55-59 6-lug front disc brakes and original wheels

[roger55]

I just ordered a 6-lug disc brake kit today from CPP.

They tell me that my original wheels won't clear these brakes.
He said they won't clear unless I have 3 1/2" backspace. I measured my wheels and they have 3 3/4" b/s.

It does look like they would be easy to modify though. I think I could grind of the rivets holding the 2 pieces of the wheel together, slide the outer part out and weld back up. It looks like I could get up to 1/2" more backspace doing that.

What do you think of this idea? I sure want to use my original wheels if at all possible.

[NEWFISHER]

Why not run a 1/4 spacer from the tire stores and some longer studs in the hub (you may not even need them)?
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[roger55]

Originally Posted by NEWFISHER

Why not run a 1/4 spacer from the tire stores and some longer studs in the hub (you may not even need them)?
Posted via Mobile Device

I guess that's a possiblility. I mentioned that to the guy at CPP and his comment was that the spacer would be too thick.

I guess I'll have to wait and see what it looks like when I get them installed. I was hoping that maybe someone here might have already looked at this and know if it can be made to work.

[Rude Dude]

Stockton wheel company can do that mod for you

Originally Posted by roger55

I just ordered a 6-lug disc brake kit today from CPP.

They tell me that my original wheels won't clear these brakes.
He said they won't clear unless I have 3 1/2" backspace. I measured my wheels and they have 3 3/4" b/s.

It does look like they would be easy to modify though. I think I could grind of the rivets holding the 2 pieces of the wheel together, slide the outer part out and weld back up. It looks like I could get up to 1/2" more backspace doing that.

What do you think of this idea? I sure want to use my original wheels if at all possible.

[buggy5872]

Moving the center on a wheel is not quite that easy. I have done it many times but you need some way to ensure they run true when you are done. I put an old axle in the lathe and bolt the center to it. Then silde the wheel hoop over the center and spin the lathe and tap it to true it up. I weld it while it is in the lathe to make sure it does not move.

[roger55]

Originally Posted by buggy5872

Moving the center on a wheel is not quite that easy. I have done it many times but you need some way to ensure they run true when you are done. I put an old axle in the lathe and bolt the center to it. Then silde the wheel hoop over the center and spin the lathe and tap it to true it up. I weld it while it is in the lathe to make sure it does not move.

Thanks. Yes I was thinking that I would spin the wheel bolted to an axle to make sure it was true while welding.