69 Wheel Trim Rings

[Brad H.]

I have just repainted my factory rims for this 69 and I would like to replace the trim rings. I have a set on the car now and I know they are not original. I have ordered 2 other sets and none of the sets are the same. Is there any chance that someone with known "correct" trim rings might shoot me a photo of them close up enough to distinguish differences? Additional question - were the original trim rings stainless or chrome plated stainless? I looked in the judging manual - no help there.
I really appreciate any help I might here!
Brad Hood

[Tom H.]

Re: 69 Wheel Trim Rings

Hi Brad, I don't have the issue handy, but I believe there was a great article in one of the recent past Restorer magazines on this very subject. I'm sure you would find it useful. I'll try to dig it up for you.

[Steven G.]

Re: 69 Wheel Trim Rings

Brad, trim rings are stainless, not chrome plated, also, 4 clip designed with a clip near valve stem, hope this helps for now. Steve

[Brad H.]

Re: 69 Wheel Trim Rings

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I do know that the trim rings had 4 clips and the position of the clips. I have ordered 2 sets and both of these sets are differently shaped than the other and neither is the same as the ones on my car. The two sets I ordered were supposed to be reproduction correct units. The main differences appear to be the depth of the outer most part of the ring. One set has an approx 11/16" lip and one has about an inch lip.
Thanks again for the help!
Brad Hood

[Pat M.]

Re: 69 Wheel Trim Rings

I believe trim rings were originally "flash" chromed. Bare stainless is noticeably yellowish and does not look correct.
Here is a previous thread on this subject, although as you can see not everyone agrees:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...53759&uid=1846

[Richard T.]

Re: 69 Wheel Trim Rings

Like Steve says the trim rings are stainless with four clips. The early rings like your 69, had one clip at the valve stem, latter rings did not. To many valves were damaged when the rings were installed so the clips were moved. The latter rings use the same part number. Over buffing will turn the stainless blue. A set of in the box GM rings will cost you close to $800. They can be found at swap meets used in singles and pairs for less. Any good Corvette C3 restore book will show you the correct ring for a 69 or 70. The outboard part of the ring is flat to the edge of the rim. There is a slight curve at the inside edge. The valve stem hole is oval with the stainless curved down. There are many poor quality replacement trim rings out there. The used GM rings are difficult to repair if dinged and are hard to buff on the inside curved area. I was able to do the flat part myself with my buffer on a nice used 70 ring that had fine hair line scratches caused by some one with a hard buffing wheel.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 69 Wheel Trim Rings

To add to the trim ring description their is a lip on the inter gavinized ring on the early rings that is not on the later rings even though the clip is on the valve stem hole. I'm not sure if judges are taking off points but if you see a business card being inserted between the trim ring and the rim they are checking for the lip. I have sets of both types and have checked all my trim rings after the drive line article or a discussion on this board.