Trim Ring Question

[Joe L.]

Re: Trim Ring Question

Terry, unfortunately, I can't answer that question with conviction.

In the past I owned a 1968, and 1975 Corvettes that had the four "S" clip attaching system.
My 1981 did not, however.....I can't remember exactly what the clips looked like, only that they were not the four "S" clips.

I've mentioned before that I used to sell original and NOS parts. I've bought and re-sold hundreds of trim rings and center caps. I have seen that type of clip that Shooter posted before, on loose "spare" trim rings, but do not have first-hand knowledge or documentation from known original cars.
My best guess is that was possibly an "interim" clip design in 1976 or so, but this is only a GUESS, at best.
I'm pretty sure my non-aluminum wheel 1981 had the small clip design that goes all the way around the trim ring, as it seen on later service replacments. I wish I had photographed them, as I did not realize I would be afflicted with "CRS" disease at 56 years old.

I better shut up at this point, as I had to apologize about my center cap "gold tone" error just a couple of days ago.......

I only know about 2% of what I need to know about '67s. Better leave it at that.
Ridge

Ridge------


The clips were the same basic configuration for the entire 68-82 period. However, the method of attachment changed, probably sometime about 1975. Attached are photos of an absolutely known original 1969 trim ring and a new GM trim ring purchased about 10 years ago. I also have another set of trim rings purchased about the early 80's and they're identical to the latter. However, the part number remained the same from 1968 to this very day.

[Ridge K.]

Re: Trim Ring Question

Ridge------


The clips were the same basic configuration for the entire 68-82 period. However, the method of attachment changed, probably sometime about 1975. Attached are photos of an absolutely known original 1969 trim ring and a new GM trim ring purchased about 10 years ago. I also have another set of trim rings purchased about the early 80's and they're identical to the latter. However, the part number remained the same from 1968 to this very day.

Joe, those certainly look the same to me. Thank you for the pics. As usual, .....you are correct about the clips.
Part of what I was going on were my dealings with noted rally wheel parts dealer Rick Miller. Rick is extremely knowledgable on the nuances of trim rings thru the model years.
Here's what Rick stated about a set he offered recently on flea bay:
NOTICE THE LAST SENTENCE:

This is a set of four original GM factory trim rings. These factory rings have four S-shaped mounting clips around the outer rim, with one clip positioned at the valve stem opening and the others at 90 degree intervals. These rings have been professionally restored for Corvette show or judging standards. Excellent, very shiny finish polishing. No dents, dings, curb rash or scrapes on any. Clip ring and clips in excellent condition.
I offer a money back or exchange policy if you find any problems with these rings.
These rings fit Corvette 15" diameter factory rallye wheels as follows:
1968 15x7" Rallye Wheels (AG Code).
1969-1982 15x8" Rallye Wheels (AZ Code).
For judging purposes these rings are correct only for 1975-1982 Corvettes, but will work on 1968-1974 also.


I wish I knew what the difference is. I thought it was DOT design approval on the clips, but it appears to be something else. Maybe it's the orientation of the clips.
Ridge.

[Joe L.]

Re: Trim Ring Question

Joe, those certainly look the same to me. Thank you for the pics. As usual, .....you are correct about the clips.
Part of what I was going on were my dealings with noted rally wheel parts dealer Rick Miller. Rick is extremely knowledgable on the nuances of trim rings thru the model years.
Here's what Rick stated about a set he offered recently on flea bay:
NOTICE THE LAST SENTENCE:

This is a set of four original GM factory trim rings. These factory rings have four S-shaped mounting clips around the outer rim, with one clip positioned at the valve stem opening and the others at 90 degree intervals. These rings have been professionally restored for Corvette show or judging standards. Excellent, very shiny finish polishing. No dents, dings, curb rash or scrapes on any. Clip ring and clips in excellent condition.
I offer a money back or exchange policy if you find any problems with these rings.
These rings fit Corvette 15" diameter factory rallye wheels as follows:
1968 15x7" Rallye Wheels (AG Code).
1969-1982 15x8" Rallye Wheels (AZ Code).
For judging purposes these rings are correct only for 1975-1982 Corvettes, but will work on 1968-1974 also.


I wish I knew what the difference is. I thought it was DOT design approval on the clips, but it appears to be something else. Maybe it's the orientation of the clips.
Ridge.

Ridge------


I believe that what he's referring to is the method of attachment of the clips (which also affects the configuration of the UNSEEN portion of the clips). I believe the 1968 to ABOUT 1974 design is as shown in the first two photos I posted. That is, the retaining "tang" of the clip fits under the retaining ring which, itself, is retained by the circumferential crimp. Incidentally, you will note that the retaining ring appears to be black phosphate-finished.

