any place local that does wheel widening?

[gamorg02]

I'm looking at taking a front wheel from 18x2.15 to 18x3.5. Anyone know any local shops that do that? I'm going to call Kosman on Monday but just curious if there were other options.

thanks!

[KB]

Wheel widening? This a joke? I have never heard of this before.

We used to send the new guys to the van to get the "wire stretcher".

I didn't know if this was one of those type things. "Hey new guy go get me the rim widener from the tool box"


KB

[gadget]

I also had not heard of this and was waiting for someone to say "What the hell are you talking about?" before I said anything.

[Trouble]

It's common practice in Vermont. Typically its done in the spring time and it's performed using a tool called a "pothole" or "frost heave". The process is pretty simple in concept but it can be difficult to get an even amount of widening around the entire rim.

[Kurlon]

Back in the day Kosman would modify mag wheels, either increasing the diameter or widening them by cutting and welding in new material.

[gamorg02]

kosman already did my rear from a 15x3.5 to a 17x5.5. it is a real thing:

http://www.kosman.net/v-max.htm

unfortunately my beloved vmax is blessed with 1984 tire and rim technology.

[mikeb]

very common on old muscle car rims. guys want a stock look with wider tire capabilities. if you wheels aren't wire i don't see why it can't be done. do later model v-max's use bigger rims?

[gamorg02]

very common on old muscle car rims. guys want a stock look with wider tire capabilities. if you wheels aren't wire i don't see why it can't be done. do later model v-max's use bigger rims?

the 2009 vmax got wider rims, but 85 -07 had the same size rims with a different style in '85 from the rest, but same size. with some cosmetic shit done over the years.

[gadget]

you learn something every day.
thank you

[Doc]

Hawks come with a stock 110/2.5 inch front and people widen em to run 120's/3.5 inch and keep the stock look.

[gamorg02]

Hawks come with a stock 110/2.5 inch front and people widen em to run 120's/3.5 inch and keep the stock look.

who do they use to do that?

i think i'm gonna go 3.5 myself.

[Doc]

who do they use to do that?

i think i'm gonna go 3.5 myself.

Kosman out in Cali... Not local.

[Kurlon]

Given the tire options available in 110 widths, I wouldn't bother.

[gamorg02]

Given the tire options available in 110 widths, I wouldn't bother.

For radials i would disagree

alot more in the 120/130 than the 110 for 18" radials

[Kurlon]

I thought the Hawk sported a 17" front?

[gamorg02]

I thought the Hawk sported a 17" front?

maybe? i thought we were talking about my vmax.

[Doc]

maybe? i thought we were talking about my vmax.

We are. Pay no attention to the Kurlon behind the curtain.

[KB]

WOW no shit.

KB

[gamorg02]

WOW no shit.

KB

i wasn't trying to be a smartass or anything sorry it came off that way.

[KB]

i wasn't trying to be a smartass or anything sorry it came off that way.

I wasn't either. I had no idea that this was actually done. I learned something new today. Pretty cool shit!!!

KB

[Stromper]

$$$$

Unless you need to look stock then wouldn't it be better cheaper to just get a wider rim?

I assume there is clearence for erverything else

[Uncle Snake]

http://www.kosman.net/weldup.htm

[gamorg02]

$$$$

Unless you need to look stock then wouldn't it be better cheaper to just get a wider rim?

I assume there is clearence for erverything else

not many rims just bolt up to the v-max, plus I want an 18" front if i can.

[nt650hawk]

I thought the Hawk sported a 17" front?

It does.

The option of 3.5 get us to choose from the 120 tire selections.


A donor wheel needs to be sacrificed for the extra rim material

[loridin64]

who do they use to do that?

i think i'm gonna go 3.5 myself.

get an RC51 wheel?