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Widening Y2K Wheels

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Old Mar 8, 2006 | 03:11 PM
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Default Widening Y2K Wheels

Has anyone taken their 18x9.5 OEM 5-spoke rear wheels and had them widened to 12"? If so, where was it done and how much did it cost? Can the wheels (specifically the thin-spoke part) structurally support the widening?

Thanks

Nick
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Old Mar 8, 2006 | 03:22 PM
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Originally Posted by nikolai
Has anyone taken their 18x9.5 OEM 5-spoke rear wheels and had them widened to 12"? If so, where was it done and how much did it cost? Can the wheels (specifically the thin-spoke part) structurally support the widening?

Thanks

Nick
Yes

Vaughn Machine in Monrovia, CA (626 358-6413) made me some 18 x 12.5 2001 thin spokes using factory 18 x 9.5 forged rears with HRE spun aluminum inner barrels.

$300 per wheel (you supply the donor wheels)

Yes
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Old Mar 8, 2006 | 03:36 PM
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Originally Posted by R6_C5_ML430
Yes

Vaughn Machine in Monrovia, CA (626 358-6413) made me some 18 x 12.5 2001 thin spokes using factory 18 x 9.5 forged rears with HRE spun aluminum inner barrels.

$300 per wheel (you supply the donor wheels)

Yes
What kind of tires did you put on those? Also, how much tubbing was involved?

thanks!
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Old Mar 8, 2006 | 04:25 PM
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Originally Posted by nikolai
What kind of tires did you put on those? Also, how much tubbing was involved?

thanks!
BFG G-Force Drag Radials 345/30/18

I used the LPE Mini-Tub Kit, so I believe 2 inches on each side.

If you do it, I recommend 18 x 12 and you will have to use a 1 inch spacer with pressed in studs because of the backspacing.
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Old Mar 12, 2006 | 03:58 PM
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Thank you!
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Old Mar 14, 2006 | 12:02 PM
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I have an additional set of 2-17x8.5 and 2- 18x9.5 wheels for my car. Which should I widen to 12" to throw in the rears (and probably tub) in order to have more of a variety of fitment options for tires? I am maybe looking to put drag radials on, but would also like to drive it around quite a bit. I know sidewall height is a factor with the drag radials, so which should I widen, 17" or 18"?
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Old Mar 14, 2006 | 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by nikolai
I have an additional set of 2-17x8.5 and 2- 18x9.5 wheels for my car. Which should I widen to 12" to throw in the rears (and probably tub) in order to have more of a variety of fitment options for tires? I am maybe looking to put drag radials on, but would also like to drive it around quite a bit. I know sidewall height is a factor with the drag radials, so which should I widen, 17" or 18"?
I would make the 18's into 18x12's - then put 335/30/18 Drag radials on them. I have a set of 18x12's on the way that will have the Nitto Drag Radials 335/30/18.
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Old Mar 14, 2006 | 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by doje
I would make the 18's into 18x12's - then put 335/30/18 Drag radials on them. I have a set of 18x12's on the way that will have the Nitto Drag Radials 335/30/18.
I was thinking that too, but i forgot to mention that my car is slammed on longer bolts in the rear as well, that is why I may opt to go w/ the 17's...
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