Perfect lead weights for wheels. HOW TO

[mjderstine]

So here is a little write up on how i add weight to my wheels. i stick with motoworx racing wheels because they are pretty beefy to start, and can handle lots of abuse. they also look great. cost is good, and they mount all tires really easy.

got some weight in the front wheels tonight. just took some lead, i like to use 2oz sinkers from Dicks, and melted it into the back of the wheels. think its just about 2.5-3oz each. that gets it to the back face of the wheels.

you need to make a plate that goes flush inside the wheel or the lead will just pour through the holes. i used some aluminum flashing.

the trick to get the lead melted. place the wheel in a cast iron pan on med heat to warm the wheel up. other wise it acts like a heat sink and melting the stuff sucks. it just take too long. i like to melt down the 2 oz weights and cut them into small pieces and fill the wheel. give the wheel about 5 minutes to get up to cast iron heat.

then just use a small propane torch to slowly melt the lead. dont use MAPP. or you will burn your wheels. light heat and a little time is all it takes. the wheel gets hot enough to form a perfect lead weight.

you will need to tape the weight out slowly to get the backing out, and then point the lead back in place lightly. the beadlock holds the lead in place. you may need to trim the lead a bit to make it work if you use too much lead.


1.9 wheels

2.2 wheels

 

[90Finder]

Nice job, seems easy enough.

 

[mjderstine]

it def is. you are limited to the amount you can squeeze in behind the wheel, but it works for me!

 

[Charlie-III]

That's one easy way to do it.

To melt lead, I use an old metal soup can, drop pieces into it and heat the bottom of the can with a propane torch until the lead is liquid, then I pour.

Never tried to pour direct into a wheel, nor your heating method.

I have made plaster molds, pour lead into it, then pull the lead out & install into a wheel. My best set was for stock Venom Creeper plastic wheels, the weights came out to be ~7oz ea even with the nut wrench hole through the middle. Beadlock ring retained the weight.

I have also done knuckle weights (plaster mold or wet wood mold) and axle wrap weights.

 

[mjderstine]

That's one easy way to do it.

To melt lead, I use an old metal soup can, drop pieces into it and heat the bottom of the can with a propane torch until the lead is liquid, then I pour.

Never tried to pour direct into a wheel, nor your heating method.

I have made plaster molds, pour lead into it, then pull the lead out & install into a wheel. My best set was for stock Venom Creeper plastic wheels, the weights came out to be ~7oz ea even with the nut wrench hole through the middle. Beadlock ring retained the weight.

I have also done knuckle weights (plaster mold or wet wood mold) and axle wrap weights.

your ideas are definitely correct as well. and from what you say you have lots of experience in this as well.

one main reason i try to do this slowly is because i live in a condo and dont want to get burning lead fumes in my apartment. otherwise i would just setup up a can an torch like you.

plaster molds would be sweet, then i would just make a mold and i could screw the things directly to the VP knuckles.

i also only put the lead on the inside so that it doesnt take away from the scale look of the wheels.

 

[Charlie-III]

Not saying there is anything wrong with the way you did it, or that my way is better.

I'm interested in your method and may try it out.

As to the plaster, it can be a PITA at times. I need to try doing a female cast off my XR-10 VP knuckles, do a male cast off that, then do solid lead knuckle weights.
Brass looks nice, lead is denser.;-)

BTW, thanks for sharing your method, I'm sure it will help people out.

 

[mjderstine]

No hard feelings at all man. You have added tools and procedures I don't have. In a better world id like to take the weight out of the driveline. Think I can def do that. But I had to start somewhere.

 

[Dostradamas]

Just keep in mind when you melt lead there is a certain amount vaporized into the air. Make sure to ventilate your lead melting area, inhaling vaporized lead will get it into your body far more efficiently than living in a house covered with lead paint.
FYI

 

[mjderstine]

Meh. I don't stop until I start getting light headed.

Lol