DIY wheel widening

[firefighterjed]

I have a irrational affinity for the stock wagon wheels in white. I’ve currently got a set on my rig, but I really want some larger wider tires.

I acquired another set of 5 wagon wheels and set about building a jig to hold the grinder. A trailer spindle and hub give the wheel a true spin while the grinder chews its way through the rim. I cut through the wheel shell right on the wheel center. This will hide one of the welds that adds the band of steel which makes the wheel wider.
Next I’ve got to pick up a roller bender so that I can bend the flat steel into the circular band.

Fun project so far.

 

[firefighterjed]

 

[firefighterjed]

 

[Hugh Heifer]

I am impressed. How is the run out?

 

[firefighterjed]

I am impressed. How is the run out?

As true as OEM so far. They’re only tacked together right now. I’m going to make a jig to hold my torch steady while I turn the wheel.

 

[snaggletto]

Great work. You going to 8" wide?

 

[MOTOV8R]

Damn, nice work. I was wondering how you got the curve right at the end of the flat stock. Great technique.

 

[firefighterjed]

Great work. You going to 8" wide?

Added 3”. New inside width is 9”

 

[Hugh Heifer]

This thread rates with @antFJ 's build your own soft top thread.

 

[firefighterjed]

Prepping the wheels for finish welding.

 

[firefighterjed]

Here’s a description of the above video:

 

[cruisermatt]

Nice result, however you chose one of the more difficult ways to do this

 

[G-Cat]

Nice!

 

[firefighterjed]

Nice result, however you chose one of the more difficult ways to do this

As opposed to pressing the center into a new shell? Or what?

 

[cruisermatt]

As opposed to pressing the center into a new shell? Or what?

Yes. I will post up when I do a set.

 

[Pighead]

Nice result, however you chose one of the more difficult ways to do this

We encourage and enable that kind of behavior

 

[middlecalf]

Love the tooling concepts!

 

[steffan]

Outstanding

 

[Pighead]

Yes, outstanding

 

[Rigger]

Very cool!