OK. Looks like I picked up a set of Chrome H2 wheels for $388 shipped to my door. I did a little research and it seems I need to open the center up to 4.780" and I need to cut down my center caps.
Few questions:
1) Do I have the right ID on the rim to CNC to?
2) Does anyone know how much to cut the caps down by and the best way to do that?
3) Anything else I might want to know?

Thanks!!

 

Where did you get them so cheap? Ebay?

 

Look a few posts up to see how I opened up the centers with a router.

You need to trim about 1 inch off the caps.

 

I found the seller off ebay, however, they were not an ebay auction.

I saw your post about routing out the inside before. Neat idea. I have access to a 40x60 CNC though, and I think that would produce a lot cleaner job really. Not to mention just plain easier for me. I didn't see anything about you cutting down the caps though. Care to fill me in?

 

I machined mine to 4.778" and they fit perfectly.

You can also just double up on the lug nuts if you don't want to cut the caps. That's what I did.

 

Your stock caps can be modified by cutting 7/8 inch off their depth for the older style H2s and 1 1/4 inch off the new '08 H2s. Then grind a bit off each metal tab at their outermost point to reduce the overall diameter and allow them to fit the H2 recess area. Then snap them on. Perfect fit.

John

 

I just routed my new set of wheels and I can tell you it's the perfect method. It's quick, easy and can be done with the tires on. The opening looks like a nice machined surface when done. Also remember, that opening is just for clearance so anything over about 4.777 is fine and up to a limit of about 4.9. Just retain some of the balancing taper in the inside and you're fine.

John

 

Yeah. I'm sure the router works fine. I just think since I have full unlimited access to a machining senter that's just easier - for me at least. As for the caps though. I guess I'll have to look at them closer when I get the wheels. I'm not sure how to cut them down easily.

 

I used a 3 inch diameter circular saw blabe, (battery Makita) mounted in the drill press on mandrel. Then I offset the table and raised it to the right height to set the cap on the table and carefully approach the spinning blade.

Careful!

This cut the required "ring" off the cap and it worked very well. Again, CAREFUL.

It's the only way I could think of that was accurate and relatively safe.

John

 

Someone pointed out that you can never put them back on the stock wheels once you cut them down. So the double lug nut thing might not be a bad idea after all. Does it look grossly different with it cut down versus doubled up? Anyone have pictures of the two ways?

 

Anyone use sticky weights on theirs? I don't really want to use wheel weights they hammer on since they're chrome. However, I've heard that stickys can rub the caliper. Thoughts?

 

Use hammer on style weights on the inside of the wheel.

 

What if they need weight on the inside and hte outside though. My current wheels have weights on both sides in order to balance.

 

I had mine installed yesterday evening. I had them mount the wieght on the inside due to I had my wheels powder coated black. Balanced fine w/ less than 10 ounces.

 

Alright! How 'bout some pics??? Can't wait to get mine!