Factory Rally Wheel Trim Rings - What metal are they made of?

[Yamariv]

Hey guys,

I finally got my hands on a nice set of GM 15x8 Rally Wheels. The trim rings that came with them have a few deeper scratches that I want to try and sand out a bit before polishing them.

What kind of metal are they made of? They don't appear to be chrome so I'm hoping I can sand the metal a bit then buff. Anyone have any other advice on sanding out scratches on rings?

Here's a pic with the truck with the bare steelies on it. Stock height, 235/70 tires on them for now

[Getter-Done]

Some trim rings are Stainless Steel.

If a magnet won't stick to them, they are the good ones

Some Stainless ones are slightly magnetic thou.

Do they have any signs of rust in the scratches?

[leftybass209]

I just checked the 2 known oem stainless rings i have, and a high-strength magnet barely sticks to them. There are absolutely no identifying marks on the back side that identify them as stainless, or even a part number that i could see.

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by leftybass209

I just checked the 2 known oem stainless rings i have, and a high-strength magnet barely sticks to them. There are absolutely no identifying marks on the back side that identify them as stainless, or even a part number that i could see.

Interesting info guys, thanks! I just went out to the garage and took a couple pics incase they help identify them. I took a magnet to a ring and it barely sticks, has a bit of pull but not much.

I assume they must be stainless, maybe the little bit of rust a polished off was more surface crud than the metal rusting?

[Getter-Done]

There are several videos on U tube of how to sand a polish them.

Probably better than how I would Type it

Yeah Without getting into Metallurgy,

Different Series of Stainless has some Ferrous materials in it.

[notsolo]

I found a decent set on a 90's Chevy van. Shallow compared to what you have but looks to
Be more original..IMO.

[KW5413]

Stainless steel has varying degrees of nickel content, depending on the SS rating. Nickel is magnetic.

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by KW5413

Stainless steel has varying degrees of nickel content, depending on the SS rating. Nickel is magnetic.

Ahh, that makes sense why it would be just a little bit magnetic! Interesting

[Steeveedee]

Nickel is ferromagnetic, just like iron. 300 stainless has a high chromium content which is why it doesn't corrode beyond a surface layer. And the chromium is what makes it have a very low magnetic moment (magnet sticks only very slightly). 400 series has low chrome content and is ferromagnetic.

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

There are several videos on U tube of how to sand a polish them.

Probably better than how I would Type it

Yeah Without getting into Metallurgy,

Different Series of Stainless has some Ferrous materials in it.

Searched Youtube for some videos for sanding out scratches but couldn't find any Any links you know of? Not looking for simple polishing though

[weq92f]

.

This one here looks pretty good. Just searched for "stainless trim ring sanding" on YT...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5vz0aLidCs

-klb

[Grumpy old man]

They are stainless . Not everyone has a stand mounted buffing wheel . Harbor freight has green polishing compond and small buffing wheels to use in a angle grinder , scratches can be fixe using 400-800 grit wet/dry sand paper and then buffing . The trick to buffing stainless is high speed and heat built up from pressure . There are pictures in this thread .

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=765868

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

Nickel is ferromagnetic, just like iron. 300 stainless has a high chromium content which is why it doesn't corrode beyond a surface layer. And the chromium is what makes it have a very low magnetic moment (magnet sticks only very slightly). 400 series has low chrome content and is ferromagnetic.

Thanks Steve
I Know this is a touchy subject for some

Originally Posted by Yamariv

Searched Youtube for some videos for sanding out scratches but couldn't find any Any links you know of? Not looking for simple polishing though

I will try searching more

How to Buff & Polish Steel to a Mirror Finish...

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

They are stainless . Not everyone has a stand mounted buffing wheel . Harbor freight has green polishing compond and small buffing wheels to use in a angle grinder , scratches can be fixe using 400-800 grit wet/dry sand paper and then buffing . The trick to buffing stainless is high speed and heat built up from pressure . There are pictures in this thread .

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=765868

Grumpy said it Best

Go to Harbor Freight

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

Thanks Steve
I Know this is a touchy subject for some



I will try searching more

How to Buff & Polish Steel to a Mirror Finish - YouTube



Grumpy said it Best

Go to Harbor Freight

I learned about stainless steel in the Navy. Nuclear reactors, and such.

[Yamariv]

Thanks guys, that video was exactly what I was trying to find! Should be a fun project, a lot of work but moving through all the grits should pay off

[Getter-Done]

Okay

I speak for all of us that had Input

We would like to See Before and After Pictures.

In my experience as a Machinist,
Stainless is Difficult to machine

With that being said.,

It is also Easy to cover up (Some /not All) a Boo Boo's with fine grit sandpaper or scotchbrite.