1973-82? Trim Ring Reproduction Project
 

Some of you guys might be interested in this thread on the 70 to 73 Firebird forum:

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=783596

James

Thanks for the heads up and link.

Based on the images, those trim rings are incorrect for 1973 Grand Ams due to the outer flat polished area...as mentioned the OEMs for 1973 were brushed finished and curved.

Note: No mention of the OEM faux stainless steel capped steel lug-nuts also used in 1973.

No doubt, just as the "Buick Engine CID Decals" now seen on "original" Pontiac's these trim rings will filter in and be considered "correct"....easy to see that any part not correct for "1973-82" application. Kudos to those who put forth the effort to reproduce though...:2cents:

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...7&d=1449772423

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...8&d=1449772431

Thanks For the feedback Alvin.

James

I'll have to go out in the garage & see if mine have the shinny lip on them. These are the ones that were on the car when I bought it. NEW. I don't remember them having a lip that looks polished.

Thanks Rex,

I would be curious to see a photo of the original ones to see what the difference is. Mine were made to duplicate the ones used on the Firebird/Trans Am rally II wheels. they will fit all of the 15" Rally II Pontiac wheels.

thanks for your input.

James

IIRC he's pix posting challenged, so if you'll excuse the following can only post a single w each reply at this moment, the (following 4) attached will give yo the idea of what the smooth to edge brushed finished 1973 Grand Am 15" RAII trim rings look like OEM

2nd

3rd

4th

That's what I remember.
No real flat egde at all.
It was smooth gradual rounding to the end .

:confused:

I'm not doubting you guys, that is why I would love to see a picture of a good quality original. The current reproduction is polished to approximate what came on the Firebird series from 1973 to 1981 on Rally II wheels. I worked with Steve at My Musclecar Memories and some originals he had to make the new one.

I wonder if because on that ring the outer edge is polished more, it makes it look more defined a break than it really is. If the ones for the 73 to 77 a bodies were polished differently, i.e. The outer bride ring was polished like the inner part, it might look a lot like what you are describing. Anyway I would love to see a good close up photo of an original if anyone had one and could post it.

I appreciate your input.

Thanks,

James

None were polished as far as I know?

They were a brushed finish.

:)

Sorry, I meant Brushed. :doh:

James:

I've done a little more work on this and here is what I have found. According to the Pontiac Master Parts Book for 1973 to 1975(See page photo attached of), the trim rings for the 15 inch Rally II and Steel wheels for all A,B,F,&G bodies are shown to be all the same. P/N#488380.

I also have attached a photo of one of my original, never mounted, trim rings #488380. So you can see, why I think my reproduction is correct for these cars with the 15" wheels. The outer ring on this original does not look as shiny as my reproduction does, and that is mostly because it has been vibrating around in the original cardboard box for 30 plus years, which has tended to dull it somewhat. Is my reproduction exact, in a word no, but in looking at original trim rings, what I found was quite a lot of variance in the brushed finish from heavier to finer. Probably differing with every production run.

What other part numbers should I be checking into to investigate? Again, thanks for your input, I would like to make as accurate a product as possible.

Regards,

James

My originals are up on the shelf right now & I will get them down & take a few pics of them so you can see them. These are the originals that came on my car when I bought it & have been off the car & on the shelf for about 15 years now so nothing has been done to them for a while so they will be as they came new. I'll try to get some posted in the AM after I stack some more wood. It about that time & getting a bit cold & we need the heat for the wood stove & I don't want to be doing that in the snow.

Rex,

I understand completely regarding the cold and being prepared for it. It would be awesome for me if you could post some pictures of the originals you have. I can't tell you how much I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

James

Try 10010686, newer replacement rings.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=252162231210

A quick shot of the first delivered production Trim Rings from my project mounted on my Formula.

wizard61, I am so sorry for not getting some pics to you. I don't know what happened & why I didn't post the pics of the trim rings for you, but I am sorry. If you still need some I can take a few shots & get the pics to you. All I will need is you email address as putting them on here is a real trick lately.

Those look spot on to me. Good job!