The trim rings on the wheels were somewhat pitted and also got a little sand blasted when I removed the paint from the wheels. So I decided to remove them so I could get them re-chromed.
After looking at them for a while, I decided to make a tool to help in the removal. I ended up making it from a stiff putty knife (1½" or 2" wide) by cutting it off and then grinding an arc matching the inside diameter of the trim ring. I made the blade a little longer than the distance from the outside to the inside of the trim ring. Then I bent it enough to allow the handle to clear the bump in the wheel. Be sure to get one where the metal is embedded in the handle or it will break. Also grind a knife edge on the arc.
Using one of the tips of the tool, work it under the trim ring as far as you can. You may have to tap it with a hammer to get it started. Be sure you start in between the hub bolts (look on the inside of the wheel to locate them). Then you carefully pry up. Work around the center and keep doing this. Once the ring comes up slightly, you can get the tool over one of the hub bolts and get more leverage. Go slowly (it takes ~½ hour per ring) as these are easily bent. As I had already removed the paint from the center hub, I didn't have to worry about that being in the way.
Remember to go slowly. This is clearly a case where haste makes waste.
For installation, I just used a piece of oak wood that I cut to match the inner diameter. Then I simply tapped the ring in place using the oak like a punch, going round and round the center several times. The oak is solid enough but won't mar the newly chromed surface. It's surprising how much the ring deforms as you tap on one side and then the other. Just try to keep it even all around.
Copyright © 2001-2012, Kerry Chesbro