I read through the old post about widened sbp steel wheels and got to thinking. What if I cut the centers from some 14x4.5 wheels, got a set of the 15x8 wheel shells from speedway which are approx. 3/8" id too large and welded some 3/16" plate to each attaching point of the centers for spacers then welded them into the wheel shells. You think this would work and balance out (as long as the spacers are the exact same size)? Thanks.

Without a precise jig, it is very hard to get this right. As far as balancing, you can get an octagon to balance, but try driving on it. Lateral and centrifigal runout more than 1/16 of an inch will be felt and will cause problems such as increased shock absorber and tire wear. Companies like Wheel Vintiques and Stockton Wheel are worth the money. I had WV make me a pair of 15X8 Rally wheels for my Duster. Excellent quality and only $122 each plus shipping. Sound pricey? What did you spend on your motor? Wheels make a huge statement about your car and the factory rallys in widened form are a great look. I love to fabricate stuff and save money where I can, but this is an area where it pays to spend.

The correct way to do the wheels is to find the correct size rim shell. That would be one that is 12.25 on the inside. They can be made the standard way with ( probably ) about 4 1/2 inch backspace and use a 1/4 billet spacer ( because the way the rim shell is made ) or reverse the rim shell and make it a 4 inch backspace. That is the way member Mopar155 wheels were made , his car appeared in Mopar Muscle this month. Those were my wheels.
I am in the process of getting two pairs of 15 x 8 steel wheels made at this time , reversed with a 4 inch backspace. I just took my buddy 14 cores to start making small bolt steels.

The Wheel Guy Frank

Quote:

---

The correct way to do the wheels is to find the correct size rim shell.

---

Yep, they are a common part and not very pricey...you can get them in a bunch of assorted 15" sizes if you wanted to go wider. I just shipped about 14 pallets of them actually...

The pallet on the lower left are 15" x 8" in chrome with the large drop to use 14" centers actually

I'm not really interested in getting a set of rallye's I'm interested in the steelies. I know the best solution would be to get the correct shells, but from the last post about this topic and from hours of looking online I can't find anyone who sells the correct shells. I don't really want to pay someone to do this for me. I have nine wheels with the center I want already and I figuerd I'd try the widening out myself. I'm just looking for some feedback on issues that I might have if I use the small centers with speedway shells and weld 3/16 plate to the outside of the centers for spacers. I figure if the spacers are the same size/weight and my runout is within spec from both directions it would work fine. But, I may be missing something. If anyone knows where I can buy a pair of 15x8 shells that are the right size feel free to jump in. Thanks.

If you have access to a lathe, you could make a jig out of a chunk of 1/2" aluminum that the lip of the rim (whatever diameter) fits in. Then, all you would need is something to bolt the center to, centered, of course. It could be mounted at 3", 4", wherever you want the back spacing. You could even have different "bolt patterned" plates that bolt to the riser. I can't see where it would be that big a deal, finding center is easy with a lathe. Then, when everything is in place, weld it. A friend made something similar for his Indian bike, for lacing the spokes. It was a copy of what the factory used. All 4 wheels spun true, it worked great!

Oz,
Where can I get chrome 15 x 8 rim shells?

I get mine from Intero/Carlise....not sure if they will sell to the public or not, (especially in small quantities) but always worth a shot...

(Carlise owns Cragar as well..)

I usually buy 15 - 25 pallets worth of outers and a few of centers at a time.... Chrome stuff is slow with them since they have changed around thier production setup here.

The problem with welding in 3/16" spacers is the curvature, and in making sure your wheel center is truly centered. However, if you get a proper-size hoop for your center, I truly believe that widening a wheel is within reach of a skilled DIY person.

A drum/rotor and spindle make a cheap jig to use, a cheap dial indicator is sufficient for measuring. After that it's simply limited by your skill.

http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2006/02/Steelies/index.php
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=92573

I used 15x8 Chevy steel truck wheels just like the article. Works if you have more time than money.