8 stud wheels

[Bobobolinsky]

Hi, we have a boat trailer with 8 stud Hi-spec wheels, which are made in the US. Unfortunately, we only have four wheels and no spare. The wheels are unobtainable in the UK. The wheel diameter is 15". We do have a set of 16.5" wheels, with the same stud pattern, we are looking for a wheel builder who can cut out the wheel centre and stitch on a 15" rim. So anyone know such a guy?

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Why not just buy one in the US and ship it over?

 

[rafiki_]

Hi, we have a boat trailer with 8 stud Hi-spec wheels, which are made in the US. Unfortunately, we only have four wheels and no spare. The wheels are unobtainable in the UK. The wheel diameter is 15". We do have a set of 16.5" wheels, with the same stud pattern, we are looking for a wheel builder who can cut out the wheel centre and stitch on a 15" rim. So anyone know such a guy?

I second Jimmy's suggestion. I would not cut and shut a wheel, their profile being designed to carry the approved load. Trailer wheels are put under substantial side load when cornering. They also tend to get hammered on kerbs, usually the cause of punctures, again putting huge strain on the wheel. All wheels should be tested and approved for fatigue and strength prior to sale.

 

[Nick_H]

I also agree with JTB's suggestion. Look on e-bay, and you'll find some suppliers allow you to pay all transport, taxes and import duty upfront at time of purchase, so it's just as easy as buying from a UK supplier, and there's no hidden costs.

 

[Beamishken]

A friend of mine did exactly what you want to do with a merc van years ago he had a set of 16" wheels & tyres which were the wrong stud spacing so he cut the centres out & welded in the correct centre from his 15" wheels
We thought he was mad at the time but he did it accurately & it worked fine for the next few years he had the van
I'd say what your proposing I'd doable but you need someone who knows his stuff & can weld to a good standard
Let's face it lots of steel wheels are welded at manufacture so no reason why they can't be welded in retrospect so long as it's done to a good standard
Can't help with a possible candidate to undertake it though
Probably easier to buy one ready to fit if you can find one but if you can't then I'm sure you will find someone with the knowledge &skill to do a good job for you

 

[rwilson]

This type is wheel surgery is fine as long as it's done properly. I'm sure custom car builders types may be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[njrickard]

I have a set of four from a trailer i scrapped, but they are in Cornwall

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

I have a set of four from a trailer i scrapped, but they are in Cornwall

Got to be cheaper to ship one from Cornwall than the US.

 

[P4Paul]

Got to be cheaper to ship one from Cornwall than the US.

Mmmmm, I wouldn't be too sure, those Devonians charge a shed-load of pasty's to cross their land.

 

[rafiki_]

Mmmmm, I wouldn't be too sure, those Devonians charge a shed-load of pasty's to cross their land.

However, much less risky than having someone mess around cutting and shutting wheels

 

[P4Paul]

However, much less risky than having someone mess around cutting and shutting wheels

Only ever did it once and as a last resort, cut and re welded in a lathe. Certainly wouldn't have wanted to rely on it for any distance, under load or at speed.

 

[rafiki_]

Only ever did it once and as a last resort, cut and re welded in a lathe. Certainly wouldn't have wanted to rely on it for any distance, under load or at speed.