Technical Wheel widening question

Just like Centerlines, RTV is your friend. I've got home made wheels that have held air for 20+ years.

 

I just noticed this thread, so my opinions are perhaps untimely. I am not a wheel stress ****ysis, but I am not a neophyte with regards to stress ****ysis in other disciplines.

The initial post indicates a required turndown of 1/4". Presumably this is on diameter, therefore 1/8" radially, which must be the entire outer flange thickness. Resultant weld will be close to a 90 degree fillet, at an area subjected to tens of thousands of cycles of local stress. If these wheels were from an F350, going on to a Crosley, I'd be fairly comfortable with that. Otherwise, I wouldn't mount them on a "trailer queen". If the welds are discontinuous (e.g., at slots or between artillary "spokes"), the stress concentration at the ends of the welds would be far worse.

As for turning a half millimeter off the wheel center outer flange, it's a judgment call. Maybe OK if the application is for a lighter car, not to be used for road racing.

If I had any wheels that had machine work required to achieve fit-up of the center, I'd have them die penetrant or mag partical checked not too far down the line.

If you can find an EXPERIENCED shop, with applicable engineering expertise, that will provide a substantial warranty, my thoughts are subject to being over-ruled.

The addition of a cylindrical hoop I believe is highly accepted method to widen rims. Again, have this done by a professional, not the local blacksmith.