OBS Sawblade Wheels (96–98) — Specs + How to Restore Them Properly

If you’ve got a GMT400, you already know these wheels.

The 5-spoke “sawblades” GM ran in the late OBS years. No official name, just what everyone calls them.

Still one of the best factory wheels GM made.

Dropping all the key info and a proper way to bring a set back.


Specs (for anyone hunting a set)

  • 16×7

  • 6×5.5 bolt pattern

  • +31mm offset

Part numbers (common):

  • 12360532/12351802/15530906/15650049

Fitment:

  • C1500 / K1500 (92–99)

  • Tahoe / Suburban / Yukon (92–99)

Finish:

  • Machined face

  • Charcoal or black pockets

  • Clearcoated from factory

Caps:

Lugs:

  • M14×1.5 conical

Why people still want them

  • Clean OEM look

  • Harder to find now. If searching, check this thread.

  • Fit OBS trucks perfectly

  • Way better than most aftermarket options


What to check before buying

  • Clearcoat peeling

  • White/gray oxidation

  • Deep pitting

  • Curb rash

  • Bent lips or cracks

  • Missing caps

Most sets you find will need work.


How to restore them (this is the part most people mess up)

1. Strip the clear

  • Strip the clear using Aircraft stripper remover or blasting. It may take an hour for the aircraft stripper to get the clearcoat off.

  • Get ALL coating off, then power wash and clean.

  • No shortcuts here


2. Sanding (don’t skip steps)

Typical flow:

  • 320 (or 180–240 if rough)

  • 600

  • 800

  • 1000

  • 1500

  • 2000+

Rules:

  • Remove scratches from previous grit every time

  • Wet sand

  • Get behind spokes

You should end up with a smooth, even matte finish.


3. Polish

  • Heavy cut → medium → fine

  • Rotary or drill setup works best

  • Keep moving, don’t burn it

Aluminum actually polishes better with some heat, but don’t cook it.

Tight areas = hand polish.


4. Finish

You’ve got 3 options:

  • Bare polished → best look, more upkeep

  • Clearcoat → easier, but can fail again

  • Sealant/wax → best balance

If you don’t seal them, they’ll oxidize again fast.


Common mistakes

  • Skipping sanding steps

  • Trying to polish too early

  • Overheating the wheel

  • Leaving contamination on surface

  • Not sealing after


Maintenance

  • Mild soap only

  • No harsh wheel cleaners

  • Re-seal every month or so (for daily drivers)

Daily driver = more upkeep
Show truck = easier to keep clean


Worth it?

Yes.

If you want the right look on an OBS, nothing beats these.