My original (from 1964) bolt-on steel wheels are no longer road worthy. I am told it’s not wise to straighten or refurbish as the steel and rivets are weakened over time.
What are my options to replace?
They should be 13x4-1/2" but is this size made by any aftermarket companies in bolt-on?
Any recommendations are appreciated.
If the originals are not cracked (around the bolt holes) the wheels can be trued, the rivets re-set, and/or the wheel centers can be welded to the rim so the rivets are not an issue.
there are no cracks around the bolt holes. Anybody know of a wheel shop that can do this in the San Francisco Bay area? So far, none of our wheel shops do this. Thanks
Here is one I used several years ago. The tires must be removed before he will work on them.
He straightened mine out pretty well. They were ok for a while but eventually went out of true from use. He remarked how easy they were to straighten with his machine.
Rite-Way Wheel
Address: 1119 Alpine Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, United States
Phone: +1 925 933 4046
StressCraxx - thank you
CG,
If I could add, I recommend having your tires mounted by a shop like Roger Kraus Racing in Castro Valley. His tire machine clamps the back of the rim and the machine does not touch outer rim half while mounting the tire. That way there is less stress on the rim during mounting and hopefully your wheels will stay true.
Best of luck.
You’ve got an interesting collection there. I have some rusted rim KO Elan wheels that were given to me and I took them with the idea that I would grind and punch out the rivets and salvage the centers, then have new rims fitted. I started on the project, but its a real bth to get them apart.
A friend has had custom steel wheels made in the US several times. I’ll check with him for the source if you’re interested.
Roger