Very technical question about C4 wheels
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Very technical question about C4 wheels
I've been looking at different rims for another vehicle I own,
and I'm considering either early C4 16" rims or 17"sawblades.
My thoughts are to plug the existing holes and drill a 6x5.5 pattern
into the wheel. Also, I'll need to open up the center bore to fit the
other hub-centric application.
Here's my concern;
Is there enough material in the wheel to allow for the lug clearance to
move another .375 (3/8's) further out from center?
Any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
and I'm considering either early C4 16" rims or 17"sawblades.
My thoughts are to plug the existing holes and drill a 6x5.5 pattern
into the wheel. Also, I'll need to open up the center bore to fit the
other hub-centric application.
Here's my concern;
Is there enough material in the wheel to allow for the lug clearance to
move another .375 (3/8's) further out from center?
Any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,420
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster County PA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10
Re: Very technical question about C4 wheels (corvette_bob)
I suppose it could be done but, I don't know if i would chance it though. I'd be concerned about the structural integrity of the wheel after redrilling it. I'd talk to a wheel specialist...get their thoughts on it.
Good luck! :cheers:
Good luck! :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 1
From: Chandler AZ
Re: Very technical question about C4 wheels (corvette_bob)
I think the bigger problem is there's just no way to overlay a 6 bolt pattern on a 5 bolt and avoid those plugged holes. And since you're talking 6 lugs I'm thinking truck? No way I'd even consider that kind of loading after what your talking about.
If you really have to do this, use wheel adapters and really good studs (ARP).
If you really have to do this, use wheel adapters and really good studs (ARP).
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: Very technical question about C4 wheels (skeet)
I'd go with adapters. If that's not possible, because of the offset, Perhaps you can machine the mounting surface of the wheel back to create more offset. The stock wheels have recesses in them between lugs that would prevent new holes from having a mounting surface. And as said before, you can't stick 6 holes over 5 without having two of the new holes come really close, if not overlap, the original 'filled' holes. The 4-5 lug conversion adapters are barely possible because of the overlap. Now that I think of it, you'll need a 2-piece adapter set up to convert lugs. It'd be easier to change hubs I bet...but that'd be risky downsizing the hubs. (unless the truck is just for cruising, not towing/hauling/offroading like was intended.)
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,367
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
Re: Very technical question about C4 wheels (gcrouse)
I think the bigger problem is there's just no way to overlay a 6 bolt pattern on a 5 bolt and avoid those plugged holes. And since you're talking 6 lugs I'm thinking truck? No way I'd even consider that kind of loading after what your talking about.
If you really have to do this, use wheel adapters and really good studs (ARP).
If you really have to do this, use wheel adapters and really good studs (ARP).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,439
Likes: 590
From: Tellico Plains Tennessee
Re: Very technical question about C4 wheels (corvette_bob)
I can't see any way the home mechanic, even a very talented one, can get the kind of precision needed to bore new stud holes and center bore into a rim and get it true enough to run smoothly. The fact that the back of the rims isn't a solid smooth surface complicates the matter beyond resolution. I wouldn't risk ruining a good rim to try it. That's my 2 cents worth.
[Modified by Frodo, 8:51 AM 4/24/2003]
[Modified by Frodo, 8:51 AM 4/24/2003]
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Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 2
From: The Motor City
Re: Very technical question about C4 wheels (AGENT 86)
Even if you got the wheels you are considering for free, it wouldn't be worth the effort (and certainly not worth the potential safety risk). And unless you had access to some very good machining equipment (for making things like drill guides) you'll never get a good result. AND (as if the required machining equipment isn't enough) you'll also need access to heat-treatment equipment so that you can harden/anneal any fill material to match the surrounding material. And that's not to mention any refinishing that you'll probably have to do once everything is done (and you WILL have to refinish things, regarless of how careful you are during the whole process).
Bottom line: It's not worth it. Get a new set of alloys for whatever applicationg you are looking at. It'll be safer, easier, and ALOT cheaper.
Bottom line: It's not worth it. Get a new set of alloys for whatever applicationg you are looking at. It'll be safer, easier, and ALOT cheaper.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Re: Very technical question about C4 wheels (corvette_bob)
To answer some concerns,
All of this work would be proffessionally done at a qualified shop.
When a hole is PROPERLY plugged, it's as if the hole was never there.
This is not a vehicle used for towing.
The OEM wheels on this thing are 7 inches wide with a 5.5 inch backspacing,
so I don't think (at this time) the offset diff would be much of a concern. If the wheels can take the hole spread, then you move onto the next concern of
widths and offsets.
Whoever said it is prolly right, I'll prolly end up with an aftermarket set of wheels.
Thanks again for all the help guys.
If you do this would you let me know when you are on the road so I can stay home?
Don't worry Skeet, I won't be in AZ soon so you can put the vagisil away. :D
[Modified by corvette_bob, 11:34 AM 4/24/2003]
All of this work would be proffessionally done at a qualified shop.
When a hole is PROPERLY plugged, it's as if the hole was never there.
This is not a vehicle used for towing.
The OEM wheels on this thing are 7 inches wide with a 5.5 inch backspacing,
so I don't think (at this time) the offset diff would be much of a concern. If the wheels can take the hole spread, then you move onto the next concern of
widths and offsets.
Whoever said it is prolly right, I'll prolly end up with an aftermarket set of wheels.
Thanks again for all the help guys.
If you do this would you let me know when you are on the road so I can stay home?
Don't worry Skeet, I won't be in AZ soon so you can put the vagisil away. :D
[Modified by corvette_bob, 11:34 AM 4/24/2003]
