Looking at pics of Scotts weld on steel beadlocks made me think about doing this with some Al rims. Al beadlocks cost a pretty penny but you can pic up a set of regular Al rims for under $100. I was just wondering if anyone out there has been successfull in this. The welded area on Scotts Beadlocks isnt that large and i was just wondering if that would be strucuraly sound as far as Al goes. I have looked at MT's beadlocks and the beadlock ring seems to be built into the rim and not welded on.
I have a buddy that is a phenomenal Al welder and has access to more Al over and inch think than you could shake a stick at. If you have some info on this chime in.
Below is a Scotts weld on bead locks:

I sent my Welds to OMF and had them lock my wheels for something around $150 each. Just like the Champion deals but IMO a little better. You may be able to get the lock assemblies but the rims would need to be cut.
http://www.omfperformance.com/art/bluedome.jpg

Wow those look cool.:cool:

Dan

Im sure the Al they use is not the bulk of the $150. What they do is not impossible for the average fabricator. Did they cut the existing outer lip off to wled on the beadlock. My main question is would it just as simple as taking a cheep Al rim and welding on the beadlock ring like Rockstomper does with their kit or is it NECESSARY to cut the stock bead off.

Quote from Rockstomper:
Our beadlocks are designed to weld onto the outside lip of the wheel, meaning that you may not need to cut the outer bead seat area off of your wheels to install them. This type of installation widens the wheel by approximately 1.5-2"--really handy for making a cheapie wheel into a nice useful wide one. Turns 15x8's into 15x10's, 15x10's into 15x12's, etc.

Which is what i would like to do since i have some Champion 15x8's and want 15x10 Al beadlocks. This route would be much cheeper because i already have the rims ,access to the Al and some one who could weld them air tight.

Originally posted by Dan Dibble
Wow those look cool.:cool:

Dan
The OMFs are nice, the difference betwen them and Champion is the bolt circle is a little smaller. If you break a bolt off and need to replace the insert it pops right out. Champions are alot tougher to get out. OMF has those weird acorn things to bolt on now for rim grip, I'm not too sure about that though.

They can probably change one tool off-set in their program to give the lock a better bearing fit to a rim J lip. They're a good bunch of guys and willing to help customers, wouldn't hurt to call them. And yes the $150 was for all the work in installing my locks, the rings alone are $50 polished or anodized (whoo-hoo) I'd assume the inner ring is the same.

does anyone make or offer a do it yourself kit for the aluminum rims? I have a old set that I would like to do. I have access to the local machine shop after hours and able to weld aluminum there also.