Stock steelies widened and beadlocked?

[Switch_knuckles]

There is a guy here in the Denver area that does GREAT metal work at GREAT prices. I spoke with him about taking a stock set of steelies and widening them and making them into bead locks. We thought it was a good idea, what are your thoughts?
This is the style I am using...
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/Switch_Knuckles/sawblade.jpg

[bigjim350]

Seems like a lot of work. Think I would find some H1 double beadlock wheels and have them recentered with 5x4.5 lug pattern, if I wanted bead locks.

[Switch_knuckles]

Could not beat the price on the rims, free!!

[rugidone]

Welding on the beadlocks will make them about an inch wider anyway I think, but the only issue is the backspacing that kinda makes them not worth it? Besides the cost of the H1s, the recentering is just as much work as DIY locks isnt it?

[bigjim350]

Welding on the beadlocks will make them about an inch wider anyway I think, but the only issue is the backspacing that kinda makes them not worth it? Besides the cost of the H1s, the recentering is just as much work as DIY locks isnt it?

Recentering the H1 wheels is super easy, you just drop off the wheels at the machine shop AND some $$$ then come pick em back up:D

[Switch_knuckles]

H1 rims around here are about 250/300 (without tires) + re-centering = 400/500. That is money I don't have. The stock steelies are free + widening and beadlocking 200. That I can afford.

[Outlaw]

Welding on the beadlocks will make them about an inch wider anyway I think, but the only issue is the backspacing that kinda makes them not worth it? Besides the cost of the H1s, the recentering is just as much work as DIY locks isnt it?

As long as when they are widened, it is done from the front of the wheel the backspacing wont be an issue. And for $200 that is a darn good price. We have a guy around here that does the same thing for around $100 per wheel. I say go for it! :thumbsup:

[rugidone]

I guess I meant, whats the point doing all that work to a wheel with stock backspacing?

[bigjim350]

Just make sure you get the good beadlocks with welded on nuts, and not the nut and bolt ones......those are a pain in the a$$

[alwaysxj]

I've got some black steelies that are like stock backspacing. I want $150 for them i just bought some new ones... they are 16x8

[LizardRunner]

depends on if you are doing double bead locks like the H-1. those are two part wheels not solid rims. there is also a center ring that forms the inner lock for the bead when the two halves are bolted together. there are two models a 8 bolt and a far better 12 bolt. The 12 model allows you to run them at street pressures as well as reduced pressures. The 8 bolt h-1 model doesn't allow you to run over 25 lbs of air pressure in the tires. I don't know how much would be involved with making a set of stock wheels into double lockers but I would think it could be done.