They are Die casted IE.. pot metal.

Thanks! Im hoping to remove the black laquer but I don't know what would be safe to the metal underneath. If anyone has any tips that would be really appreciated.

You can try some of the spray bottle paint removers that Home Depot or Lowes... etc... sells. I have use Motsenbockers "Liftoff" it's a spray paint remover. I used it on some bass drum leg mounts that were painted silver. Rinse well with water then dry very well after. Light oil in the threaded bosses the lug screws go in. Take the lug apart first as some RK lugs had felt spring wraps. Just remove the tension rod insert, spring and felts. Your lugs will be nickel or chrome plated under the paint. Try one first to see how it works. I used a old toothbrush on them to help remove the paint.

Here's a pic of the ones I did. Painted on left, finished on right.