[squidtone]

Installation with the modified tangs was much easier, and the rings didn't deform. You still scratch the ever loving heck out of the wheel paint, but it's covered up of course. I installed the rings as is, and ran them last summer. I still prefer the brushed look, so this summer I took them off, mounted them to a spare wheel, and mounted the wheel to my rear axle. I put the car into gear and sanded the wide face of the trim ring with 150 grit sandpaper, followed by a scotch-brite pad polish. I stayed away from the narrow face of the trim ring as this is supposed to remain shiny (as original one were). I'm happy with the result. DIY brushed trim rings.
The last pictures are of the brushed rings installed. Hope this helps others considering these.