Question about stainless steel - door sills

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I haven't removed the windows, seat or gas tank yet, but as far as I can tell I'll have two items with rust worth mentioning. One is the diff. cover, the other is the bottom of the LH door sill. Makes sense it would only be that side, because it was a driver (snow) pre-1995. Not knowing anything about stainless steel, I'm still surprised there was so much rust. The floor board is unphased.

I'll spend 10 minutes a night x7 getting the rust off. Brush on some vinegar a few times a day, scrub at night and start over again. When it's all said and done it will look better than new, at least on top will. My seeking education is....are these solid stainless? What level of integrity is compromised by sanding these down?

[dazza]

If they were stainless, there shouldn't be any rust. There are of course different grades and some will show surface rust. I don't believe the originals from the factory were ever stainless.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I thought they were stainless. If not, what are they? There's deep surface rust, especially along the bottom outer edge.

I've spent a little time with 80 grit on top (no rust). From this angle, it appears it will sand to like new. Even with 80 grit it appears much improved.

[special-K]

They are chromed steel and rust very easily. There are reproductions made in stainless. I've put perfect OEM sill plates on and had them rust in a year. That's why I sold off my stash of N.O.S. and pocketed the cash. It's stainless sill plates for me from now on

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by special-K

They are chromed steel and rust very easily. There are reproductions made in stainless. I've put perfect OEM sill plates on and had them rust in a year. That's why I sold off my stash of N.O.S. and pocketed the cash. It's stainless sill plates for me from now on

This explains why the piece rusted. I had read the original sills were stainless, and once again I was heading into the wrong direction. Go figure, the piece I started sanding is looking real nice. Apparently I'm sanding the chrome off. I'll finish cleaning it up for some reason, and purchase some repros. Thanks for the info.

[dazza]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

I'll finish cleaning it up for some reason

It seems that you have CDO too!

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by dazza

It seems that you have CDO too!

I definitely have a touch of OCD, but had never heard of CDO. I don't think you meant collateralized debt obligation, but I do feel a sense of debt for this truck.

I suppose "someone" could shine these as good as it gets and clear coat. Hmmm. I'll get an OER regardless.

[swamp rat]

Last time i checked stainless is non magnetic, least my fridge is anyway, stick a magnet on it to see.

[dazza]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

I definitely have a touch of OCD, but had never heard of CDO. I don't think you meant collateralized debt obligation, but I do feel a sense of debt for this truck.

I suppose "someone" could shine these as good as it gets and clear coat. Hmmm. I'll get an OER regardless.

CDO is OCD, it's just in alphabetical order like it should be!

[special-K]

I have some that have been sandblasted. I was thinking about getting them powder coated black or...

[dazza]

that's a great idea, black or maybe cast iron.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by dazza

CDO is OCD, it's just in alphabetical order like it should be!

God dang it.

Speak of CDO, I'm currently attempting to list all the window parts for the door. I'll be removing everything pretty soon, and I "need" to know what's what. This way I can spend 20 hours on something that should take 2.