Whats involved in machining wheels
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V6 Member
Joined: June 7, 2005
Posts: 63
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I saw that a guy on stangnet (he's probably on this site too) machined a set of white 18" 03 cobra replica wheels in order to achieve a look that didn't make the wheels stick out. What is involved in doing this. I would really like a set of chrome 18" 03 cobra wheels for my car when I get it. Can any machine shop do it? Are there any balancing or strength issues? Will I need shorter wheel studs? Any help is appreciated.
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Joined: August 12, 2005
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Chad,
I would recommend very strongly against having any wheels machined by a third party. Wheels are manufactured under very close tolerances to perform a specific task and maintain a certain structural integrity, and if you machine the bolt circle from the back (which is what I'm assuming you're talking about) to change the offset, you are weakening the wheel at its most critical support point, where it attaches to the car.
There are a few vendors that have the Cobra style wheels for the 05 now, I believe, and you should do that instead of trying to make 03 wheels fit the 05.
I would recommend very strongly against having any wheels machined by a third party. Wheels are manufactured under very close tolerances to perform a specific task and maintain a certain structural integrity, and if you machine the bolt circle from the back (which is what I'm assuming you're talking about) to change the offset, you are weakening the wheel at its most critical support point, where it attaches to the car.
There are a few vendors that have the Cobra style wheels for the 05 now, I believe, and you should do that instead of trying to make 03 wheels fit the 05.
Bullitt Member
Joined: June 9, 2004
Posts: 391
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I have the same opinion. You're machining off thickness where the wheel meets the rotor. This is where you want the greatest thickness so the lug face meets the wheel it can withstand the shear/bending/etc. forces. I wouldn't machine a wheel and remove metal in a critical area like this.
This is a cross section where the studs go through the wheel.
This is a cross section where the studs go through the wheel.
Cobra Member
Joined: August 19, 2004
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I think what he was looking for was another opinion that was in favor of machining the wheels... you're not helping his cause or his budget guys.... c'mon. 
just kiddin', Chad. I'd listen to these guys... it's probably ok for a show car, but if you're planning on any kind of performance driving, you're gonna wind up in a bad way.... I drove the crap out of some DP Motorsport wheels that I had, which hadn't been modified at all and still had sooo many stress cracks. never went curb punchin' or anything. they were cracked simply because the lateral force on them was too great. When I finally noticed them that way, I felt pretty lucky that I hadn't busted the hub out of the wheel. Just think of the mess that would make out of your car.
just kiddin', Chad. I'd listen to these guys... it's probably ok for a show car, but if you're planning on any kind of performance driving, you're gonna wind up in a bad way.... I drove the crap out of some DP Motorsport wheels that I had, which hadn't been modified at all and still had sooo many stress cracks. never went curb punchin' or anything. they were cracked simply because the lateral force on them was too great. When I finally noticed them that way, I felt pretty lucky that I hadn't busted the hub out of the wheel. Just think of the mess that would make out of your car.
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