69 trim rings
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 541
Likes: 5
From: Epping NH
69 trim rings
My original 69 stainless trim rings are scratched up pretty badly (scraped along a few curbs at some point in their life) and I would like to replace them with a set of original style rings. I know that there are less expensive chrome rings available, but I want them to be correct. Looking for suggestions as to where to get replacements. Any suggestions?
Mark
Mark
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 334
Likes: 84
From: Harrodsburg KY
Re: 69 trim rings (Burgundy 69)
Mark,
Although stainless trim rings can be restored, once they are scratched and dinged to a certain point, it is better to just get a replacement set. Originals can be found on ebay or through the NCRS publications, among others. New trim rings are, for the most part, very accurate with the most glaring inaccuracy being the placement of the attaching clips. The clips should number four with one being placed adjacent to the valve stem hole and then on 90 degree intervals after that. Most replacement rings do not have that configuration, however, they can be moved to the proper location without too much heartburn. Most all the major vendors sell the trim rings including Paragon, Zip, Volunteer Vette as well as others. They are, as you point out, a bit pricey.
Regards,
Mark Donnally
Although stainless trim rings can be restored, once they are scratched and dinged to a certain point, it is better to just get a replacement set. Originals can be found on ebay or through the NCRS publications, among others. New trim rings are, for the most part, very accurate with the most glaring inaccuracy being the placement of the attaching clips. The clips should number four with one being placed adjacent to the valve stem hole and then on 90 degree intervals after that. Most replacement rings do not have that configuration, however, they can be moved to the proper location without too much heartburn. Most all the major vendors sell the trim rings including Paragon, Zip, Volunteer Vette as well as others. They are, as you point out, a bit pricey.
Regards,
Mark Donnally
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Re: 69 trim rings (BoeingDriver)
The clips should number four with one being placed adjacent to the valve stem hole and then on 90 degree intervals after that.
:jester
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 334
Likes: 84
From: Harrodsburg KY
Re: 69 trim rings (Cali,68,L-79)
David,
I point out clip location just as a matter of information. If the car were to be judged by NCRS, Chevy Vettefest or Bloomington, then clip location would come into play. If on the other hand, the car is simply going to be driven and enjoyed, it would not matter. Mark stated he wanted 'correct' trim rings and I was only trying to give the best and most thorough information I could.
I personally try not to become 'disturbed' by what others do with their own cars. I fully believe what others do to and with their own cars is none of my business. I have a great life and a beautiful family that I enjoy. I don't have time, nor do I care, to offer my opinion to anyone else concerning what should or should not be important to them.
Take care,
Mark
I point out clip location just as a matter of information. If the car were to be judged by NCRS, Chevy Vettefest or Bloomington, then clip location would come into play. If on the other hand, the car is simply going to be driven and enjoyed, it would not matter. Mark stated he wanted 'correct' trim rings and I was only trying to give the best and most thorough information I could.
I personally try not to become 'disturbed' by what others do with their own cars. I fully believe what others do to and with their own cars is none of my business. I have a great life and a beautiful family that I enjoy. I don't have time, nor do I care, to offer my opinion to anyone else concerning what should or should not be important to them.
Take care,
Mark
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 541
Likes: 5
From: Epping NH
Re: 69 trim rings (Burgundy 69)
Thanks for the replies.
I don't believe that my trim rings can be repaired. Having attended Carlisle for the first time this summer, I saw lots of trim rings, some new, some not. Unfortunately I had no way to drag a set around with me and the car was stuffed full of basic necessities with little room to spare anyway.
Having said that, I am aware of the difference between original four clips vs the clips that go completely around the inside of the ring. Also, the originals have a deeper look with an indentation along the top of the ring. Knock offs also seemed to be chrome vs stainless. I want the deeper, original look and had hoped that someone is still making that style.
Mark
I don't believe that my trim rings can be repaired. Having attended Carlisle for the first time this summer, I saw lots of trim rings, some new, some not. Unfortunately I had no way to drag a set around with me and the car was stuffed full of basic necessities with little room to spare anyway.
Having said that, I am aware of the difference between original four clips vs the clips that go completely around the inside of the ring. Also, the originals have a deeper look with an indentation along the top of the ring. Knock offs also seemed to be chrome vs stainless. I want the deeper, original look and had hoped that someone is still making that style.
Mark
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: 69 trim rings (Burgundy 69)
Just to clarify one thing about original trim rings, as Boeing Driver has correctly stated, "original originals" for your 69 Corvette had 4 clips with one clip always at the valve stem hole, and the other 3 clips spaced 90 degrees apart around the perimiter.
Other, over the counter GM replacement trim rings, and possibly later factory Corvette trim rings (after 69) also had 4 clips, BUT the orientation of the clips with one at the valve stem hole did not hold true. Clips on those original trim rings could be anywhere, spaced 90 degrees apart.
Aftermarket replacement trim rings have multiple "fingers" around the inside of the perimeter of the ring. They do not have 4 clips at all. These aftermarket trim rings are the cheapest of the bunch, and certainly look good installed on your car, BUT they wouldn't be close to "correct" for any type of NCRS, Bloomington Gold, or Chevy VetteFest judging----IF that is your intent. :) Chuck
Other, over the counter GM replacement trim rings, and possibly later factory Corvette trim rings (after 69) also had 4 clips, BUT the orientation of the clips with one at the valve stem hole did not hold true. Clips on those original trim rings could be anywhere, spaced 90 degrees apart.
Aftermarket replacement trim rings have multiple "fingers" around the inside of the perimeter of the ring. They do not have 4 clips at all. These aftermarket trim rings are the cheapest of the bunch, and certainly look good installed on your car, BUT they wouldn't be close to "correct" for any type of NCRS, Bloomington Gold, or Chevy VetteFest judging----IF that is your intent. :) Chuck
