1966 original knockoff center caps-magnetic or not?

[Russ S.]

Were the original knockoff center caps for a 66 magnetic or not? Were they stainless steel or steel chromed?

[Wayne M.]

Re: 1966 original knockoff center caps-magnetic or not?

Well, since nobody else has posted, let me guess that they are magnetic and stainless. I base this on my original '66s, which are off my car. Put a magnet on the cap (still on the spinner and probably never been off) and had a strong pull, but this might just be magnetic "conduction" from the mass of the spinner, which is definitely magnetic. Then I looked at the backside of the spinner and the cap seems to be the have the same surface "patina" front/back, so I'm guessing stainless, as they wouldn't chrome both sides.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1966 original knockoff center caps-magnetic or not?

A basic stainless steel has a 'ferritic' structure and is magnetic. . However, the most common stainless steels are 'austenitic' - these have a higher chromium content and nickel is also added. It is the nickel which makes it non-magnetic.

[Alan D.]

Re: 1966 original knockoff center caps-magnetic or not?

Will confirm they are magnetic! Just checked original 65's that are off cone.

[Russ S.]

Re: 1966 original knockoff center caps-magnetic or not?

Wayne, I think you are right. I have a set that I believe are original that are magnetic and a set of NOS part number 3853825 made in Canada that are non magnetic. The Canadian made NOS (and current repos) are about half the thickness of the metal that the originals are.