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Welding cast aluminium wheels

S

sebban

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Since I have a hard time getting 15" wheels here in sweden for my 14bff swap, (most companies won't ship outside US) I was thinking about my options.

Option 1), Fabricate steel wheels, get my 4 steelies, widen them, and get the centre from a 16,5" wheel. (easy but not so good looking)

Option 2), Take my MT Classic II, weld the 6*5,5" holes shut, drill new holes 8*6,5". (my buddy works in a machine shop)

My concern is the welding, what do you think, are the MT crap to weld or do you think it's possible?
 
I've done some emergency welding on wheels and had it work fine, but this is a touchy subject, and can be very dangerous if not done correctly..
 
If I am not mistaken, the MT Classic II's are not 100% cast aluminum at the lugs. I believe they have a steel insert in the lug area for strength....

Here is the description from their site:


Classic style with a highly polished fi nish and polished hand holes. The M/T® stamp of quality and limited lifetime guarantee gives added value to this popular truck wheel.


STEEL INSERTS IN LUG HOLES PROVIDE A STRONGER SEAT AREA
HAND HOLES ARE POLISHED INSIDE FOR A MORE DISTINCTIVE & ATTRACTIVE LOOK
HIGHLY POLISHED SURFACE
HIGH LOAD RATING
CHROME HUB COVER INCLUDED
LIFETIME LIMITED GUARANTEE AGAINST STRUCTURAL DEFECTS
 
Yes I know. :)
But I was thinking about drilling them out and put a piece of aluminium in the hole and weld around it on both sides. Just not sure about the quality of cast aluminium... ;)
 
Sorry. :doah:


Have you tried Summit Racing. I'd think they would ship anywhere, but it could get pricey.
 
M/T's used to be, and may still be made by Alcoa. In which case they should be forged rather than cast wheels.
 
No, its a cast wheel.. The cheaper version of the Classic...

"M/T® Classic II®
Cast Aluminum Wheel"
 
You won't be able to fit a 15" aluminum wheel on an 8 lug front end. The rim is too thick. There is barely enough room for an 1/8" thick steel one.
 
az-k5 said:
You won't be able to fit a 15" aluminum wheel on an 8 lug front end. The rim is too thick. There is barely enough room for an 1/8" thick steel one.
Click to expand...

I´m keeping the 10bolt up front.. So it´s only for the rear.

IF I ever need to go Dana 60, I will get beadlocks ;)
But I appriciate the info, thanks.
 
Welding cast aluminum is pretty tricky, it acts like a huge heat sink so the machine needs to be set pretty hot and the rim should be pre-heated. Even so cracking is likely...

I wouldn't trust those rims afterwards.

Rene
 
az-k5 said:
You won't be able to fit a 15" aluminum wheel on an 8 lug front end. The rim is too thick. There is barely enough room for an 1/8" thick steel one.
Click to expand...

I have to disagree, I have 8 lug 15's on mine now with no caliper grinding whatsoever..
 
Weld them up, and re-drill them. No big deal! We have done it. Champion welds Beadlock rings on them all the time. It is just metal, in this case Aluminum, there are no vital organs, blood veins, brians or anything else you can hurt.
 
I've welded cast cylinder heads w/o issues. We usually heat them to couple hundred degrees first. Then weld. Then put back on the heater and slowly let them cool down.
I also welded some cracks in a friend's Weld Wheels. Ah, the irony.....
Anyway those wheel proceeded to crack down the HAZ. I think this was b/c I lacked the means to get them quite hot enough and the material was relatively thin for a wheel.
 
BAJA_BLAZER said:
Weld them up, and re-drill them. No big deal! We have done it. Champion welds Beadlock rings on them all the time. It is just metal, in this case Aluminum, there are no vital organs, blood veins, brians or anything else you can hurt.
Click to expand...

I have to assume if you're bothering welding on beadlock rings that those Champions are forged rather than cast...

Rene
 
If my memory serves me right, MT Classic II's have pressed steel inserts in the lug holes. This may cause a problem with welding the holes up.
 
tRustyK5 said:
I have to assume if you're bothering welding on beadlock rings that those Champions are forged rather than cast...

Rene
Click to expand...
The Champion Beadlock company welds inner beadlock ring to cast wheels all the time. There is no problem in welding cast wheels.
 
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