Steering wheel center trim clips

[rsk289]

Does anybody have a source for the three tiny spring steel edge clips that hold the plastic steering wheel centre trim in place, as sold by Finishline? I have broken two and don't want to end up with double sided tape or silicone sealer holding the trim in.

Roger

[amulheirn]

Hi Roger,
I bought an AC steering wheel cap from Valley Ford Parts on eBay. It came with three clips, so they may be able to supply these separately - just a guess. Ironically, they're in Springville California.

Address - 33284 Globe Drive, Springville CA 93265. (559)539-2014

Andy

[nikbj68]

...Or I'll just make you some.

[EM-0785]

rsk289,

Did you find a source for the clips yet?

As you indicated, Finishline sells the emblem cap with clips. Just curious, have you checked with them on their source or recommendation?

I too am about to install my new AC emblem cap with the three clips for the first time. May need such a source too if I break them.

Do you have any guidance on why you think yours broke? Were you pushing straight on, one side firmly then the next, encouraging it, otherwise? Which way were your clips oriented?

When buying mine, I tried my normal Cobra supply sites first, yet the version I was after specifically I was only able to find at Tony Branda. It too came with the three clips, so they may also be able to offer insight into a source for additional clips? I tend to doubt it they way these companies may be sourcing, but may be worth a try.

Interested in your experience. I’ve not yet tried the install mine as I’ve been doing a touch of restoration on my heavily oxidized wheel spokes via polishing, with spectacular result. I must say, a conservative amount of White Diamond polish applied with a wadded tear of Nevr-Dull does wonders and provides good application control, given a few applications. But that’s beside the point!

Best of luck! Thanks, Brent

[rsk289]

Hi Brent,
A very helpful fellow 289 Register member found me a spare clip so I'm out of the woods for the time being and haven't contacted any of the US suppliers directly. But yes, these things must be made by someone so should be available, the trick is finding out who from!
I've had this centre trim on and off my car for over 10 years so I think the spring steel just failed. Every time the centre is removed to remove the wheel, at least one of the clips goes flying off somewhere. I keep a magnet probe handy every time I do the job!
Roger

[EM-0785]

Roger,
Thanks for the update. I'd just woken up and realized that the breaking actually likely happened from removal versus install and was coming to update my prior post, and see you already replied. I've read these clips can be nasty to deal with and your post supports that. The chipped center cap I'm replacing, while clip style, had just been held on with adhesive, so no attempts yet with the clips. Good to hear yours survived multiple removal/install cycles it appears, so mine may just go on fine this first time. Know more once I get to it! Take care...Brent

[PeteH]

Without knowing what the clips look like, I'm not sure if same as used in early Healey's or not. If so, Moss Motors has them, as well as Healey specialists in England.