Removing trim rings

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by MiniJimi, Jun 20, 2012.

  1. MiniJimi

    MiniJimi New Member

    Jul 20, 2009
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    Can anyone offer guidance on removing the speedo, tach and vent trim rings? I'm going to try wrapping or painting the rings, but I don't know the trick to getting them off.
     
  2. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

    May 7, 2009
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    The silver rings are plastic welded to their respective trim pieces and cannot be removed. If you want to work on them off the car, the front bezel on tach is easy to remove but the center trim panel for the speedo and vent is a bit involved.

    There are instructions here: http://www.fes-auto.com/upload/doc/55/InvisiLens_2ndGen_Installation_Guide.pdf

    And a video:
    [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc0NZXTJDFk]2007 Mini Cooper Spedometer Removal (Part 1) - YouTube[/ame]
     
  3. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    Some of the vinyl wraps, like Di-Noc, is very flexible and I would think you could do the rings with something like that right where they are. I plan to give it a try, so I'll let you know if it works. I'm getting into this vinyl wrapping stuff.

    Jim
     
  4. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Here are a couple of pic's of the tach cover plate.
    image-2356160870.jpg
    The small black dots are plastic pins that have been heat sealed at the factory. It might be possible to slightly drill out the tops of each dot with a dremel, enough to remove the melted tops of each pin and the two pieces might be able to be separated. Re- attachment could be done with a little glue in each hole.
    image-3355617250.jpg
     
  5. MiniJimi

    MiniJimi New Member

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    Thanks for the replies. Justa Jim -Please let me know how it goes for you. What other things have you wrapped?
     
  6. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    Mainly Christmas and Birthday presents. :D

    I have wrapped a few items, getting the hang of it. I think I'm ready to tackle the dash. I'll keep you posted. My vinyl was ordered today. :Thumbsup:

    BTW: That is a great vid posted above. I used it and have taken my speedo ring off twice. Not really as hard as you might think.

    Jim
     
  7. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Justa Jim
    Speedo "Ring".... Not familiar with that particular bathing suit but they do seem to be popular I guess.... And you've only had them off twice??? They always seem so small so maybe they are difficult to remove IDK.... But you say the video helps huh?????

    Please no pic's Jim, I just ate dinner.....
     
  8. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    You are a funny man MM. I needed a good laugh. :Thumbsup::lol:

    Jim
     
  9. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Hey Jim.... I'm here for ya....:D
     

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