repo 4 clip 67 trim rings - attachment issues.

[manyc]

Has anyone tried the repo 4 clip 67 trim rings on 68 rally wheels?  I bought a repo set that looks great, but I just can't get them to go on.  I've tried bending the clips to get them to hug the lip of the wheel to no avail.

Attached are pictures of the repos and a picture of clip form an original 67.

[Mike S]

 I was curious about those new repros. What seems to be preventing the clips from attaching? Is the tire sidewall preventing it, or the clip spacing too short thereby not able to catch on the rims edge?


Mike

[manyc]

I would say that it is the tire sidewall.  The outer tabs can't seem to get around the lip of the rim. I was considering deflating the tires to get them on....

[Mike S]

I forget where I read it but another person had the same problem and he wound up deflating the tire to get the clips on. Afterwards the clips conformed to the tire shape and it was easier the clip on.

[69Z28-RS]

OR.. perhaps the different material the repros used for the clip itself.   The photo appears to be either 'stainless' clips, or steel clips that are chromed.   In either case, the clip itself is going to be more difficult (stiffer) when it tries to temporarily deform itself to fit on the wheel lip.    I think the original metal for these clips were 'spring steel'?

Typical reproduction part issues....   makers only attempt to reproduce the 'looks' rather than trying to understand the reasoning the part was made as it was originally...

[manyc]

Yah, the clips on the repos are stainless steel and are definitely the issue being more rigid than the steel originals.  Sounds like the tire deflate trick might work me. I will give it a try and report back.

[Mike S]

 Aside from the clips, how is the overall quality and accuracy of the repo?

Mike

[manyc]

They are beautiful parts and are wrapped very well. I would need to get my hands on an original part to tell for sure, but they appear to be identical to the originals that I have pictures of.  If only I could get them to stay on.....

[69Z28-RS]

The purpose of using 'spring steel' for the clips is that spring steel will 'deflect or bend' enough (to go around the rim edge, without 'deforming permanently' ... so they can be used on/off repetitively.   In the stainless steel case, they may go on (with difficulty) once or twice, but after a few times may deform to the point that they won't stay on.

A 'better choice' than these reproduction (or any reproduction for that matter) is to *restore* originals... (There is at least one or two individuals who make a small business in restoring original trim rings - and they look beautiful like new when done, but the restoration of your rings probably cost more than your reproductions cost.

[manyc]

well, I got them on.  The trick was to deflate the tires.  I used a rubber mallet to get them started and then used a screwdriver and hammer to tap the outer clips down tight to the rim.  With the tires inflated they seem to stay on pretty good.  Perhaps this design may turn out better than the originals in regards to loosing your trim rings when driving down the road....

[69Z28-RS]

I've never had an original 4-clip come off; but maybe it could happen if some of the clips are broken or if the tire is very underinflated?

Give us a report in a few months, or after you purchase new tires and let us know how they are workign out...

[firstgenaddict]

The only time I have had issues with 4 clip Trim rings is when the tire is under inflated, you go around a corner at speed and the tire "rolls" over the wheel lip and pops the Trim Ring off.