Reproduction 68-82 Rally Wheel Trim Ring from Zip

[Mark E.]

While researching trim rings, I considered this reproduction from Zip:

http://www.zip-corvette.com/68-82-c3/wheels-tires/corvette-rally-wheels/rally-wheel-caps-trim-rings/68-82-rally-wheel-trim-ring-original-4-clip-design.html

Below are some detailed photos of these rings I requested and received from Zip that are not posted on their website.

Comments?

zip ring 7.jpgzip ring 6.jpgzip ring 5.jpgzip ring 4.jpgzip ring 3.jpgzip ring 2.jpgzip ring 1.jpg

[Richard F.]

Re: Reproduction 68-82 Rally Wheel Trim Ring from Zip

For the price it is disappointing they didn't line up the clips like the originals.

[Mark E.]

Re: Reproduction 68-82 Rally Wheel Trim Ring from Zip

For the price it is disappointing they didn't line up the clips like the originals.

And surprising. It seems that would increase desirability without impacting manufacturing costs.

[Joe L.]

Re: Reproduction 68-82 Rally Wheel Trim Ring from Zip

And surprising. It seems that would increase desirability without impacting manufacturing costs.

Mark------


These may be the GM trim ring or manufactured by the same manufacturing source as the GM trim ring. The trim ring, GM #3923626, is still available from GM. However, the GM list price is currently about 330 bucks/each. The GM rings haven't had the clip aligned with the valve stem hole in YEARS. So, I would not expect these to, either.

[Mark E.]

Re: Reproduction 68-82 Rally Wheel Trim Ring from Zip

Mark------


These may be the GM trim ring or manufactured by the same manufacturing source as the GM trim ring. The trim ring, GM #3923626, is still available from GM. However, the GM list price is currently about 330 bucks/each.

Thanks Joe. According to Zip, they're made using original tooling. Zip also said the price reflects the amortized cost of acquiring this tooling from GM.

[Alan S.]

Re: Reproduction 68-82 Rally Wheel Trim Ring from Zip

Hi Mark,
The 'lining up' of the clips is only one of several things about those rings that will be dissapointing for people looking for rings that would have been in 70-72 cars when they left St.Louis.
The profile of the band the clips fasten to is 'L' shaped…. the 70-72 production rings had bands with a flat profile; and the clips have 'prongs' on them that are used to attach them to the band…. while the clips on rings for 70-72 cars slipped between the 'layers' of the band and had a spot weld on each side of the clip to secure it in place.
So while the reproduction is quite nice from the 'outside', it leaves a bit to be desired if Flight Judging is in the car's future.
Regards,
Alan

Production Ring
Flat Band and spot welds for clip.

[Michael J.]

Re: Reproduction 68-82 Rally Wheel Trim Ring from Zip

It also looks like the repops are way too shiny, even chrome, the original trim rings on my '67 were duller and more flash chrome looking than these.

[Joe L.]

Re: Reproduction 68-82 Rally Wheel Trim Ring from Zip

It also looks like the repops are way too shiny, even chrome, the original trim rings on my '67 were duller and more flash chrome looking than these.

Michael------


The original 1968-82 trim rings were chrome plated and quite high gloss. In that respect, the examples pictured above appear quite like the originals to me.

[Michael J.]

Re: Reproduction 68-82 Rally Wheel Trim Ring from Zip

Thanks for that info Joe, I was not aware they had improved them after '67.

[Dave S.]

Re: Reproduction 68-82 Rally Wheel Trim Ring from Zip


Alan,
Don't forget the wrinkled crimp at the outer edge. Originals showed little or no wrinkling at the inner side of the circumference.

[Rey S.]

Re: Reproduction 68-82 Rally Wheel Trim Ring from Zip

Mark, Be a little careful when buying new or used rings. The Monte Carlo rings look identical to the Vette rings, but there is a difference. The Vette and M.C. rally wheels are both 8.5x15 but the Vette wheels have +/- 3/8 additional offset, so that being said the M.C. rings will work (though not correct) on Vette rims but the Vette rings will not fit the M.C. rims. I found out the hard way and ruined a beautiful set of rings as my car in reality had one M.C. rim and I beat on the ring trying mount it and wound up with a ring full of dents which ruined the whole set!

[Joe L.]

Re: Reproduction 68-82 Rally Wheel Trim Ring from Zip

Mark, Be a little careful when buying new or used rings. The Monte Carlo rings look identical to the Vette rings, but there is a difference. The Vette and M.C. rally wheels are both 8.5x15 but the Vette wheels have +/- 3/8 additional offset, so that being said the M.C. rings will work (though not correct) on Vette rims but the Vette rings will not fit the M.C. rims. I found out the hard way and ruined a beautiful set of rings as my car in reality had one M.C. rim and I beat on the ring trying mount it and wound up with a ring full of dents which ruined the whole set!

Rey------


To be honest, I don't know how you could mistake the Monte Carlo/Camaro/passenger car wheel trim rings for the Corvette rings. In my opinion, they appear considerably different. Among many differences, these are designed for wheels that are 7" wide and are considerably narrower than the Corvette rings.

[Russ S.]

Re: Reproduction 68-82 Rally Wheel Trim Ring from Zip

Monte Carlo wheels weren't 8-1/2 inches wide. They were narrower and that is why you bottomed out your trim ring.

Mark, Be a little careful when buying new or used rings. The Monte Carlo rings look identical to the Vette rings, but there is a difference. The Vette and M.C. rally wheels are both 8.5x15 but the Vette wheels have +/- 3/8 additional offset, so that being said the M.C. rings will work (though not correct) on Vette rims but the Vette rings will not fit the M.C. rims. I found out the hard way and ruined a beautiful set of rings as my car in reality had one M.C. rim and I beat on the ring trying mount it and wound up with a ring full of dents which ruined the whole set!

[Rey S.]

Re: Reproduction 68-82 Rally Wheel Trim Ring from Zip

Hi Joe
My comment To Mark was based on two factors one (most importantly is the fact that at the time of my mistake and too the untrained eye) I was not well versed in the finer details of Corvettes. Secondly when working in a weed covered dirt field on a military base I simply was not paying enough attention to what I was doing trying get the car loaded and ready to trailer from left to right coasts.
Joe thanks for setting me straight. I am not much on book learning rather hands on and talking to people as a result I make perhaps more than my share of mistakes.
Thanks Rey