Trim Rings

[Jack C.]

What would be the proper way to describe them? Polished Stainless steel?

[Kevin G.]

Re: Trim Rings

What would be the proper way to describe them? Polshished Stainless steel?

Jack,

There are several post on this subject. I have a trim ring being repaired now at a shop recommended by a long time member (who's name you will find on the archives). To answer your question the rings are SS, then flash chromed. The flash chrome can be removed but from what I have read the end result will be a yellowish appearance, that is the SS finish. If you need the name of the company that's doing mine send me a PM, I haven't seen the finished product yet but I'm sure it will be nice.

[Jack C.]

Re: Trim Rings

Thanks Kevin, I have a set and was asked if they were chrome. I never thought of them as that.

[John D.]

Re: Trim Rings

The drawing for the 67 trim rings p/n 3901709 shows the material as stainless steel type 433 and then chrome plate per GM 4255.

It goes on to say: finish must be bright on indicated surfaces equivalent to that obtained by buffing and surface must be free of all imperfections.
To me that appearance sounds more critical than a flash chrome requirement.

[Pat M.]

Re: Trim Rings

Kevin and John are correct, they are flash chromed, despite what others may tell you to the contrary.

[Alan S.]

Re: Trim Rings

Hi Jack,
For the first time I saw a few restored (68 up) trim tings for sale at Carlisle. Most of the rings I saw hadn't had the flash chrome replaced. Those caps had quite a yellow/ gold glow as Kevin described.
I don't think there are too many shops that can/will flash chrome plate over stainless steel. I had quite a long search finding someone to flash chrome the ss, after polishing, on the large piece of trim that runs front to back on 68 up coupe birdcages.
I hope this thread continues and members give possibilities for original trim ring restoration.
Regards,
Alan

PS I've wondered about the fact that Rick Miler in his very informative RESTORER article about 67-82 trim rings doesn't mention the flash chrome. Several times he mentions just polished stainless steel, but not any plating.

[Pat M.]

Re: Trim Rings

PS I've wondered about the fact that Rick Miler in his very informative RESTORER article about 67-82 trim rings doesn't mention the flash chrome. Several times he mentions just polished stainless steel, but not any plating.

Alan, Rick does great work and did a great job restoring some rings for me. But when I inquired about rechroming he repeatedly told me they should be bare stainless and not chromed. I think he, and others who believe this, are simply mistaken.

John Hinkley confirmed in a previous thread they should be chromed, and that should be a good enough authority for anyone:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?t=76370&highlight=trim+rings+chromed&uid=2412

[Dave S.]

Re: Trim Rings

Alan, Rick does great work and did a great job restoring some rings for me. But when I inquired about rechroming he repeatedly told me they should be bare stainless and not chromed. I think he, and others who believe this, are simply mistaken.

John Hinkley confirmed in a previous thread they should be chromed, and that should be a good enough authority for anyone:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...romed&uid=2412

I have found Rick Miller's work to be less than correct. As Pat mentions he is mistaken on the proper chrome finish and he often alters the circular crimp on the backside to rotate the circular ring which allows the 4 clips to be indexed properly with the valve stem hole. The result is a crimp which is not typical and can be detected.

[Kevin G.]

Re: Trim Rings

The fellows name that I spoke with was Rick Applegate, who no longer does these trim rings. However, he recommended Dan's Polishing & Chrome in Adamsville TN. (731) 632 0103. They were very familiar with the process and will be flash chroming my damaged ring after removing the scratches. Of course the chrome is being removed prior to the repair. I do expect the ring to be finished and shipped back soon, I'll post comments on the finished product.

[Alan S.]

Re: Trim Rings

Hi,
Thanks Pat, Dave, and Kevin.
Since the price for 68-74 rings from production in 'as new' condition has escalated so, it's making more sense to have original rings that are in fairly good condition restored if they can be done with acceptable results.
Kevin, I'll be interested in hearing your comments when you receive your ring.
Regards,
Alan

[Marc K.]

Re: Trim Rings

This past spring, I sent five first design trim rings (for my 1970) to Dan's Polishing in Adamsville, TN for polishing and to be re-flash chromed. Four rings had curb scratches deep enough to feel grooves, the fifth had had severe curb rash. Most had misc. dings.

All five came out nearly perfect. I gave Dan's plenty of time to do the work, and they were very honest and the price was reasonable. I had to do a little clean up on the undersides (from polishing compound residue), but I am a bit meticulous when it comes to certain things.

I picked up two more rings at Carlise this year, and I plan to send them to Dan's soon.

A girl named Stacey that works at Dan's was very helpful and pleasant to talk to.

I have no vested interest in Dan's Polishing. They simply did a nice job for me.

[Bill L.]

Re: Trim Rings

Well I am interested too. My 70 has original trim rings and I have hesitated in sending them out to be restored.


Bill

[Guenter J.]

Re: Trim Rings

Can you tell the difference between restored original rings and OEM corvette america rings. ?

[Terry M.]

Re: Trim Rings

Can you tell the difference between restored original rings and OEM corvette america rings. ?

I, and I bet a bunch of other folks I know, can tell the difference between original un-restored and original restored trim rings. I would wager some of us (not me without some training) can tell the difference between original and Corvette America trim rings. Ping Sal Carbone. He be the trim ring man.

[Mark D.]

Re: Trim Rings

Are 68-72 trim rings flash chromed? I will say, I didn't know that. I always thought the 67 rings might have been.

I've got 10,000 flight hours on the Boeing 737 and I'm still learning new things there, so, it doesn't surprise me if these rings were flash chromed and I was unaware.