Old school steel wheel question

[1977nova]

I have a set of Corvette 15x8 steel rally's. The back fit ok, but I could use more offset than the 4" provided. This would allow me to lower the rear over the tires more. I was wondering how the centers are attached to the rim. I don't see any welds holding it but I am not sure if they were spot welded on. I have a hunch that the rim was just heated up then allowed to cool around the center section. Can anyone confirm how the wheels were put together? I know this may not be the best forum to ask this in but I was hoping to be steered in the right direction.

Thank you

[gearheads78]

Its welded turn around backward you will see the welds. Several companies make A/M ones with many back space options. You can also have those cut and rewelded.

[1977nova]

There are no welds on the back. It looks to be pressed in.

[gearheads78]

Post a pic if you can. I have never seen one not welded. If they are not I would be welding them before driving 2 ft.

[LS1NOVA]

Check out Rally America. Sell the ones you have and buy new ones for cheap with any width and backspace you need.

[1977nova]

I looked closer today and it appears that there are spot welds holding the center to the rim. I would guess that splitting the two would involve destroying either the rim or centre. I do see other rims with a mig weld holding them together which may allow you to salvage both pieces.

[LS1NOVA]

I asked a similar question to this. I thought about cutting the two apart, putting it on a tire machine then rewelding it. For the price, I just bought others.

[MonzaRacer]

Yes you can use a Rota-Broach spot weld cutter to take out the spots, then get someone with a lot of time, a big lathe and a dial indicator to reset them IF the rim hoop has enough drop. OR send them to the wheel doctor in Cali (saw article in car magazine) they can and will put ralleys in any offset you want, we did a set for a drag car, very cool as they had ability to beef up the center too, somehow.