Customizing Factory Wheels

[Kilby]

As most of us know, there isn't a whole lot of options in aftermarket wheels that share the OEM back spacing, or close to it. So, I'm curious to see if there's any interest in customizing the OEM wheels. Here's a pic of the stock aluminum wheel with a simulated beadlock installed. I'm still looking into chrome or polished with rings with a different color such as red or blue. Any interest? I don't have any solid prices yet since I haven't decided how much work to put into them.



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[rmcnamee]

Looks sharp! I'd be interested in a polished or chromed set w/ the simulated. How much?



Ryan

 

[brickerd]

Keep me informed also. They look good.

 

[Tejasdge]

Throw a custom center cap into the mix and that would give you a lot of different options and looks for the wheels.

 

[Kilby]

The center caps that pop in through the back can't be used on these wheels. They are what is called "hubcentric". This means the hub on the front and rear locates the wheel instead of the lug nuts doing this. Look closely at the pic and you can see the lip in the center hole. The clearances are very tight. In order to make these "lugcentric" and use a hub cap that pops in through the back, the wheel would have to be machined in the center. Doable? Yes. Affordable? Don't know yet. The more work done to the wheels, the more they're gonna cost.



The OEM style hub cap clips onto the OEM lugnuts. I really don't like the looks of them and I think the wheel looks better without. (just my opinion)

 

[Elite1]

Kilby, Great idea, I also have the Alumn. factory rims, and agree they need help! Especially the cheap looking center hubcap! Keep us posted. Marty

 

[Tejasdge]

My theory on the center caps was to make a new design utilizing the same style of lug nut capture system. Should be do-able, but don't know if it's reasonable. I may have to stare at mine for a while to see if I can get an inspired moment. They (the moments) seem to be getting fewer, shorter and farther between.

 

[Kilby]

Know what you mean about those moments. Maybe I'll just get some spinners for them.

 

[Ladders]

Or hows about the "spinning" hubcaps?? and the lower tires and the chopped top and the (u get the meaning )! Maybe some of these ideas will get the gray matter "cooking" even tho they "oof-the-wall".



SOTSU

\\BF//



PS: mine are not hub centric but nut centric (coned on the SRW. . is this a change and is it a before or after)

 

[Tejasdge]

Center Caps

How about a rams head in the center that stays upright, sorta like the mileage hubs on big rigs.



Ben,

Are you the TDR member listed in the road help book for Lake City? I'll be in Lake City for the 2nd Rifle season in October.

 

[Tejasdge]

Kilby,



Does the Dodge 2500 and 3500 share the 8 lug diameter with anyone else? I was wondering if there was a decient looking hub that bolted under the lugs. With chrome acorn type lugnuts it could look pretty hot.



Savor the "moment"

 

[Kilby]

The bolt pattern is 8/6. 5" which is pretty common. Late model Fords use a different pattern. I don't know if there is another hub cap that's better looking but if someone finds one, I'd sure be interested in seeing it.



I have one stock rim being chromed right now. It'll get the simulock installed afterwards so we can see the difference in look. I should have it ready late next week or early the week after.

 

[LPChristensen]

Brad, I think you might have a winner with the dress up for the factory wheels. How where you planning on attaching them? Put me down as a potential customer if the price is not out of sight. I know that you and your company put out great products at a fair price, and I'm sure this will be another example. Wish you worked for DC, they could use your design and quality control expertise.

 

[Elite1]

Originally posted by Kilby

Know what you mean about those moments. Maybe I'll just get some spinners for them.

Don't think my wife would like it if I came home with a "spinner!"

 

[robobx]

what is the backspacing on stock wheels? 5. 5?

 

[Kilby]

robobx, 6. 25" is the OEM backspacing.



LP, are you talking about the simulock? If so, the outside ring is bolted to an inside ring which is welded in. There are 6 welds about 2"-3" long each along the outside lip of the rim. You won't see the welds by the time everything (tire too) is assembled.

 

[robobx]

OK thanks Brad, I was really wanting MT Classic IIs, but those would really move the wheel out a little too far... I don't really want to do flares.



By the way, the sim locks look good!

 

[Kilby]

Know what you mean. I bought some Boyds because they were suppose to fit but they stuck out 2" past the fender when installed. I didn't have a tire mounted either. The guy at Boyd didn't understand why I didn't want them.

 

[Kilby]

Here's the latest. This is a factory rim that's been chromed and an OMF Simulok installed with a custom 17" scalloped ring. The round thingys are called domes and are designed to protect the heads of the bolts on real beadlocks. They're basically for looks on this setup.



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[ROCKJEEP]

Alright Brad, now I have to do it to my truck. Damn you for making me do this How much and how long. Helps that omf is only a couple of blocks away.

Kory