In the later design, the revised "tangs" of the clips fit into "SLOTS" which are part of a redesigned retaining ring. The retaining ring remains secured to the stainless steel trim ring by the outer circumferential crimp. You will also note that the retaining rings appears to be a galvanized finish.

The trim rings in Rick's EBay item are the later style with the clips attached by "slots" in the galvanized retaining ring. The only difference between either of my sets of later design trim rings and the ones that Rick has for sale is the position of one of the clips at the valve stem hole position. Either these rings were manufactured like that OR Rick has found a way to "un-crimp" the retaining ring and re-position the clips. In the later design, the only way to re-position the clips is to rotate the retaining ring.

Actually, I cannot understand how the difference in the attachment method of the clips can be discerned during judging. Obviously, the position of the clips could be discerned but, if "2nd design" trim rings with clips at the valve stem hole and 90, 180, and 270 degrees from there (as the "2nd design" trim rings in Rick's EBay item) are installed, I don't see how these could be discerned from the "1st design" in judging.

[Jeff S.]

Re: Trim Ring Question

We (CRG - Camaro Research Group) have documented both trim ring designs on original '69 Camaro Z/28 15x7 "YH" rally wheels; early to mid-'69 production with the four "S"-clip rings, and late production with the gripper fingers all the way around the ring.

John

Do you have the part number for the late-production '69 Camaro Z28 rings? I'm curious if it is the same as the rings I have (photos in my initial post to this thread). 9796696 was/is interchangeable on 6" or 7" rally's except for those with DF codes & 4" backspacing used on '67+'68 Z28. There are Pontiac applications as well; not sure if production or service replacement. Thanks.

Jeff

[Joe L.]

Re: Trim Ring Question

John

Do you have the part number for the late-production '69 Camaro Z28 rings? I'm curious if it is the same as the rings I have (photos in my initial post to this thread). 9796696 was/is interchangeable on 6" or 7" rally's except for those with DF codes & 4" backspacing used on '67+'68 Z28. There are Pontiac applications as well; not sure if production or service replacement. Thanks.

Jeff

Jeff------


I believe the early 1969 Z-28 trim rings were GM #3901708. These rings have the 4 clip configuration. Later 1969 Z-28 used the GM #9796696 with the multi-clip attachment.

[Ridge K.]

Re: Trim Ring Question

Ridge------


I believe that what he's referring to is the method of attachment of the clips (which also affects the configuration of the UNSEEN portion of the clips). I believe the 1968 to ABOUT 1974 design is as shown in the first two photos I posted. That is, the retaining "tang" of the clip fits under the retaining ring which, itself, is retained by the circumferential crimp. Incidentally, you will note that the retaining ring appears to be black phosphate-finished.

In the later design, the revised "tangs" of the clips fit into "SLOTS" which are part of a redesigned retaining ring. The retaining ring remains secured to the stainless steel trim ring by the outer circumferential crimp. You will also note that the retaining rings appears to be a galvanized finish.

The trim rings in Rick's EBay item are the later style with the clips attached by "slots" in the galvanized retaining ring. The only difference between either of my sets of later design trim rings and the ones that Rick has for sale is the position of one of the clips at the valve stem hole position. Either these rings were manufactured like that OR Rick has found a way to "un-crimp" the retaining ring and re-position the clips. In the later design, the only way to re-position the clips is to rotate the retaining ring.

Actually, I cannot understand how the difference in the attachment method of the clips can be discerned during judging. Obviously, the position of the clips could be discerned but, if "2nd design" trim rings with clips at the valve stem hole and 90, 180, and 270 degrees from there (as the "2nd design" trim rings in Rick's EBay item) are installed, I don't see how these could be discerned from the "1st design" in judging.

Joe, everything you've said make perfectly good sense to me. I think your speculation is correct.
The 1981 rally wheel Corvette I owned had the small crimped attachments all the way round the trim ring, but since I bought that Corvette used, with 10,000 miles,.... it's possible the trim rings had been stolen and replaced.
I've visted with Rick Miller a few times about trim rings and center caps and he does go overboard in being very open if parts are not perfectly correct for a certain year (as far as judging considerations). As you know and we joke about, some Corvette restorers or owners buying partss are very..........well, I don't want to use the word anal.......but......
I think you've nailed the little nuances. I agree a judge most likely wouldn't be able to see the issue, without a minaturized video camera......