Modifying split rims?

[emr88]

I'll start off by saying I love the look of OEM steel wheels and tall skinny tires. I want to go with a 16" rim since there are more tire options available in 255/85/16 compared to 33/10.5/15

I've done a few searches and read several threads about the OEM 16" split rims. I love the way these look with 255/85/16 tires. I couldn't find if this question has been asked before, but is there any way of converting split rims to regular rims, ie welding in the ring? The thought of messing with tubes and liners and balancing sounds like a headache to me.

 

[Mark W]

There are old school 16 inch non-split rims out there. Finding these would be a much better approach than some sort of hacked up welded together split rim which probably would leak and balance poorly.

Tubes and liners are not that big a deal. That is the only advantage of the factory split rims anyway, the ability to easily repair tires in the field.

And you have to balance whether it is a split rim or not

Function over form... welded up split rims because you like the look is a poor choice.


Mark...

 

[nxtdrnaybr]

if u need them, I've got a set of 5 16" split rims and 5 perfectly good tubes.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/sale-tires-wheels/293366-set-5-non-usa-split-rims.html

 

[JohnnyC]

early 16" non-split rims:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj25-owners-group/268347-16-vintage-steel-rims.html

 

[JohnnyC]

you could also get new 16" rims from stockton wheel:

4X4 Wheels Bead Locks - Custom Off Road Wheels
the 22 series has a very stock look to them and you can get them in the correct back spacing

 

[emr88]

So here is what I've gathered

I can find split rims locally between $50-60 per rim. SOR has split rims for $50 each. Modifying them is the expensive part.

I spoke with Bolton Wheel and confirmed that they charge $75 per wheel to cut out the centers and weld them to new 16x6 or 16x7 outers. That makes them roughly $125-$135 per rim, basically the same $$ new rims from Stockton go for.

Bolton Classic's Wheel
16516 S Western Ave
Gardena, CA 90247-4638
(310) 538-5046

The other option that I've researched before and suggested here as well is to go with Stockton Wheel.
Stockton Wheel makes a wheel called a Series 51 resembles a OEM wheel. Their wheels can be ordered with custom backspacing in a 16x6 or 16x7 for $135 each delivered. The only catch here is with 3.25" bs, I've been told by Stockton wheel that the wheel may not work with disc brakes. I don't have disc brakes now, but it's certainly something I want to consider down the road.

Stockton Wheel Service
648 W. Fremont St.
Stockton, CA 95203
1-800-395-9433
Email: sales1@stocktonwheel.com
Phone: 800.395.9433 -or- 209.464.7771
Fax: 209.464.4725

Here is what the Series 51 looks like