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#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Humble, Texas
Posts: 414
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I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
I am in the process of having a custom set of rear wheels made for my '68 LWB.
Here is what I am starting with. 15 x 5.5 plain steel wheels ![]() I want to remove the center sections of the wheels that I have and have them welded into these with custom spacing. ![]() So I did a little work with the wire wheel and flap disks today and found these ![]() and on the inside... this ![]() The spots in the last two pictures that are outlined in red directly coincide with each other, so I am guessing that they are the welds that hold the wheel together. My question is, does anyone know if I have these drilled or machined out, will that work for removing the wheel centers? And, does this appear to be something that could be done in a home workshop of does it need to be professionally done? Once I get the centers out, I will have them professionally welded in, I want to make sure they are safe.
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Matt Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=672655 "Father thank you for the gathering of friends, Father we give thanks for all the choices we've made because that's what makes us who we are, let us forever cherish the loved ones we've lost along the way and most of all THANK YOU FOR FAST CARS!" |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Edwards, CA
Posts: 7,503
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
Everything needs to be done by a wheel shop!
The old wheel is chucked in a lathe and the outer rim is turned off down to the size for a press fit into the new hoop. Then they are pressed, aligned and welded.
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Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID ** Blazer SPID ** Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders ** Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? ** Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban |
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#3 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Humble, Texas
Posts: 414
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
That would be the best case scenario.
Anyone know of a wheel shop in the Houston area that does this????? I have checked with everyone that I know, talked to every "wheel shop" that I can find, searched the internet and come up with nothing. I am sure that there is a machine shop that will take care of the re-welding for me and do it in close enough tolerances that it will balance and be safe.
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Matt Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=672655 "Father thank you for the gathering of friends, Father we give thanks for all the choices we've made because that's what makes us who we are, let us forever cherish the loved ones we've lost along the way and most of all THANK YOU FOR FAST CARS!" |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Edwards, CA
Posts: 7,503
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
It takes a specialized shop. The last set I was involved with took four months and six or seven tries to get four correct wheels.
Try this https://www.google.com/#q=wheel+widening As examples http://www.weldcraftwheels.com/index-1.html www.stocktonwheel.com
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Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID ** Blazer SPID ** Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders ** Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? ** Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban Last edited by SS Tim; 04-26-2014 at 07:18 PM. |
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#5 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
Those are just spotwelds. No reason you can't remove them yourself. Since you're trashing the outer hoops, you can use a grinder to dig down into them from the outside. When you get close, use a mallet to whack the center disc periodically. When you get the spot welds ground out sufficiently, you'll be able to dislodge the centers from the hoops. Then take them, along with your new hoops, to the wheel shop.
Personally, I have done them myself before. I got them fitted up and bolted to the truck then mounted a dial indicator and spun the wheel as I tack welded until they were firm and then removed and stitch welded.
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I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
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#6 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Humble, Texas
Posts: 414
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
Quote:
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Matt Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=672655 "Father thank you for the gathering of friends, Father we give thanks for all the choices we've made because that's what makes us who we are, let us forever cherish the loved ones we've lost along the way and most of all THANK YOU FOR FAST CARS!" |
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#7 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: washington pa
Posts: 217
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
I have done this many times on wheels for other applications. It is just as simple as it seems. Grind out spot welds, prep center to go in new wheel and set center in new wheel where backspacing is correct. Just need to set wheel in a lathe and check run out with a dial indicator before finishing welding. If you cant find anyone in texas to do it, let me know. We can do it here in pa.
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#8 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Humble, Texas
Posts: 414
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
Quote:
I am trying not to ship the wheels to get them done. Thanks for the offer, I will keep it in mind.
__________________
Matt Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=672655 "Father thank you for the gathering of friends, Father we give thanks for all the choices we've made because that's what makes us who we are, let us forever cherish the loved ones we've lost along the way and most of all THANK YOU FOR FAST CARS!" |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Houston tx
Posts: 701
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
Try Aztec machine shop off gulf bank.. I know they cut wheels and redrill wheels.. They can help you out
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#10 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Humble, Texas
Posts: 414
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
Thanks. I will try them on Monday.
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Matt Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=672655 "Father thank you for the gathering of friends, Father we give thanks for all the choices we've made because that's what makes us who we are, let us forever cherish the loved ones we've lost along the way and most of all THANK YOU FOR FAST CARS!" |
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#11 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Humble, Texas
Posts: 414
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
I ground down the spot welds until I saw a black line all the way around the area I was grinding. Did that for all four spots, beat it up some with a mallet and nothing.
