I scored a set of 37" OZ radials and want to mount them on a set of Modern Turbine mags. I was thinking I wanted to machine the lug holes to run "normal" lug nuts. I remember 75F350 saying something about machining the wheels for some steel inserts that would allow the use of the "normal" lug nuts. I have called around Google searched and have been unable to find a source for these inserts. My buddy at the tire store said he called the corporate wheel specialist, and that he said that most of the new aluminum wheels don't run the steel inserts, that the taper is cut right into the aluminum. Will this work? Is the aluminum on these old wheels tough enough to do this? I don't want to have to carry special lugs for my spare tire.

 

Geez, I must have scared everyone off with this one.......

 

cant wait to hear the options, i have turbines from the 70's on mine and love them, but hate them lug nuts with the long shank that goes into the thick aluminum wheel.

 

I think 75F350 is hidin' from me......I know I read something he had posted some where about this, but the search would not pull it up. Just kiddin' ya Ed.

 

Im not hiding. Just been too busy with some stuff thata I cant be as attentive as I would like. Believe that I have had this thought right by my side during the last couple of weeks.
This is what you are looking for, a local company D&B wheels in Ontario, Ca. has them. Circle track racers run these exact inset\rts so you may look in this direction.
The problem with your turbine wheels is that they are not forged wheels run the risk of breaking a wheel if you try to install 8 inserts.

 

Dont know why that pic did not post. Have been having some difficulties with that.

 

What I was wondering about with not running them at all. Did you ever modify your wheels? Or decide against it?

I remember you sayin' something about you were going to put bead locks on your wagon wheels.....

 

At osme point I was gonna run the DIY beadlock kit, and I ended up buying some already done.
Now, I have had wheels re drilled and had insters presssed in. My current wheels for my crew cab are weld racing wheels only offered in the metric pattern, so I had them fixed so to speak.
I purchased the insters through them but have also purchased them from D&B wheels.

I am not too comfortable about just drilling the wheel and using an acorn style fastener right against the wheel. Having the inster probably provides some sort of added safety factor.

 

I was thinking that the acorn nuts would be pushing out on the hole as well as compressing it towards the mounting flange on the axle. I was visualizing it breaking the center out of the mounting surface of the wheel, splitting it between all the lug holes. That would be a bummer, Especially the way I drive the canyon roads around here. I think I will just run them with the ET lug nuts, quicker and easier in the short run. Besides, they have worked for 30+ years.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and knowledge, I know I can count on you and the others here on FTE to put in a solid thought on any of my random questions.

 

I decided to just keep it simple and run duplex mag lugnuts.

My dad powder coated the wheels clear for me, and my bride and I mounted the tires. That is a lot of work by the way. I used lead shot in the tires to balance them. I really like how well this works. Here is how they turned out.



I was hoping for the magnesium look by going clear, they ended up more grey. I like the look though.

 

I decided to just keep it simple and run duplex mag lugnuts.

My dad powder coated the wheels clear for me, and my bride and I mounted the tires. That is a lot of work by the way. I used lead shot in the tires to balance them. I really like how well this works. Here is how they turned out.



I was hoping for the magnesium look by going clear, they ended up more grey. I like the look though.

 

I know they look great, only because I have seen themm but the pics are not working. Another red "X" is about all that can be seen.

 

try clicking on the blue words, not sure why the pic is not working.

 

Turned out really nice!