In the past, every time I order wheels for an application they have to be "special order" and then I screw it up. The caliper doesn't clear, the lug bolts are wrong or something else. My current project is running 5 X bolt pattern 14" GM wheels in the back and 4 X BP 12" Geo Metro wheels up front.
I'd like to remove the center of the wheels by carefully cutting the weld away and separating the flat inner part from the outer ring that the tires beads up to. Then I want to purchase 13" X 7" wide outer sections and weld them to the mismatched hub parts. I then would have the bolt pattern I need on a wheel of the correct width and offset for the car I'm running.
Does this make sense? Plausable? Or do I have to go to the box of crayons?
Dan
We used to do that in the "old" days to make our own racing wheels, because it was waaaay cheaper than buying "custom" racing wheels. It was a royal P.I.T.A. to get everything to run true and balanced. Difficult, but doable if you have the patience. Remember to measure twice(at least), cut once. Tack it all together, trial fit to make sure it clears up and down & lock to lock. Adjust and repeat as needed. We had a jig to make sure it was absolutely straight-horizontal & vertical- when I welded it out. You need to be very patient or very lucky. And if you're lucky, buy me a lottery ticket please.
mw
Reader
5/11/09 7:05 a.m.
Two questions:
Are you planning to bolt a 12" rim centre section into a 13x7" hoop? What are you going to do about the fact that a 13" hoop will likely have a larger hole than a 12" centre section.
Also, diamond racing wheels are so cheap and completely custom. I wouldn't bother. (Even on a challenge car).
I would also recomend upgrading your metro's front brakes since they are pretty much useless and finding 10mm lug nuts is a pain in the ass. (95 and up metro's have what you want)
I'd be tempted to order the centers and the shells and then weld them yourself, rather than trying to make your current centers work. I'm sure you can, but it seems like a major PITA, whereas if you order centers and shells, they will already fit together. Figure out the BS you want, square it up, and weld away.
IIRC Paulsen will sell unwelded wheels.
I lean toward Dave's idea. Get the wheels unwelded, then make them fit your particular app.
