Trim ring installation
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 12
From: Schaumburg (Chicago) Illinois
Trim ring installation
Ok, I don't know why I can't figure this out but I can't get the trim rings on my wheels. 
Seems like I would have to pound on them and end up denting and otherwise ruining them.
Anyone know a trick here? I guess I could get a block of wood to spread the load. I just assumed it would be like an old hub cap. Hit it with the palm of your hand and your done. Well, not in this case.
Seems like I would have to pound on them and end up denting and otherwise ruining them.Anyone know a trick here? I guess I could get a block of wood to spread the load. I just assumed it would be like an old hub cap. Hit it with the palm of your hand and your done. Well, not in this case.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 12
From: Schaumburg (Chicago) Illinois
That's what I thought and did but I have tried and tried. I don't get it, I'm doing a frame of rebuild of this car and I am stopped because of the trim rings.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you purchased some of the 4-clip aftermarket rings, those clips are likely much too stiff. I had the same problem, and had one heckuva time getting them on. DON'T use a block of wood or pound on the trim ring...that will ruin them. Take the tire off and lay it down. Set the trim ring in place so that all four clips are in position over the edge of the rim; if you need [it would be helpful], have someone else press down on the ring to keep it positioned properly. Then use a metal 'drift' (brass rod, etc.) and hammer to pound on the top of each clip...one at a time...until it engages with the rim. That will get them onto the rim. Then all you have to worry about is how to get them OFF. {Ask me how I know.} You have to drive a small flat-blade screwdriver between the outer portion of each clip and the edge of the rim to get each one off [PITA]. The "good news" is that after you've done that a time or two, the clip loosens up so that it's easier to get them on and off.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Hi, Alan. Well, when I first bought them and found them almost impossible to install, I considered just that. However, I couldn't bend them open a bit more...the spring steel was just too strong and I thought I might break-off the clip. So, I just installed them the "hard way"...and un-installed them the "hard way". Now, they install a little easier...I can pop them on with the palm of my hand.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 12
From: Schaumburg (Chicago) Illinois
If you purchased some of the 4-clip aftermarket rings, those clips are likely much too stiff. I had the same problem, and had one heckuva time getting them on. DON'T use a block of wood or pound on the trim ring...that will ruin them. Take the tire off and lay it down. Set the trim ring in place so that all four clips are in position over the edge of the rim; if you need [it would be helpful], have someone else press down on the ring to keep it positioned properly. Then use a metal 'drift' (brass rod, etc.) and hammer to pound on the top of each clip...one at a time...until it engages with the rim. That will get them onto the rim. Then all you have to worry about is how to get them OFF. {Ask me how I know.} You have to drive a small flat-blade screwdriver between the outer portion of each clip and the edge of the rim to get each one off [PITA]. The "good news" is that after you've done that a time or two, the clip loosens up so that it's easier to get them on and off.
