"Chromed Hubcaps" Restoration

[davepl]

I'd like to get my four hubcaps (GMC 2500 8-bolt 16.5" wheel) restored. I see NOS Chevy sets come up now and then but have yet to see a GMC set.

Although the SPID lists them as chrome, a magnet doesn't stick to them, so I presume they are actually stainless and not chromed steel.

I did my "60-100-220-320-400-800-1600-2000-buff" procedure on one flat, and it turned out very nice. Unfortunately there are too many surface irregularities (just in the design) for me to realistically be able to do it to every section of all four hubcups. I'd have weeks into them at my approach.

Should I have mine restored? Who does them? Can I get them chromed instead? Do restorers repaint the inserts too or is that up to me?

As you can tell I've never worried about hubcaps before, but there might be a show where I stick the old stock wheels and caps on instead of the H2 wheels.

[dfrank]

I believe you are right that the caps a stainless or aluminum. I think they are cast aluminum from how light they are. You can still chrome plate stainless or aluminum as it is easier than polishing those center hub caps due to all the nooks and crannies. I would say just get them re-chromed then I know lmc truck sells replacement stickers to go in the center for chevy's and they should have them for gmc as well. What ever you do don't buy the junk plastic repo ones. I did once and they sucked and just went back to my factory caps.

[leddzepp]

69-72 caps are chrome plated brass. 73-76 caps are stainless steel.

[factorystock]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

69-72 caps are chrome plated brass.

Correct! They are extremely hard to find not all dented up or split up on edges. You must have the stainless version without the black trim paint in center. Here is the correct '69 thru '72 3/4 ton chrome plated brass version for reference. I believe there are some '73's out there that came chromed steel that are heavier than the brass or stainless caps, but again are very hard to find in decent shape.

[davepl]

So you're saying the original owner replaced them at some point? Because mine came (to me) with four that look identical to above but, as you said, aren't painted in the center.

[factorystock]

Originally Posted by davepl

So you're saying the original owner replaced them at some point?

Somebody changed them out, perhaps they were all dented up an split on edges like so many pre '73's are. Check out your old photos of the truck taken with the original owners, you should see the centers painted black.

[factorystock]

Here is one on EBAY, not mine. Very hard to find them without dents because the metal is so soft. Seller has no clue on years, but it is correct for 1969 thru 1972.http://www.ebay.com/itm/GMC-CHEVROLE...649b9f&vxp=mtr