. They didn't have the curved lip.

[Bill W.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Identification?

Bill Can you post a picture of the orig. vs the later version . I dont know the difference other than the 70 would not have the wavy lip at the clip area .

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Identification?

Can you help with identifying this Trim Ring? It's relatively new looking with bluish clips. But, it does not have the inner ring indentation that goes all the way around the circumference (which my 1970 originals have). Thanks for your help. Bill

It looks to me like the outer lip has been loosened so the ring with the mounting clips can be rotated for proper early style orientation and then the outer lip has been poorly re-crimped. That would square with Russ' later 1970s evaluation as well.

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Identification?

Hi Bill W,
Here's an example of a ring that left St.Louis on a 71.
'Clip' is spot welded in place on the band. No mounting 'prongs' on the clip as on later rings
'Layered' inner band, 'flat' in profile. Not shaped like an "L' laying on it's back as on later rings
'Crimp' around circumference of ring is smooth. Not wavy as is often an indication that the inner band was 'spun' to align one of the clips with the valve stem hole. Often done to rings available through service to make them appear as those used in production.
Hope this helps a bit.
Regards,
Alan

[Sal C.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Identification?

I don't believe the "Wavyness" of the crimps has anything to do with whether the clip ring was rotated or not. I think it might have been an alternate manufacturing process, as I have seen un-tampered with examples of all three designs with wavy crimps. The only true indicator of an original ring, in my opinion, is the lack of inner lip as shown in Alan's photos

[Russ S.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Identification?

Sal, You are correct in reference to originality of the trim ring having the flat ring, but I think only when referencing the earlier shark cars (68-73)and maybe a little newer than 73. However, I think the later sharks had the flat ring with the turned up 90 degree "L" shaped ring.

I don't believe the "Wavyness" of the crimps has anything to do with whether the clip ring was rotated or not. I think it might have been an alternate manufacturing process, as I have seen un-tampered with examples of all three designs with wavy crimps. The only true indicator of an original ring, in my opinion, is the lack of inner lip as shown in Alan's photos

[Sal C.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Identification?

I was speaking 1970 through 1972. 1968 and 1969 would also be the same design, with 1968 having the clip ring painted black like the '67s

[Dave S.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Identification?

I was speaking 1970 through 1972. 1968 and 1969 would also be the same design, with 1968 having the clip ring painted black like the '67s

Sal,
Wavey crimps are one thing but most rings I see are what I call "pinched". That result is when the outer crimp is altered by a thin screwdriver (or ?) opening the crimp so the ring can be rotated. The majority of the first design trim rings I see have been "pinched". Wavey is one thing.....altered is another.

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Identification?

Hi Sal,
My experience with rings is such that when I see a ring is being advertised with a 'box' it's an indication that this is a service replacement ring and in the box will be a ring with the clips turned 45 degrees from the stem hole and a smooth crimp; or a ring with the clips aligned with the stem hole and a 'wavey' crimp.
Depending on the ring's era it may have the flat clip band or the L shaped band.
For me an advertisement of a ring touting that it has it's original box indicates the seller is unaware of how the production rings were shipped in the cars and the ring will likely be a disappointment for someone looking for 70-72 production line rings.
I have 2 rings with their boxes that I bought in 1971; they have the clips turned 45 degrees and smooth crimps. Of course in 1971 the location of the clips didn't bother me a single bit.
Regards,
Alan