Bill - There are lots of good ideas here. But my advice is to take the wheels to a local welding shop. You can always find a guy that will weld them up for $20. Maybe they charge $40-60/hr. Even if it takes an hour. The weld will be right and you wont have to get new clips if you scew up.
Its always a good idea to hand over the job to someone that has experience and does it all day long. You can practice on less crucial parts, but you will never be as good as a guy that does it every day.
If you make one mistake, and it's very easy. The cost will be much more than just having someone do it for you.
It's not shameful to get profesional help. It's just the smart thing to do.
1949 Chevy Pickup, 1929 Model A, 1962 RollsRoyce
I like showing off my personal cars. You can see my toys at:
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