So I took the long way and cut both outer hoops off the center. A couple hours of cutting and one bad-a$$ grinding wheel and this is what I ended up with. ![]() As you can see the center section of the wheel is still attached. I made one cut in between where I was grinding out the spot welds and was able to peel the entire ring off the center section, leaving me with this: ![]() A couple of passes with the flap disc and a little primer and there is one center section ready to get welded in.
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Matt Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=672655 "Father thank you for the gathering of friends, Father we give thanks for all the choices we've made because that's what makes us who we are, let us forever cherish the loved ones we've lost along the way and most of all THANK YOU FOR FAST CARS!" |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Murrieta, CA
Posts: 41
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
Using a brake lathe will help turn off the old rims and center the new ones. Just tack weld until you are sure about the run out. (In all directions. up, down, in & out)
Or, find somebody local that does dirt track type racing. We used to build a lot of wheels with weird offset for track cars and custom street rides. Just using a little "Hill Billy" engineering. There may be a local wheel builder in your back yard. It is worth the work to get the wheels exactly where you want them!! Good luck.
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1970 C 10 A work in progress!! ![]() |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Marana, Arizona
Posts: 3,416
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
some interesting links on this thread. Specially the Ford one. Nice DIY article.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ighlight=wheel
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"I feel the need for speed!"... as soon as I am done with my nap. |
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#14 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Humble, Texas
Posts: 414
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
I got the second one apart this weekend. This one was a lot easier than the first one.
![]() ![]() I did the same thing, grinding the spot welds out, but this time took a little more care about where and how deep I went. Then, when I saw the black lines appear I stopped. Then I stuck it in the freezer over night, took it out the next morning and used a BFH (bigger than last time) and a little heat and it popped right out. Much easier.
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Matt Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=672655 "Father thank you for the gathering of friends, Father we give thanks for all the choices we've made because that's what makes us who we are, let us forever cherish the loved ones we've lost along the way and most of all THANK YOU FOR FAST CARS!" |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: brandenburg ky
Posts: 96
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
i've seen those wheels before!!! lol
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#16 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Humble, Texas
Posts: 414
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
hmmmmm outlaw3454.... that username sounds familiar. I think that I bought a set of wheels from him one time.
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Matt Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=672655 "Father thank you for the gathering of friends, Father we give thanks for all the choices we've made because that's what makes us who we are, let us forever cherish the loved ones we've lost along the way and most of all THANK YOU FOR FAST CARS!" |
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#17 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Humble, Texas
Posts: 414
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
I didn't realize that it has been a year since the last post on this thread. Time sure flies when you are having fun.
Anyway, finally getting around to doing what I originally wanted. These came in the mail the other day. Got a good deal on EBAY believe it or not... ![]() Then these showed up from Speedway Motors today... ![]() A little togetherness.... ![]() And... A, "this is what I am aiming for" look, different offset of course... ![]()
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Matt Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=672655 "Father thank you for the gathering of friends, Father we give thanks for all the choices we've made because that's what makes us who we are, let us forever cherish the loved ones we've lost along the way and most of all THANK YOU FOR FAST CARS!" |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Spanaway
Posts: 8,451
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
Post pic's when their done! and mounted.
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Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's |
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#19 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Motor City
Posts: 9,193
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
Joining late, but one more vote for "do it at home":
Quote:
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Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/ |
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#20 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Humble, Texas
Posts: 414
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
Absolutely!!!!!
Because... ![]()
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Matt Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=672655 "Father thank you for the gathering of friends, Father we give thanks for all the choices we've made because that's what makes us who we are, let us forever cherish the loved ones we've lost along the way and most of all THANK YOU FOR FAST CARS!" |
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#21 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Humble, Texas
Posts: 414
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Re: I need to cut the centers from my wheels...
Those look great Keith, I think that I am going to try and do it myself, well myself and my dad as he was a welder for 30 years.
I bought completely new hoops and am just inserting the 6 lug 3 nub centers in so they work with my truck. The new hoops are the width that I am looking for. If I get to doing this and don't feel comfortable with the strength or I think there will be safety issues, then I will find someone to do it for me, just haven't had a lot of luck without someone wanting to charge me an arm, leg and left ***.
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Matt Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=672655 "Father thank you for the gathering of friends, Father we give thanks for all the choices we've made because that's what makes us who we are, let us forever cherish the loved ones we've lost along the way and most of all THANK YOU FOR FAST CARS!" |
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