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Can a steel rim be made skinnier ?

1K views 14 replies 8 participants last post by  4.3minor 
#1 ·
Im thinking of running some mid 70s chevy steel truck rims on my project but i need to make the front about 2 inchs skinnier. Do machine shops do this ?...

I would imagine its just a matter of cutting welding and balancing ?...obviously not just that simple but has anyone had it done or know of anyone that does ?
 
#2 ·
There are several wheel shops that can probably do that, providing there is enough area outside of the dropped center to cut and weld. I would think that you might be better off getting a new rim outer and having your center welded in.

I don't know what kind of rim you are using, but you may find that the style you want in the width you want are available from wheel vintiques or stockton wheel as well.

Stockton wheel is somewhat local to me, there are probably shops closer to you that will perform the service as well...

http://www.stocktonwheel.com/contacts.htm

Do a search here on the site for "narrowing rims" and you will find some more threads on this subject.

Later, mikey
 
#3 ·
4.3minor said:
Im thinking of running some mid 70s chevy steel truck rims on my project but i need to make the front about 2 inchs skinnier. Do machine shops do this ?...

I would imagine its just a matter of cutting welding and balancing ?...obviously not just that simple but has anyone had it done or know of anyone that does ?
You may want to Google Stockton Wheel,there are numerous posts on their poor customer service and attitude on the H.A.M.B. and the internet check Company Reviews here also.You might want to give the Tech line at Summit a call they can order special width and offsets in steel wheels.
 
#4 ·
As I remember doing a custom wheel like that required a brake lathe and several wheels to cut up till we got it to work..that and quite a bit of beer before we were done..used the centers from one wheel and the shells from two more to make one wheel..

Would be a lot easier to call Wheels Vintique and order a set of wheels and probably cheaper to boot..

Sam
 
#6 ·
WEll I need a rim 4.5 inchs wide for the front. That is as wide as I can go. Id like to stay with some nice clean steel rims. The ones I was thinking of using were older Chev truck rallys, but they only come in 6 inch form what I can tell. I dont want to go and order some crazy expensive set of custom made rism for this project.
 
#8 ·
4.3minor said:
WEll I need a rim 4.5 inchs wide for the front. That is as wide as I can go. Id like to stay with some nice clean steel rims. The ones I was thinking of using were older Chev truck rallys, but they only come in 6 inch form what I can tell. I dont want to go and order some crazy expensive set of custom made rism for this project.
I called Stockton wheel last week for a quote on a custom made wheel and they charge less than 150.00 per wheel..not really crazy expensive if it solves the problem...

Why so skinny?

Mikey
 
#9 ·
Attack this wheel problem another way? You said mid 70s chevy truck...that would be 5" bolt circle 5 lugs if 2wd. If you could find an older Hollander Interchange manual, I'd bet you can find out which car brand/models used a 4.5" with that bolt pattern. maybe a base model late 40s/early 50s Studebaker, etc.

I did the same for older 16" wheels. I needed steelies to sort of match my 40 ford front wheels, but with an Olds 5 on 5" pattern. Hollander had quite a few models/makes that I could choose from. One wheel I found local, the 2nd one I just got on ebay.
 
#14 · (Edited)
food for thought:

check your local strip rules!!!!
very likely the narrow wheels will put you into a (modified/altered) class that you can't compete in at all "and" they will send you home if you can't meet "all" the safety requirements (roll cage etc) for that quicker class....

check your car insurance!
if you do have an accident, all coverage will be denied if the wheel modification isn't written into the policy....
which will raise the premiums big time if you can buy coverage at all!

look up the actual weights for "aluminum" or steel wheels and tires combos....
a 6" aluminum wheel and tire combo will be within oz's of a much heavier 4.5" steel wheel and tire....
(likely the 6" combo will be lighter)

a 6" steel wheel/tire versus a 4.5" steel wheel/tire won't even make a .005 second difference at the track on a 3400 lb car....
but you might just hit a kid who ran into the street because you couldn't stop quick enough!!!!
 
#15 ·
OK nto to worry guys,

FIrst of all Ive been drag racing for numerous years and I am well aware of what rules and classes they have.

Second of all, this car weighs 2000 lbs including driver and full tank of gas.

I already have a 10 point cage.

A 6 inch wheel sticks out of my fender by 2 inches i have to have a 4.5 inch wheel.....no other options, im not gonna split belly the front of my frame!
 
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