Greetings, I just picked up a pair of Ansens that are the perfect size and offset for a current build, but I was thinking they were regular unilug wheels when I got them. They have inserts in the back that are currently for Ford 5x4 1/2" and I need to get them to 5x4 3/4" GM. Looks like the inserts could be knocked out and a round washer used on the front to get the correct bolt pattern. So far searches for the inserts have come up empty or with dead links. Would they be safe to run if I opened up the inserts and used a standard round mag washer and long mag lug? The wheels have recessed bores for washers on the front and the through hole is oval, not set to any one lug pattern. Anyone have a source for the inserts? I ***ume they would have the lug hole in the center and not offset. Thanks for any info or help, no idea how old these are, first time I have seen them like this.
What bolt pattern do you get if you turn the inserts round? I would be worried about running without an insert as there’s not much material supporting the washer
I’m not advising this, but at 18/19 years old I didn’t know any better. But I had a set of uni-lug mag wheels I just ran the mag lug nuts with regular lug washers. The wheels I had took a washer for the proper pattern which I didn’t know about at the time. I ran the wheels like that for a few years without any issues. Would I do it now? Maybe not, but did it some 40 years ago.
I've run "slotted" hole wheels with just nuts and round washers, too. But they were NOT like these wheels, which have an insert that needs to be replaced with the correct one. I expect also that flipping these would give 5 x 5, not 4.75. How hard is it to change the hubs?
I would carefully measure the inserts with a set of calipers. They might just go from 4.5 to 4.75 when 'flipped' around. If so, you might have all you need. I'd again carefully tap on them to see if they are removable without damage. IF so, you can tap or press them out, turn them around and install. If they are offset so it's 4.5 and 5.0, you would need to replace them with a 'centered' adapter, IF they are removable. You would have to have new inserts machined or try to find them. If they are going to be a destructive removal, it's time to consider selling, adapting or swapping the brakes/hubs/axles. I'll mention they are still being made, but they aren't as cheap as used. I have gone thru the wheel search recently and know about finding the right stuff. http://www.americanracingwheelsinfo.com/American_Racing_Ansen_Sprint_Slot_Mag.htm
I just knocked out the inserts, they came out easily, and as expected if I flip them around I get a 5"x5" pattern. Wheel lug hole is oval so it will take 4.5” to 5" like a usual unilug wheel, but I will need to get the correct centered inserts or open up these.
Anyone have a set of 10 inserts around to sell or any at all before I try and get these opened up? I bought axle rings to get the wheels hub centric so I can try and sneak up on opening them without going too far. I have read all of the HAMB threads, and so far I cannot find any links that still work and google has not come up with a source for them.
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