[rbrtmchl]

I have a ’74 Formula with 15” HM code Rally II wheels, and I have the original trim rings for the car. They are brushed finish with a rounded contour. When these trim rings are installed on the wheels, there is a 1/2” gap between the ring and wheel spokes. I prefer the look of the squared-edge polished trim rings, and I hope I can find some that don’t leave a 1/2” gap. I have searched on this forum and found the following:

P/N 488380 – this is the part number of the trim rings that I currently have, brushed finish, rounded contour, for 15” wheels.

P/N 10010686 – this is the part number of the trim rings similar to the ones that I have. These have the rounded contour, but these also have a polished flat front edge, for 15” wheels.

P/N 9796696 – I THINK this the part number of the trim rings that I want, squared-edge, polished finish, for 15” wheels.

1) Can anyone tell me if p/n 9796696 is the correct part number for the squared-edge polished finish trim rings?

2) Can anyone confirm that this part number will fit on HM code Rally II wheels?

3) Will these trim rings fit with little/no gap between the trim ring edge and the wheel? Or will there be a 1/2” gap?

4) If this is the correct part number, can anyone comment on the quality of the currently available reproductions available at Ames, Parts Place, or other sources?

['ol Pinion head]

For original GM trim rings of the squared off edge variety, ones that will fit, there are 3 different styles, most will need straightening & polishing. NOS & nice used are expensive.

The affordable & closest repro for the squared off edge 15x7 trim rings are avail from Ames, PartsPlace, or your favorite early Camaro vendor (the repro's are made for the '69 15x6 & '70 & later 15x7 Chevy ralley wheels). While the squared off edge style were not originally used on any '73-80 15x7 Pontiac rally II's, they will fit. I've seen several ask about the deeper original trim ring for a '68 up Corvette 15x8 code AZ wheel. Those will not fit 15x7 HM & HW coded Pontiac Rally II wheels.

[rbrtmchl]

Thank you very much for your response and information. Do you know if the reproduction trim rings will fit with little/no gap between the trim ring and the wheel spokes? Or will there be a 1/2” gap?

['ol Pinion head]

Later this afternoon, can ck fit on an original HM or HW coded 15x7 with a dinged up early style trim ring. The problem you're up against, the original squared off edge style trim rings weren't designed for the wider style center section of the '73+ 15" rally II's. Though i dont have any repro trim rings here, believe that same inner gap will be seen with the repro trim rings.

[rbrtmchl]

I found this car on an internet auction site, but unfortunately I cannot get any additional information. This is the look that I am after. To my eye, these trim rings fit with no gap at the wheel spokes.

[Old Goat 67]

That is exactly what I have been looking for myself.

[firechicken]

My rings have a big gap as well so I don't even run them. I think it looks awful.

[rbrtmchl]

Originally Posted by Old Goat 67

That is exactly what I have been looking for myself.

Originally Posted by firechicken

My rings have a big gap as well so I don't even run them. I think it looks awful.

Well, I guess I am in good company then with looking for these trim rings. I would appreciate hearing from others as well. Based on the pictures that I posted, I think there is a good solution out there, I just don't know where to find them.

I may also cross-post this question in the '70-'73 forum to tap into some additional experts who may not check this forum regularly.

Any other suggestions??

[danpaul]

Maybe Wheel Vintiques https://www.wheelvintiques.com/acces...rim-rings.html

[rbrtmchl]

danpaul,

Thanks for the lead. I called Wheel Vintiques this afternoon. The trim ring that they recommended was their p/n 3001-A-1, but unfortunately the sales person said that there will be a gap at the wheel like the other trim rings that I am aware of. Also, it's difficult to tell on their web site picture, but the profile of the recommended ring looks round.

Back to the search...

[pontiacstogo]

I have my trim rings stored away as I just don't like the look of them.

[RicksGTO]

I got these '73 and up 15 X 7 rings in 2020. New they were about $225 a set shipped at that time. The top down view is with the ring centered but not installed on a '74 HM wheels but you can tell there should be no noticeable gap.

[rbrtmchl]

Originally Posted by RicksGTO

I got these '73 and up 15 X 7 rings in 2020. New they were about $225 a set shipped at that time. The top down view is with the ring centered but not installed on a '74 HM wheels but you can tell there should be no noticeable gap.

Thanks for posting. I believe that those are the stock trim rings for the '74. I have the same set, and if I don't find a better solution, those will go on my car. I'm hoping someone can guide me to a source for the more squared-off polished trim rings, and hopefully without a gap.

