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I got the old quarter panel roughly cut out and the wheel well cut out so I can extend it. I should have the wheel well welded back together tomorrow and start prepping it for seam sealer and paint. Then I can fit up the wide quarter panel again and get it welded into place.
As I’ve mentioned before in one of my replies that I’m an engineer. I wanted a set of unique wheels that nobody else had so I set off on designing my own three piece wheels. Initially, I was going for something narrower to fit under the factory body with only fender rolling required. Obviously, that wasn’t the route I choose which sparked this widebody idea.
My early intentions were to source the wheel shells, material, and machining. I already had material and CNC sources through work so that portion was no big deal. The problem was finding a wheel shell supplier that would give me detailed dimensions so I could use them in my design.
Meanwhile, I was working on my design. I calculated wheel loads by finding weight transfer during accel, braking, cornering, jounce, etc. However, I was making a lot of assumptions on important factors like center of gravity, roll centers, blah blah blah nerdy stuff.
At about the same time I was a little lost on what to do, I found a wheel supplier/manufacturer that could design and build me a set of wheels based on my concept. They look my design and modified it as needed to pass their FEA analysis. In the end I got a set of wheels that looked pretty closed to what I wanted and a one off design (also shouldn’t have to worry about the wheel failing)
The CAD pictures is my concept. The last one is the final product. Wheel specs are 18x10 +15
Did they give you any insight to the loads they design the wheel around?
Ive been thinking about making my own wheel center and can certainly use the info I know works on uprights, but would be nice to know the specs specifically applied to wheels.
Did they give you any insight to the loads they design the wheel around?
Ive been thinking about making my own wheel center and can certainly use the info I know works on uprights, but would be nice to know the specs specifically applied to wheels.
Unfortunately, not. I was really hoping that I would get the CAD and engineering data. I assume they used a generic set of load conditions to work with most cars. Their design came out to be thicker in areas than mine were. However, mine couldn't pass my FEA but neither did the OEM BBS's I modeled up for comparison. I was probably too aggressive with my load conditions and assumptions. One day I'll figure it out and make my own wheel center.
Apr 6, 2020, 07:00 PM
(also shouldn’t have to worry about the wheel failing
) 
