mbeeman350

I have a set of original 4 clip trim rings on my 72 and they are a PITA to take off and install. Are the factory trim rings polished SS or chrome? Thinking about buying a set of correct LOOKING aftermarket chrome over SS frings rom Ecklers. They have a sale going on, 4 for $79
thanks

70Donnybrooke

I am pretty sure the originals are polished Stainless.

curtis74

CCrane65

Let me know if you decide to sell the old ones.

cc

C3bdj1

The originals are polished stainless with 4 clips to hold them on.

The ones you are looking at from Ecklers....are nice..but not "exactly" correct looking. They have a smooth curve from inside to outside...where an original has a line pressed in about an inch or so in from the outer edge. Look at the ones you have now and you will see what I am talking about. Only "'vette" people will notice this...but we are "'vette people"...and I see it...and you will too. ( It doesn't bother me.)

The replacements do not have 4 clips , the have a continous clip that goes all the way around. Supposed to hold better...and are easier to remove and replace...but mine start to "click" about every 50 miles or so and I have to slap 'em back tight just about every-other time I stop somewhere. I think my weights on the outside do not let the ring go all the way in...and it works it's way out. Gonna balance with "stick on" weights next time and see if that cures the problem.

I have had mine about 2 years, and I am seeing rust around the valve opening. (That DOES bother me.) My car lived under a cover outside for the first year I had them so they got wet.

These are just "little things"...but things you need to know before you make up your mind. Overall I am pretty happy with them...the cost was great. But if money were not a concern...I would go with OEM, "absolutley correct" polished stainless.

Just my $.02

Bobby

c69vete

I believe the originals are chrome over SS. If you polish them hard enough with a wheel, you can see the difference in the two types of finish.

Alan 71

Hi M350,
I believe C69V is right about the rings being flash chrome over SS.
If your rings are in fact the rings that came on the car (not service replacement, or later over the counter) they can be quite valuable to an owner looking for factory originals.
Regards,
Alan

It's about the position of the clips relative to the valve stem hole and the profile of the ring that the 4 clips attach to.

7T1vette

Keep the original rings. Just buy some Wenol metal polish or Maas metal polish and follow directions. Amazing shine when you get done. You won't believe how black the polish rag is after you put the polish on and rub a bit. Mirror bright after you're done.

hansenisu

Save your originals and run the repros with the rounded lip. BTW, they might be much cheaper on ebay.

temvette72

I agree. I got mine on ebay for about $55 shipping included. Very happy with them.

Temvette72

69 Convertible

Can someone post a pic of that line on the trim ring?

Frogday

The line isn't a sharp edge, it just isn't as rounded as the repro rings.
First photo is original 4-clip rings


Second photo is repro ring


Just realized that it is even harder to see since I sized the photos down to a post-friendly size.

69 Convertible

Call me stupid, but I'm not sure what I'm looking at. Just like the arrow in the FEDEX name. Until I can see it, then I'll always see it all the time.