Replacing trim ring clips

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Replacing trim ring clips

Ha Ha Chuck...no I'm just cheap!

Texan eh? Well let me tell you we're not to far off there ya hear! Aelberta up here is full of oil and cattle jist like ya-all got down ther.

Actually I'm, surprized that no one has done this. To be honest I did it on one of my service trim rings. I wanted to see if I could remove the ring that holds the clips and then turn it 45 degrees so that it aligned with the valve stem hole. I did it but it was one heck of a bear. I was hoping that I could have found an easier way from someone that has also done it before but maybe not.

Here's one for you...
"Man who first paints own car silver ...Have fool for painter."

Maybe I'll take Dennis's advice and have a few beers ready for that job!

Is there any way to move the clips to line up with the hole without removeing them?
KEN

[Kenneth T.]

Re: Replacing trim ring clips

Greg, I've pulled those out before. I first noticed that the clips moved freely between the two tabs. With a narrow flat blade scewdriver I carefully lifted the two tabs that holds the clips on. With needle nose pliers I slipped the nose of one side of the pliers into the clip loop opening and the other on the outside. The clips slipped forward toward the outer edge and cleared the opened tabs and with a counterclockwise twist they slipped out. After I replaced the broken clips with correct replacement clips they were a snap to pop back in. I used a finish nail set to reset the tabs that holds the clips in. I couldn't figure out how to get that inner retainer ring out without having to flair out the stainless crimped edge at least half way around. You may have to open the crimped edge a bit at each clip location. Otherwise take them to a metal plating shop and they'll do it while reworking them to remove dings and scrapes to put a show polish on them.

Scott,

I used your method today. Not easy, but in the end effective. Brought an old very nice ring with a missing clip back to life. Thanks for sharing the info.

Ken