project-get rid of ugly wheels, the hard way

ugly wheels
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=502/235291wheel_project17.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=502/235291wheel_project7.jpg
do something about them....

first mark where you want the rim to mount. I use dial calipers for precision
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=502/235291wheel_project16.jpg

then mount the rim to a drill (a sort of ghetto lathe) and clean the chrome off of it for glue.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=502/235291wheel_project15.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=502/235291wheel_project14.jpg

then bend some plastic strip around a round object to "coil" it for easier mounting to the rim.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=502/235291wheel_project13.jpg

next, after cutting the strip to the right length, glue the plastic strip to the rim and fill in the gap with your favorite filler. I used a piece of wire to hold the new rim in place as the glue set up and cured.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=502/235291wheel_project12.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=502/235291wheel_project11.jpg
I then rmoved the wire and used various implements (tools) to get the rim smooth, and formed to desired shape with a slightly tapered lip.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=502/235291wheel_project10.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=502/235291wheel_project9.jpg
here is what the look like on the car before paint, with some XS Tuning tires.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=502/235291wheel_project6.jpg
and after paint without tires, still kinda wet
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=502/235291wheel_project1.jpg

I forgot to get the pics of the inner rim being applied, but the process is the same. you may need a center rim for support if you are using very wide tires. you could also use one solid piece for the rim, though it will be much harder to form around the "stock" rim.

another option would be to make the lip and new low profile tires out of styrene and just have no name side walls on the tire, this way you can get as wide a tire as you like......

I hope this has been helpful/informative, I know it has been fun for me...

oh and it only took about an hour to do this entire process (depending on your glue and filler)

_Ken

dang nice job keep posting

very nice indeed