Small wheel modifications
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
From: Saskatoon SK Canada
Small wheel modifications
I'm tossing around the idea of making my wheels a little more "original" looking.
This is what I currently have:
This is what F4-F6 wheels look like:
Notice the difference in the holes. I'm just wondering if would anyone ever notice it if I "Trianglize" my wheels. I know Truckdog or Bobj would...
The plan is to have the truck look like a factory DRW pickup unless you looked underneath or opened the hood.
This is what I currently have:
This is what F4-F6 wheels look like:
Notice the difference in the holes. I'm just wondering if would anyone ever notice it if I "Trianglize" my wheels. I know Truckdog or Bobj would...
The plan is to have the truck look like a factory DRW pickup unless you looked underneath or opened the hood.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,901
Likes: 3,141
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Nathan,
I think if you try this you'd have to go one of two ways, cut out metal or weld metal in to close up the holes:
I would strongly suggest not cutting out metal, you're only going to weaken the structure of the rim. The engineers who design these wheels made them with the least amount of metal cut weight and cost but still hold the load.
If you add metal I'd be afraid of causing metal fatigue from all the welding and grinding along with warpage from all the heat involved.
I think if you try this you'd have to go one of two ways, cut out metal or weld metal in to close up the holes:
I would strongly suggest not cutting out metal, you're only going to weaken the structure of the rim. The engineers who design these wheels made them with the least amount of metal cut weight and cost but still hold the load.
If you add metal I'd be afraid of causing metal fatigue from all the welding and grinding along with warpage from all the heat involved.
Marmon-Herrington Man
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,986
Likes: 446
From: Central Illinois
I think I'd be inclined to leave them alone. Bob's made good points, and to me the 8 lug hub piloted mounting would overwhelm any visual gain from the triangulation of the hand holes. Stu
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
How about inserting metal cutouts and using something like JB Weld or one of those assembly glues -
Just a thought
Nathan - Good to see ya still enjoying these old beasts and for your think outside the box.
Just a thought
Nathan - Good to see ya still enjoying these old beasts and for your think outside the box.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,038
Likes: 10,031
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Nathan,
Good to see you
A bigger visual difference from the originals in the number of holes. In my opinion, the slight visual gain you might get from modifying the shape of the holes wouldn't justify the amount of work and/or risk of the modification.
Bobby
Good to see you
A bigger visual difference from the originals in the number of holes. In my opinion, the slight visual gain you might get from modifying the shape of the holes wouldn't justify the amount of work and/or risk of the modification.
Bobby
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
From: Saskatoon SK Canada
I wasn't really worried about the lack of strength as these are rated at 3500lb a rim which is stronger than the standard rims on the F-8. I really didn't want to spend 6 hours with the die grinder for little gain.
I wasn't originally going to use hubcentric wheels but I came across a deal on these new take offs for $22 ea! The lug centric wheels aren't terribly easy to find new and the ones I had are junk lockrings.
I just need a few pieces to fall into place and you'll see some BIG progress in the new year....
I wasn't originally going to use hubcentric wheels but I came across a deal on these new take offs for $22 ea! The lug centric wheels aren't terribly easy to find new and the ones I had are junk lockrings.
I just need a few pieces to fall into place and you'll see some BIG progress in the new year....
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,661
Likes: 23
Wheels in my opinion shouldn't be meddled with. Throw off the weight and balance with it and you're going to have a bad time. Best to find something that looks like what you want rather than change something close, takes some important equipment to make a wheel safe at 75mph. Just think about how small a balance weight on a wheel is, how light it is, then think about how much steel you're removing/adding. If you're a hundredth of an inch off between sections, the balance will be all sorts of crazy. Then you have issues with fractures. Come to think of it I honestly don't know if it is legal to change a wheel. They need to be approved and have a D.O.T. stamp. It's a different type of wheel, but some information on it:
http://www.liftlaws.com/are_beadlocks_street_legal.htm
Would '56+ wheels work? Or do you have a different axle setup?
http://www.liftlaws.com/are_beadlocks_street_legal.htm
Would '56+ wheels work? Or do you have a different axle setup?
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,901
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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
I say use paint and make them look like triagles from ten feet away
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Kentucky
I'm with Bob and Stephen on this. Even when a top wheel designer comes up with something new (Chip Foose, Boyd Coddington *RIP*, etc.) there is an engineer that has to sign off before it goes to production.
I'd be afraid cutting, grinding, or welding would change the metal characteristics and make the wheel dangerous.
As far as your original question, the looks of the wheel: Personally, I would notice the four holes instead of five, before I noticed the shape. Your mileage may vary.
I'd be afraid cutting, grinding, or welding would change the metal characteristics and make the wheel dangerous.
As far as your original question, the looks of the wheel: Personally, I would notice the four holes instead of five, before I noticed the shape. Your mileage may vary.
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