[Held for Ransom]

Originally Posted by rbrtmchl

danpaul,

Thanks for the lead. I called Wheel Vintiques this afternoon. The trim ring that they recommended was their p/n 3001-A-1, but unfortunately the sales person said that there will be a gap at the wheel like the other trim rings that I am aware of. Also, it's difficult to tell on their web site picture, but the profile of the recommended ring looks round.

Back to the search...

Correct. They will leave the same 1/2" space as the '73-up trim rings.

[rbrtmchl]

I guess for now I am giving up hope that I will be able to find OEM or repro trim rings that have little or no gap at the wheel spokes. So, I’d like to try a new approach.

If you have OEM trim rings, or if you have purchased reproduction trim rings, can you measure the depth dimension from the square lip of the wheel to the edge of the trim ring, and post your figures here? Reminder – this is for the squared-edge trim rings for 15” x 7” Pontiac Rally II Wheels. This will allow me and others to purchase the best-fitting trim rings for our Rally II Wheels.

Example: trim ring p/n XYX1234 from supplier Acme Trim Rings – depth dimension = 2.25”

Reproduction suppliers that I am aware of:

Ames Performance
p/n FT210H
their web site says their trim rings are 2.25” deep

The Parts Place
p/n WT10953Z
their web site says their trim rings are 2.5” deep

https://www.thepartsplaceinc.com/pro...4-pieces/78166

Firebird Central
p/n WHE-15
no dimensions provided

https://www.firebirdcentral.com/15_x...4_p/whe-15.htm

Coker Tire
p/n 3001-15
their web site says their trim rings are 2.5” deep

https://www.cokertire.com/accessorie...trim-ring.html

[rbrtmchl]

I cross-posted this topic on the '70-'73 Firebird & TA Tech Forum. I got an interesting suggestion from 'android 211':

The trim rings that Olds used on their '75 - up Super Stock III heels have the sharp corner and polished not satin finish you like. Maybe check out 'ClassicOldsmobile.com' and look. Olds sold a lot of those wheels. They do fit the way you like.
As an alternative the satin finish Pontiac trim rings can be polished to a mirror finish by a plating shop. Looks pretty good.

Has anyone here tried Oldsmobile trim rings on their Rally II wheels? Any comments on fitment, etc.?

['ol Pinion head]

For what you are trying to do, seriously doubt you will come up with a solution for a squared off edge polished trim ring that fills any type of gap. At least none that have been designed & marketed to be facsimiles of original GM trim rings. Understand what you are trying to accomplish.

If you have a chance to examine a '73-74 Olds SSII or '75-77 Olds 15x7 SSIII wheel, you will find the center area is 12" across, same dimension as late '68-72 Pontiac usage 15" rally II wheels. The "small" centers in all these wheels are 1" narrower across the face than the centers of the '73 & later 15" Pontiac Rally Ii wheels.

Chevrolet basically pulled from the same parts supplier as Pontiac, when they transitioned from their early usage (4clip attachment) 15x6 & 15x7 Z-28 trim ring to the 97xx696, they didnt really care about the gap. The relatively cheap Taiwaan reproductions sold by all repro parts suppliers are out there in droves, but again, for what you are trying to accomplish, will leave a discernable gap when fitted on the HM & HW 15x7 rally II's.

[rbrtmchl]

Originally Posted by 'ol Pinion head

For what you are trying to do, seriously doubt you will come up with a solution for a squared off edge polished trim ring that fills any type of gap. At least none that have been designed & marketed to be facsimiles of original GM trim rings. Understand what you are trying to accomplish.

If you have a chance to examine a '73-74 Olds SSII or '75-77 Olds 15x7 SSIII wheel, you will find the center area is 12" across, same dimension as late '68-72 Pontiac usage 15" rally II wheels. The "small" centers in all these wheels are 1" narrower across the face than the centers of the '73 & later 15" Pontiac Rally Ii wheels.

Chevrolet basically pulled from the same parts supplier as Pontiac, when they transitioned from their early usage (4clip attachment) 15x6 & 15x7 Z-28 trim ring to the 97xx696, they didnt really care about the gap. The relatively cheap Taiwaan reproductions sold by all repro parts suppliers are out there in droves, but again, for what you are trying to accomplish, will leave a discernable gap when fitted on the HM & HW 15x7 rally II's.

Thanks very much, that's a really informative post. I had a feeling based on the responses that I received so far that there was not a good 'ready solution' for what I was trying to do. The information that you provided is pretty conclusive that there is not a gapless square edge trim ring for these wheels. Thanks for your post.