Re-using wheel hubs...bad idea?

[Fredrik1]

Hi!

My wheels are a mess - rusty rims, rusty spokes, probably stuck solid onto the car (the car has been without engine since 1988-ish), flaking chrome where the rust has not appeared yet etc. Also too narrow for my taste, I would like maybe 1" more or something. I like to play around with things and looked at the hubs themselves. What if I de-chromed them and welded them into a suitable steel wheel to test the offset I am after, while using the car certainly. The forces applied to the hubs will be less evenly spread vs when the hubs are laced, but has anyone tried something like this? I like the centre-lock... Or, will you tell me that the best way for a set of steel wheels is to change to regular bolts?

[mgcjag]

Hi....all the offset diagrams for wheels can be found on the MWS website (wheel supplier).....messing about with old hubs welding to steel wheel and useing them dosnt sound a safe option....have you looked at the splines and the actual hub tbat the wheels fit to...what condition are they....as a tempory measure sets of old used wheels are often up for sale fairly cheap..even wider ones.....Steve

[Gfhug]

Fredrik, there are many who think wider tyres and wheels make the car look modern, but until you’ve driven on wider tyres then stick to the correct 185R15 tyres. Some find going for 5.5 or even 6 inch rims gives a fatter look to the tyre without the heaviness to the steering that 205/70r15 tyres give.
As you’re a way off needing them, why not take your time to read up what has been said, though it will be your thoughts at the end.

And take Steve’s advice about messing with the wheels

Geoff

[Fredrik1]

Thanks! The MWS site was a good one. I'll have a look at regular steel wheels as an intermediate solution as well.

//F