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| | | | Joined: Sep 2015 Posts: 157 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2015 Posts: 157 | I have a 58 Apache 3100 with original drums front and rear. I'm interested in upgrading the wheels to Cragar SS, C61 series wheels with 6 lugs and 5.5" bolt pattern. The problem I have is that the front hubs measure 3.429" and the Cragar wheel has a 3.125" center bore. Can the hubs be turned down to accommodate smaller center bore wheels? Has anybody tried this?
Dan
35 CC Case
38 Chevy Pickup
51 3100 AD
58 3100 Apache Fleetside
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,869 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,869 | Turning a hub down that far would probably make it dangerously thin. If you try it, be sure to check the inside diameter of the hub to see how much thickness would remain. Remember that you're betting your life, as well as everyone else's on the road around you, on the decision you make- - - -unless the rig is going to be trailer queen that never gets to be a hazard to the motoring public in general. Why not bore the hole in the wheel to fit the hub? What do you intend to do about the brake drum, which shares the same centering flange as the wheel?
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,102 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,102 | I agree with Jerry, it sounds a little sketchy to me. You are also going to find out they wont't seat correctly on the rear axle hubs as well. Likely the wheels you are looking at are for an early Datsun/Toyota or some other import truck which uses a 6 lug pattern. I would look for the correct wheels that fit the truck.
Fred
1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2015 Posts: 157 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2015 Posts: 157 | Thanks for the feedback guys. Bad idea on my part. Hard to find wheels I like that fit the 6 lug pattern and center bore size.
I have a local wheel vendor that tells me the wheels can be safely bored to the 3.429 center bore size by the manufacturer. They are running the traps to see what this is going to take. Hope to hear back from them soon.
I have not heard of re-sizing the center bores of wheels before and had some reservations with regard to safety. Feel better about it now that the wheel manufacturer will do the work if they determine its feasible.
Anybody had any past experience with modifying wheel bores and would you recommend it?
Dan
35 CC Case
38 Chevy Pickup
51 3100 AD
58 3100 Apache Fleetside
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,869 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,869 | I used to buy wheel blanks without centers and make my own centers out of 1/4" steel plate with angled gussets between the lug bolt holes for the dirt track race car I owned. They were HEAVY, but we could get out on the track and do a lot of wheel-rubbing without bending anything. It helped that I had a piece of steel rod welded all the way around the outer bead ring, I suppose!
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,303 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,303 | So You were the one who invented the wheel? No wonder you know everything. You had a big head start. 
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,624 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,624 | I've heard that Harley Earl had Jerry on his 'speed dial'.
Six volt guy living in a twelve volt world
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