Need Trim Ring Install help!
 

I'm trying to install 4 brand new GM SS trim rings on my 14X7 original SS wheels. They are very tight and I can't get them to go on so far....I don't want to dent them by slamming them on with something. Is there an easy way to get these things on?

Re: Need Trim Ring Install help!
 

They are a pain. I position them on the wheel and try to lay my forearm (with pressure) from side to side and gently bang them down with a rubber mallot and a towl over the stainless. I just slowly work my way around several times till they fit. Don't get MAD either!!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif[/img] Sam

Re: Need Trim Ring Install help!
 

They are hard. Try using a rubber mallet. You do have to strike them a bit to install completely.

Re: Need Trim Ring Install help!
 

See how the GRAEMLIN is banging his head. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif[/img] That is what you do with the mallot! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

Re: Need Trim Ring Install help!
 

Thanks guys. You both have obviously found out that getting them back on is not so easy! I had to walk away for the evening as I was getting pretty grumpy at my new trim rings and I was getting close to just giving them a good whack! Since I just spent a bundle on these, decided to walk away and get a cold one instead. I will try your tips in the morning.

Re: Need Trim Ring Install help!
 

You have gotten good advice so far, when and if you use a rubber mallot (I usually use my palm) try putting a block of wood covered in a towel layed out flat on the edge of the ring and hit the wood so this will spread the force of the blow out to lessen the chance of denting it.
Good luck, Rich.

Re: Need Trim Ring Install help!
 

Let some air out of the tire. Deflate them down to around 15 psi or so. Then use the palm of your hand.

Works for me.

Re: Need Trim Ring Install help!
 

Hey Jimmy, Are you sure you are not trying to put 15 inchers on a 14in. rim!!?? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] sam

Re: Need Trim Ring Install help!
 

Yep, I remeasured to make sure they were right. I'm going to try the wood and towel method with a rubber maller and an extra pair of hands today. I'm also going to put a little soap on the inside of the tabs to see if they will slide a bit easier. Intereting enough, one of the wheels has this code on it: M4 5 10 LZ and I have no idea what that code it (the other 3 are YA coded). What the heck is LZ????

Re: Need Trim Ring Install help!
 

On my inspection this morning, one of the wheels is actually coded (AO). My build sheet space #45 says the wheels should be AO coded, yet here's what I've got.
Right front: 11 13 AO (M1 stamped with a 9 below the M1)
Right rear: 6 YA (M1 stamped)
Left front: 5 22 YA (M1 stamped)
Right Rear: 5 10 LZ (M4 stamped)

Looks like the YA's are 1969 wheels and still have no idea what an LZ wheel is???

Re: Need Trim Ring Install help!
 

You don't say if your trim rings are 4 clip or continus grippers all around the wheel. Original on a vette and most camaros I remember were 4 clips and they need a different process than the full circle grippers.

Re: Need Trim Ring Install help!
 

Started the Spring season ritual of getting the Chevelle ready to cruise. Found the easy way to install these. I simply pulled the wheels off, laid them on the ground (face up) and with an extra pair of hands, pushed them down on the rims. Easy to do and no hammer required!

Re: Need Trim Ring Install help!
 

Definitely take the wheels off and lay the wheels flat on the ground. Put both of your knees on the lower half of the trim ring and use the side of your hands to gently heave/bop them into place. Leave all jewelry off, especially wedding ring and wrist watch. I just did this with my NOS 14x7 Rally trim rings (real deep dish ones not the recent GM ones) and it worked well. The sides of my hands hurt for a week, though..."I feel yo pain" (In my best Bill Clinton accent) https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

Re: Need Trim Ring Install help!
 

Has anybody ever come up with a technique of striking the edge gripping clip ONLY and NOT the stainless steel surface. I recently had some original 14x7 70' style rings polished to better than N.O.S. quality and I DONT WANT to strike the STAINLESS with anything........I was thinking I could use a piece of hardwood or plastic dowling or ??? to set the clip onto edge of wheel, after deflating air and moving tire bead "down" a little.......Chuck S