Been mulling this around for a while, but I figure I would put it out to the collective genius that is the CTZCC.

Anyone ever have a set of wheels widened? Looking for first hand experience on this one. I have spoken to people who boo-boo'd it, but none ever had actual experience. I was looking at www.weldcraftwheels.com for the service. They can do steel and aluminum and add up to 6"+ or narrow as needed. The service runs between $100-$200 a corner, and they guarantee that any wheel serviced will run out true. Ive been kicking it around because I really love the OEM sport package wheels but am craving something a little wider, but it might be a good option for those looking to keep a stock look on the older cars with a bit more room to add some sticky tires.

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"We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office." -Aesop

i've heard people talking about this, but never anyone who's actually had it done. my only concern, aside from the whole process sounding scary, would be that the mounting face and the outside of the wheel wouldn't change. extending the wheel further towards the center line of the car may propose clearance issues with suspension components. you could run spacers, but then you face having the wheel and tire protruding from the fenders/quarters, and i, personally, wouldn't feel comfortable driving with spacers.

I've often considered doing this to my 81 turbo snowflakes. They could definitely use some widening.

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Phil
1981 280zxt - Now in the care my son!
2014 370Z Sports Touring Roadster

CTS, the easiest way to get around that is with a set of hub-centric spacers. Ive run them in a number of applications and feel comfortable(to a certain point), but you do get what you pay for. IIRC for steel wheels and 2/3 piece, they can actually add material to the "face" area.
Talking to a local company about the ability to offer this service in the area. It would likely be more expensive, but the tech behind it is amazing.

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"We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office." -Aesop

Sounds a bit unsettling to me. Why not just buy wider rims in the first place? I guess you'd really have to be in love with the current styling of your wheel do do something like add onto it, but in doing that you're changing its aspects...

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-Chris

Chris,
The company I am trying to get to produce this for me handles electron beam welding for everything from multi-ton turbines for hydroelectric facilities to jet turbines, the weld strength isn't a big concern
We are trying to dig up a source for both cast and forged barrel sections for the area to be added to make sure that strength is not an issue. Even with the TIG welded jobs, people have been running these in street, drag and race applications for years. Probably not the way to go for most folks, but if you are like me and LOVE the OEM Rays wheels, or you want a width in an aftermarket that is not available it should be a good way to go.

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"We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office." -Aesop

I'm sold.

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-Chris