I have a question on original equipment trim rings for a 71. I'm still learning more about all there is to trim rings. From what I have learned the original production line trim rings had 4 clips, one clip over the valve stem, and spot welded into place.

So, I wanted to know if they were flashed chromed or just polished stainless. I thought they were from what I have read. When I talked with Rick Miller who restores them, he said they came only polished from the factory. I know Rick advertises through Driveline on the NCRS site.

I'm just not sure what is correct...

 

My 69 has the four clips but none a spot welded. They are stainless but flash chromed over them .

 

Hi 63,
The rings used in production in 71 were stainless steel and flash chromed. The plating is referred to as 'flash' chrome because it consists of just the chrome plating not the copper and nickel that's under the chrome plating on parts like bumpers and is often referred to as triple chrome plating, (even though it's still just one layer of chrome.)
Polishing original rings to restore them quickly removes the chrome plating because by nature chrome plating is extremely thin.
Polished rings that haven't been re-chromed have a subtle, but very noticeable, yellowish hue to them.
The production rings had 4 clips (one at the stem hole) spot welded to a flat ring. The ring was crimped into place around the outer edge of the trim ring. The crimp was continuous and smooth around the ring's circumference.
The rings available as service replacements even in 1971 were different than the rings used in production. The clips were turned 45 degrees.
Many rings now being sold as nos are in fact nos but are different from the production rings in that they've had the clips turned. It's very difficult to re crimp the perimeter to look like a trim ring that hasn't had the clip ring turned.
Regards,
Alan

Bluish chrome hue


Spot welded clip, flat ring (not L shaped in profile)


Smooth crimp

 

That's great information as always Alan..

 

From the sounds of it they are very hard to restore because of the flash chroming. I can see how they would re polish them but can't flash chrome them without removing the clips.

 

Hi 63,
I guess that's why production line rings in excellent condition have become so very expensive.
I'm afraid that some owners are paying pretty outrageous prices for trim rings that are mutations that are 'kinda' like production rings.
A person really needs to know just what to look for.... if that sort of thing matters.
It's really become a situation that's similar to the rocker panel trim for 70-72 cars.
Regards,
Alan

 

Alan,

What is the best way to remove these original type trim rings to avoid damaging them?

Thanks

 

I'm not sure hw to get them off but if you do get them off, you can ship them to me. I would love to get a nice set..