Drill and tap wheels for center caps?

[Stroked]

I've been bored at work today so I've been looking for a set of center caps for the steel wheels on my K10. My question is, can you drill and tap a wheel to accept the bolt on center caps that came on the rally wheels? Or will that compromise the structural integrity? Also, my wheels aren't raised where the bolt holes would be like the rally's. Don't know if that would be a problem.

My wheels:

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I want these center caps:

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A view of the holes where the center caps attach:

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Or there's also the newer style center caps that attach via the lug nuts and I could cut out the 2 for the front:

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[skysurfer]

I don't think it would be a problem on a steel rim. Can't tell exactly how thick the rim is but I would be sure to use a NF tap to get as many threads as possible.

 

[Stroked]

I'll have to give them a look over when I get home.

On the other hand, I found these on ebay. Something like this would be sweet with the wheels painted GM rally silver. Probably wouldn't be too hard to copy.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-Lug-Black-Center-Caps-Hub-Covers-Chevrolet-Silverado-Tahoe-LTZ-Suburban-6x5-5-/281040762820?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item416f55b7c4&vxp=mtr

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[89Suburban]

 

[Driver4r]

lol, i still want those wheels

 

[bucket]

I don't know what it is about those old wagon wheels, I like how they look without any centercaps. I also like them painted silver.

 

[Stroked]

lol, i still want those wheels

Lmao, I would have sold them before I had tires mounted on em


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[Stroked]

I don't know what it is about those old wagon wheels, I like how they look without any centercaps. I also like them painted silver.

I'm really leaning towards painting them silver. I'll run em for a while with no center caps and see how I like it.


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[Doc M]

I'm planning on running theses center caps, soon as I figure out how to make the thread holes.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Weld some nuts to the face of the rim. You'll want just a few tacks on each nut.

 

[Turbo4whl]

Some facts about steel wheels. The factory steel wheels have a center hole that matches the hub center. This gives support and also ensures the wheel is centered on the hub. Where the lug nuts bolt on the factory wheel raises up, this acts as a lock washer for the wheel lug nut.

Many aftermarket wheels, like your wagon wheels have a larger center hole to fit more applications. This makes the the studs in the hub take the the full load. Also they are flat at the lug mount, no locking action.

Early squares, 4 wheel drive with six lugs, the studs are 7/16". I would upgrade them to 1/2" studs and lug nuts.

Like @skysurfer stated, thread the cap bolt holes to SAE (fine thread). I would use 5/16" studs with a thread stop in the center. Thread them in tight to the center stop with Loctite, cut off any extra flush from the inside of the wheel. Then use acorn nuts to hold on the caps.

 

[waterpirate]

Just did this project. The wagon wheels I got have a raised section just like the factory rims. Drilled and tapped, mount the factory center caps.
Eric

 

[Smit999]

Those look great!