Newbie question on welding cast aluminum

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I've moved this thread from the introduction forum as a last ditch effort to get a little more feedback.Hey all! I'm doing some research regarding the viability of changing the lug pattern on a set of cast aluminum wheels. Basically I have a trashed wheel that matches the set of wheels on my project truck that I want to make into a spare. Long story short, rare type of vintage wheel in a special size. The wheel has lug holes that need welded up and a new pattern redrilled. Is something like that possible and would it be recommended? The wheel will be polished at the end so I'm also concerned if anything will show from the fill material.  An alternate idea would be just to forget about filling and redrilling and instead use the center of another wheel that has the right lug pattern and use a lathe to cut out the centers. Any recommendations? Any advice on where to send it to get the work professionally done? Attached Images
Reply:Can it be done... Maybe. Not enough information to give you a definite answer. This is something that isn't a learning project however. You'd need to know the alloy used as well as how to weld that alloy already. You may find the material used isn't conducive to welding and it's just not doable.As far as where, You don't have your location listed in your profile, so it's sort of tough to even guess. There's a shop not far from me who specializes in alloy wheel repairs. That's not going to do you a lot of good if you are in Japan..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWCan it be done... Maybe. Not enough information to give you a definite answer. This is something that isn't a learning project however. You'd need to know the alloy used as well as how to weld that alloy already. You may find the material used isn't conducive to welding and it's just not doable.As far as where, You don't have your location listed in your profile, so it's sort of tough to even guess. There's a shop not far from me who specializes in alloy wheel repairs. That's not going to do you a lot of good if you are in Japan.
Reply:Just a thought, Craiger made unilug wheels in the 70's, maybe still do, the lug holes were oblong like that looks. They sold ring sets to set them at your needed bolt pattern, I still have some and they are solid.Thermal Arc 210 - Tweco 211I - Cutmaster 52
Reply:Hello 1310monster, what Doug is driving at is that wheels have this nasty thing called "liability" attached to them and as he eluded to further, the alloy might not be considered a "weldable" alloy. Now if it is weldable that doesn't mean that welding on it will solve all of the issues. Most materials that will see the kind of stress that a wheel will, are likely also "hardened" alloys and this process in aluminum isn't like it is for steel. So welding on it would also require a new full re-hardening of the entire wheel. As this is a "uni-lug" model does your bolt pattern allow for a clean-up pass on those "slots" and then possibly a slightly larger-than-original mating slug that would allow it to be used in it's original intended manner? If this will address your needs that may be the way to go. A machine shop would be the ones to consult if you aren't sure of whether this can be accomplished. Good luck and best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Originally Posted by mxpapaJust a thought, Craiger made unilug wheels in the 70's, maybe still do, the lug holes were oblong like that looks. They sold ring sets to set them at your needed bolt pattern, I still have some and they are solid.
Reply:Originally Posted by 1310monsterThank you for the info be we are way off track. The pic is a donor wheel that needs all 10 lug holes plug welded and redrilled for the right pattern or needs the center cut out and replaced with a center that does have the right pattern.  Sorry for the confusion.