My wheels are the brushed steel variety, not chrome but what made me think the centres were stainless steel was the back of the centres having minimal corrosion and an obviously 'silver' appearance. If they have some sort of chrome layer then it is extremely primitive and if they are mild steel then maybe it has a clear coat??? This is the option that concerns me having polished the front brushed steel spokes to a shine - may need to re-coat them with clear to stop corrosion if they aren't stainless (not that stainless won't tarnish - just not as bad as steel). The welding is still an issue if they are stainless. Any thoughts?