Thread: Modifying Rims

Talk to a specialist industrial machine shop, they should be able to do it. I spoke to a local here some time ago about getting it done and he reckons it is simple. Using a lathe the centres are cut out and then rewelded to suit the offset you want. Must be done by a certified firm though. About $50 per wheel I was quoted. Then powdercoat them.

I belive that it is illegal to widen the rangie steel rim as it involves 2 peripheral welds - ie joing 2 rim sections together. You can fit the center into an 8" x 15" rim as the centers will not fit in a 16" rim due to the way they are stepped down to the center. If you look at one you will see what i mean.

I got mine done by Ajax wheels in Moorabin, they are 16 x 7 and cost around $125 each, they use a special rim from the states to suit the
rangie centre (i think).
I'm thinking of selling them if anyones keen, done about 3000k's.
Damien

Mine were done by the previous owner. Cost $285 each. I will find the paper work for you.

Talk to RACE ENGINEERING sumner park brissie sorry don't have the number. rim and wheel repairs they do most of the race wheels.

glen

The only legal way to do this is to have a wheel works or similar remove the old rim from the centre and weld on a new rim. Qld. Dept. of Transport are quite specific that the only permissible welds on a wheel are for joining the rim to the centre. Rim width may not be altered by cutting and welding. Such wheels found by Departmental inspectors on a road registered vehicle render the vehicle unroadworthy, the vehicle must not be moved on those wheels, and such use attracts a fine and loss of points.
The Department also is quite specific in that no part of a vehicles steering or suspension systems may be repaired by heating or welding. There is a D.o.T. brochure detailing permissible modifications part of which covers rims etc.

I hunted for ages for a set already done (centres cut and welded) for ages, eventually got some off this market (15x7's with only 50mm offset), then was offered a set free by a dude who I did a favour for.
They turned out to be 15x8's with 3" of offset from factory...and also turned out to be 'mangels'...what a pick-up!!!
Long story short, i have a set of 15x7's (5) rims(professional done) that I don't really need any more if anyone wants them...

Moorey - What sort of offset? I am looking for something that will give me wider track (maybe 60 mm in total, maybe more) as standard track on Rangie axles is a bit narrow for the body. How much $$?