C3 Trim Ring Question

[Kenneth T.]

Has anyone tried to take an NOS trim ring and turn the inner ring clip holder to clock it to the correct valve stem position?

I have some originals with scratches and some NOS ones and wonder which would be cheaper to repair with the best outcome. Thanks.

Ken

[Michael W.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Question

I've seen a few attempts to move the clips to the correct position. They all looked like cr*p. To be able to reposition the clip ring, the folded over lip of the trim ring must be loosened around the entire circumference by prying it open. This act permanently distorts the metal and essentially ruins the appearance of the back side of the ring.

I wouldn't risk it.

[Steven G.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Question

I recall from some previous discussions that it's nearly impossible to replacement/move clips or some dents and deep scratches without leaving evidence of repairs. There will be some listed on e-bay, give it some time. Steve

[Dave S.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Question

Has anyone tried to take an NOS trim ring and turn the inner ring clip holder to clock it to the correct valve stem position?

I have some originals with scratches and some NOS ones and wonder which would be cheaper to repair with the best outcome. Thanks.

Ken

If you look closley at 75% or more of the trim rings out there for sale that are "clocked" correctly they have been altered. The crimp is "pinched" lots of times on the backside to allow the steel ring with the clips to be rotated. Easy to see on the judging field.

[Steven G.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Question

Does someone know how centered the clip near the valve stem should be ? This might indicate the rings that are not exactly correct? The rings I have seen sometimes will vary up to 1" left or right. Steve

[Kenneth T.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Question

Does someone know how centered the clip near the valve stem should be ? This might indicate the rings that are not exactly correct? The rings I have seen sometimes will vary up to 1" left or right. Steve

Steve,

With my original rings, two are spot on the valve stem and two are perhaps a quarter inch off, no more. They have some rash and from what I have heard, having them polished can alter the finish, but I guess that is the chance I will have to take as the reclocking the NOS rings will result in a disaster. Points, points, my kingdom for points

Ken

[Jamie F.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Question

Kenneth,
I've done it a few times without any bending. Most people pry up on the rear lip and no matter what, it makes it wavey on the back.
What I have done is soak the rear with WD-40 inside and outside of the ring that holds the clips. Then place the ring face down on a towel and hold the top with your knee on some cardboard or more towels. Then take a rubber mallet and carefully wack the clips into the position you need. Once you get it moving they come along fine.
Rotate the ring so you hit all the clips and don't distort one too much.
I've moved a bunch like this without any distortion to the inner lip. A couple of times on some really tight ones I pulled a sharp blade along the lip to free it up, but don't pry up. It will leave a mark.

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Question

Jamie, you get the Gold Star. But you are giving away all my secrets

[Jamie F.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Question

Thanks Dick!
I will treasure that Star!!!

[Kenneth T.]

Re: C3 Trim Ring Question

Jamie,

Thanks for the tip. I have several of these and I tried tapping one, gently but it did not move. I will give one a shot with the method you described, it seems as though it could work. I will let you know.

Ken