69 trim rings

[Roger D.]

I assume that these NOS trim rings that are posted on the forum can be used on my 69. I think they have the correct lip, but are they acceptable by NCRS standards. Looks like the box has part # 3923626.Thank You Roger

[Alan S.]

Re: 69 trim rings

Hi Roger,
I'm not sure what rings you're looking at.
Here're two pictures that show a 'production line' ring.
Regards,
Alan

Here are some things to look for:
Configuration of clip…. no 'prongs'.
Clip installed between 'layers' of the band.
Spot weld on each side of clip.
Flat band…. not shaped like an 'L' laying on it's back.
Smooth, continuous, crimp of ring's outer circumference to band.

[Ralph S.]

Re: 69 trim rings

He's talking about the one on the Corvette Forum.

[Gary H.]

Re: 69 trim rings

Roger,

I dont think that you really need to spend the money to get a set of NOS trim rings. After they are removed from the boxes and installed on the car, they are no longer NOS and no longer have a NOS value.

If you are patient, over the course of a few weeks you can buy singles on fleabay and put together a set at a fraction of the cost of NOS ones. They will judge the same as long as they havent been overpolished and dont show any major defects.

[Ralph S.]

Re: 69 trim rings

The one for sale on the CF is a later GM replacement with the clips in the wrong location.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 trim rings

I assume that these NOS trim rings that are posted on the forum can be used on my 69. I think they have the correct lip, but are they acceptable by NCRS standards. Looks like the box has part # 3923626.Thank You Roger

Roger------


The GM #3923626 was the trim ring used for all 1968-82 Corvettes with standard wheels. However, this part changed in minor ways over the years of its manufacture and availability. So, a trim ring that might be exactly correct for a certain year Corvette might not be exactly correct for another year. I've lost track of the nuances. By the way, this part is no longer available from GM so I expect that before long, even the "incorrect" examples will become dear.

[Alan S.]

Re: 69 trim rings

Hi,
I knew where the ring Roger is asking about was listed.
I wasn't sure if I could mention the site here; that's why I didn't mention it.
The ring being sold is a Service Replacement that has the configuration issues (clip position, clip design, clip attachment means, band configuration), and date issue, these rings typically have.
The 'showy' side may be fine, but a knowledgable judge will know where to look to quickly determine this ring's pedigree.
Regards,
Alan

[Roger D.]

Re: 69 trim rings

OOps didn't know about not mentioning the other post site. Sorry. Thank you every one for your comments and that is not a bad idea to look for them in singles as long as I know what the heck I am looking at. Thank You Roger

[Patrick B.]

Re: 69 trim rings

Surely there is no prohibition against mentioning the names of other internet chat rooms for Corvette discussions. That would seem a bit Stalinist. Can the moderator clarify this?

[Alan S.]

Re: 69 trim rings

Hi Patrick,
What I stated was really my own take; not something I thought was the policy here.
I've mentioned the CF in the past with no ramifications.
Since this was about an item for sale I didn't want anyone to think I was directing someone to that Parts Ad at CF.
Regards,
Alan

[Dale C.]

Re: 69 trim rings

Maybe someone can remember, there was a Restorer issue about trim rings some time ago - but then Roger would need to get it somewhere.Dale

[Alan S.]

Re: 69 trim rings

Hi,
The trim ring article was titled "Inside Rally Wheel Trim Rings", it was submitted by Rick Miller.
It appeared in THE CORVETTE RESTORER Vol.34, Number 1, Summer 2007.
I believe the production line rings were flash chromed which this article doesn't mention. This finish causes another hurtle in restoring production line rings in that the intense polishing often used/needed to restore rings removes the chrome finish and the restored ring ends up with the yellowish hue indicative of polished stainless steel unless the ring is re-plated.
Regards,
Alan

[Mark E.]

Re: 69 trim rings

There's a set of "OEM Factory" rings on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-FACTORY-...2c350c&vxp=mtr

They have no visible spot welds next to the clips, an "L" shaped band, and a wavy crimp along the circumference of the band.

Does this mean they are not OEM? Maybe manufactured more recently by GM as a service replacement?

Or not?

[Mark E.]

Re: 69 trim rings

See my more recent post #6 I'd like feedback about. (Submitted as a "reply with quote" so it was inserted in the middle of the thread among the older posts.)

[Alan S.]

Re: 69 trim rings

Hi Mark,
Often the 'wavy' crimp is an indication of a ring that has had the crimp 'opened' enough to 'spin' the ring so one of the clips is at the opening for the valve stem.
The clips have no 'spot welds' since they're the later clips with the 'tabs'/'ears'.
They could well have started life as service replacement caps.
$200 for 4 of these rings isn't a bad price if they're in excellent condition and a person understands what they're buying.
Regards,
Alan