Need Trim Ring Install help!

[SS4Real]

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?

[Salvatore]

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

[mmcporter]

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

[Salvatore]

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]

[SS4Real]

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.

[Enoch]

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.

[NCGuy68]

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.

[Salvatore]

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

[SS4Real]

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????

[SS4Real]

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???