Ever notice that older large GM trucks have split rim wheels painted one color? Thus, they give a more “plain” appearance. This is not the way these trucks where when new!
From the factory, the narrow split rings were zinc plated. This was an important extra. It prevented them from rusting against the main wheel between tire changes. In northern states with longer winters, more wet roads, and some highways using salt as an ice melting material, two steel wheel components can rust together. Tire changing can then be very difficult.
Zinc plating was an inexpensive process to prevent this problem! Therefore, all GM split rim wheels had the silver colored small rings.
If you want your restored truck with split rim wheels to have the original “zinc appearance” there is a way and not using the zinc plating process.
- Brush clean the mounted ring with soap and water.
- Using a very small brush carefully paint the ring with quality exterior silver paint. (If you get the paint on the adjacent edge a cloth can quickly remove it)
- You might even paint the main wheel with a spray can the color of choice, AND then hand paint the silver ring.
- You will be amazed! It all looks new again.
- Don’t stop. Scrubbing the tires will make the project even more perfect.
-Jim Carter
