<VV> Overhauling Factory Wire Wheel Covers

[N. Joseph Potts]

I've been routinely disassembling the factory wire wheel covers of my 66
pretty much since I've had them. Sometimes that's what it seems to take to
get them clean - certainly to polish.
     But the black-painted steel band on the inside (not visible when covers
are installed) that holds the "grippers" that scratch up the wheels is very
rusty, and I wonder if there's a way to separate it from the stainless-steel
"scalp" that's attached to its outer edge. I've already drilled out the
gripper rivets and spot welds at the point where the band's ends overlap,
but the band STILL doesn't seem to want to come loose of the scalp. Is it
crimped on? Is it practical to disassemble these (for refinishing purposes -
I hate rust)?
     Thanks for advice.

Joe Potts
Miami, Florida USA
1966 Corsa coupe 140hp 4-speed with A/C