Modifying wheel center opening

Found some interesting solid Ford wheels. The center opening is about 2 1/4 ", the disk brake hub is about 2 3/4". Can I machine, grind, or cut that opening to fit the larger hub without compromising safety/ register fit?
The pictures show the solid wheel and a slotted wheel with the proper size hole. I'd just like to use the "solids".
Thanks!

 

The alternative is ---
Find sombody with a big lathe and a boring bar---machine to fit

 

I have done it,on a big lathe at work.Honestly I was a little concerned about the center cracking without that lip on it.I think the wheels might flex in the center.

 

Don,t modify the wheel, turn down the rotor.

 

You are only talking about 1/4" per side- no issue with it cracking

 

Looks like 1/2" per side to me

 

Turn the hub/rotor, on a lathe, in a machine shop.

 

The wheel hole most likely is 2.43"Ø.

As stated, turn the rotor down to match.

 

Yep just index off of the original register and run with it.

 

Or find steel rims for a Ford w/disk brakes that look the same or similar to what you have.

Pat

 

What is the bolt circle? I have 5 x 5"bc by 7" wide wheels that fit GM disk brakes.

Pat

Never mind I was looking at the 2nd rim with the 2-3/4" hole. Didn't read entire thread.

Pat

 

they don't look like there worth going through the effort.

 

I disagree with those that recommend machining the rotor hub rather than the wheel unless the hub and rotor are two pieces and replacement of the rotor 'hat' is therefore simple. However for a one piece hub/rotor, if you later have to replace the rotor it requires machining before installation. Machine the wheel and you are done...for good...no matter rotor wear.

Many wheels do not have a lip around the center hole and do not seem prone to cracking. Cracks usually are ***ociated with edge flaws, aka 'stress risers', and if the wheel is machined with a smooth surface, I doubt cracks will develop.


Ray

 

Thanks to all for the suggestions. They'll be going on a 2 seater coupster, so the weight should be lower. Now I have to find someone with a big lathe. The wheels look ****py because they're "barn finds" and haven't been to the blast cabinet yet. The price was right, too.
Thanks again.
RB

 

Alternative to a big lathe is a milling machine with a boring head. It might be easier to find that then a lathe that will swing 16 inches.

 

When I was young and poor and lacked my current equipment I was faced with the same issue. I used a hole saw that indexed over the lip area and opened the center hole to fit. Regards, Ron

 

Maniac & Gas-Pumper must have taken the same math cl***. Ron

 

I was thinking it, but he said it.

 

Why not worth the effort? They're mid '50's, solid centers. Thought those better than the one with the tire and gaps around the centers. Enlighten me, please.
??
RB

 

New math? 1/2"+1/2"=1"

 

****! Now you tell me!

 

If you say those ford hubs are "about 2 3/4" I'm thinking the hub OD is 2.773 typical of 5x4.5 Ford, if the wheel hole is 2.43 then 2.775 or so - 2.430 = a total of 0.345 bigger hole ***ume +0.005/-0 on the tolerances.

If you cut the wheel you might be removing the entire lip, it might render it slightly more prone to crack depending on how much other reinforcement's stamped into it.

If you cut the hubs then you've lost hubcentricity if you ever go back to a later 5x4.5 wheel (unless you replace your hub), you've weakened the hub around the inner bearing, you have to cut the rear pilots too, etc.

Pays your money and takes your choice.