Replacing trim ring clips

[Greg L.]

How does one go about replacing a broken trim ring clip on the 68-82 style? To me it looks like the four clips were set in the steel ring and then the assy was placed onto the trim ring at which time the lip of the trim ring was rolled or crimped to secure it all in place. I can't really see how to replace the clips but there must be some way because you can buy them.

Anyone ever change them?

Greg Linton
#45455

[Kevin M.]

Re: Replacing trim ring clips

Greg,

I know they are restored don't know if they can do the clips. I've taken one apart and can't see how you can fix them without major damage.

Kevin

[Kevin M.]

Re: Replacing trim ring clips

Greg,

I know they are restored don't know if they can do the clips. I've taken one apart and can't see how you can fix them without major damage.

Kevin

[Greg L.]

Re: Replacing trim ring clips

That's the problem that I was seeing too Kevin. There must be some way to replace these clips though.

Has anyone uncrimped a trim ring to replace a clip and then recrimped it and had it turn out nice?

[Kent K.]

Re: Replacing trim ring clips

I recall seeing an ad in the past month,or so, for either someone selling replacement clips with easy instructions or will replace your trim ring clips. If there was one, there will be more ads.

[Alan S.]

Re: Replacing trim ring clips

There has been an advertisement in the DRIVELINE for trim ring repair.
RICK MILLER 435 668 7062.
Regards,
Alan

[Greg L.]

Re: Replacing trim ring clips

Thanks guys but I'd like to be able to accomplish this myself if possible. One of thoses "give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" sort of deal.

[Dennis C.]

Greg, I think drinking beer enters...

...that quote at some point, if you are seeking accuracy...

[Chuck S.]

Re: Replacing trim ring clips

...I'd like to be able to accomplish this myself if possible. One of thoses "give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" sort of deal...

Gregster, I'm impressed...that is commendable! You're always impressing me with your rugged "restoration" individualism...You could be a Texan!

In this case, however, another old "Asian Fish Proverb" may apply:

"Man who prepare own sushi...Have fool for sushi chef."

HaHaHaHaHa...Sorry, I should have left this one down in the stack, but I had to see what Dennis Clark had to say about replacing trim ring clips.

I can only add: this is one of those cases where...if you got a hankering for sushi, always go with a highly recommended and certified sushi chef.

[Greg L.]

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!

[Chuck S.]

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!

Restorer! Article!...Restorer! Article!...Restorer! Article!

Seriously, this clip replacement is virgin and fertile ground...if you can do this and have it turn out well, such that you can finish it with a good polishing, I believe it would be of great interest to the rest of us.

Yeah, but that silver is a great color...you'll get it done; I just enjoy ribbing you because you have a good sense of humor.

I think I would get at least one repaint worth's of experience before tackling the Corvette...even if you have to practice on a friend's pickup; he'd have the only "modern" vehicle in Canada with a lacquer paint job.

[D S.]

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.

[Craig O.]

Re: Replacing trim ring clips

I have tried this with little success. I was able to remove the 4 clip ring from the body of the beauty ring itself, to find a double ring which sandwiches the four clips. on either side of clip there is a spot weld which is tight to the clip. It is impossible to try a prying method to unsecured the clip with out distorting the rings. I gave up

[Dave S.]

Re: Replacing trim ring clips

I have seen Rick Millers work. He opens the outer edge crimp on the inside of the trim ring to allow replacement of the clip and then he re-crimps it. While he's doing it he lines up one of the clips with the valve stem hole as original. Result is very functional but the inner edge of crimp gets wrinkled. Will cause a judging deduct if noticed.

[Brad M.]

Re: Replacing trim ring clips

maybe you can call that guy and find out how he does it....