Narrowing Rims 101

[jamesbernatchez]

Since im waiting for my tuber I decided to narrow a set of rims. Ive never done this before. I had a set of HPI split 5 truck rims in black. I removed the front and rear outer ring. It narrowed the rim a good amount and in turn the tire is being pulled in which should give it more side bite. I used cut down stock foams which are about an 1" or so wide.

I will mount stick on weights on the inside of the back of the rim. They came out really good for my first time.

I cut off the head of a scew, chucked it in my dremel and put a 12mm hex on it, then the rim, and then the nut. I put my dremel almost to its max setting and used a hobby knife to cut the pieces off. What it gave me was a pretty clean cut. It was hard on my dremel as it was smoking a bit afterwards. The rims are not crooked, its just the angle I took the photo at.

The nice thing is you can remove just the front, rear, or both of the pieces depending on how narrow you want the rim. I forgot to measure it before I glued the tires so im not sure how wide it is.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/jamesbernatchez/Scale%20RC/IMG_0053.jpg

Before:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/jamesbernatchez/Scale%20RC/IMG_0045.jpg

After:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/jamesbernatchez/Scale%20RC/IMG_0046.jpg

This is what I removed:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/jamesbernatchez/Scale%20RC/IMG_0047.jpg

And here a few comparission shot:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/jamesbernatchez/Scale%20RC/IMG_0049.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/jamesbernatchez/Scale%20RC/IMG_0054.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/jamesbernatchez/Scale%20RC/IMG_0056.jpg

[awnelson]

James, I like the idea, but wouldn't it be safer to use a drill press if available and a hack/hand saw that won't bite so hard. I could see an unsteady hand making a quick trip to the E.R. from a razor blade shattering. Otherwise, good looking rim/tire combo. Keep us updated on the tuber please.

[MattHiggins]

I've found that the best thing to use for 2.2 rims is a tire lathe. I know that not many people have them, but a tire lathe works the best and is very safe.

[hijacker]

Hey James, why would you want to narrow the rims? For a more scale look?

[trxcrazy345]

more side bite better traction

[jamesbernatchez]

more side bite better traction

Exactly!!

awnelson- You make a good point but that was all I had to work with. I would suggest using saftey goggles also and going slowly....be careful :teacher:

Matt- I have 3 comp rigs once this tuber is built :D Im getting ready for the comps next year. I also have a BMVii chassis(its specifically designed for comps. You can check it out on RCC)

[rccardude04]

On the issue of safety ...
We cut down a set of truggy wheels at a race a few weeks back.
The guy happened to have a sawsall in his truck, and we used it. No gloves, goggles, or anything.
It was pretty funny. Don't be stupid like us :D
-Eric