Lighten a wheel??

[john55blaze]

I was wondering if anybody had ever taken weight out of a wheel like they do sometimes on cranks? I have a set of 18x9 Bonspeed Crokus and they weigh a ton! 38lbs per wheel without a tire! I love the wheels and paid a decent amount for them (used from Bonspeed $1900 I think), so I would like to keep them. The mounting pad is about 2.5" thick and the spokes are fairly substantial as well. I'm wondering if I could drill out material in thick places as long as everything is symetrical (radially) without compromising wheel integrity...And then, if this isn't a terrible idea, would I loose enough weight to make it worth while?? Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! BTW I have access to a mill and or a pretty nice drill press.