Thread: Stude M5 build

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Been using that calculator all day, that is really a handy visualizer. I've leaning towards 15x8, would like a 9 but they don't make them in 15, Wheelsmith does a custom backspace. Or can save some money and do 16x8, backspace is a 1/4 inch less than I wanted and tire sizes are limited to a 235 vs 255 in a 15. Decisions... the ever present battle with my cheap side.

The selection of 15" tires seems to be shrinking fast, other than specialty shops like Coker, Mickey Thompson, Hoosier and big meats for Jeeps and off roading; and the selection of 16's isn't a lot better! One thing to think about is how you would deal with a tire problem on the road. Having to buy two wheels & tires to get home would suck, but the alternative might be sitting in a hotel room for a few days waiting for an order from Speedway, Summit, Coker or Amazon.
I think I'd be looking at 16's minimum, and maybe 17's. Just my $0.02.

I decided a 27 inch diameter tire is good for the back and bit smaller size for the front. Also considering a 5 spoke mag, the early 2000's Mustang has the right backspace so they are available. I would have to narrow my rear to get the dish that I'd really like, but that is a bunch of work and money. I can't do the simple use two short axle 8.8 solution because I need it to stay off center.

It’s been a while since I’ve had custom wheels made, when I did I used Stockton Wheel. I don’t know what there prices are like now but they used to be pretty reasonable and their quality was always good. You might take a look at their web site.



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Stockton wheel was my first thought but I read a lot of bad reviews about them so kind of scared me away. I know they've been around a long time.

It's been a while since I dealt with them and things may have changed. When the new wheels I ordered came in I always mounted the wheel (before the tire was installed) to a front spindle and checked for run out with a dial indicator. They always checked out, but like I said it's been a while and I've seen a lot of companies go down hill over time.



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This is my current project. Making a inner structure out of aluminum to attach headliner and upholstery to. Took about 4 days to get this far. This is jus the top portion made in two halves and welded together. The plan is to cover everything on the back of the cab and roof so still a ways to go but this was the trickiest part.


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Any suggestions on hidden fasteners? Seems like some of them would show under the upholstery. I'm looking at these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...3NK9WU6R&psc=1.
Some have used 3m dual fastener, kind of like velcro, not sure how well it would stick to the truck body primer.

I've never even seen that style before. Not sure how it works, need to do some research before I could offer an opinion.
But if they fit into a recessed area then I'd think they'd be invisible..

You drill a hole in your door card and clip them on. Just the little flat top tab would on top of the board, so shouldn't show through the upholstery.

Sounds good. If you add a layer of foam (thinking 1/8" or thinner) between the card stock and the outer upholstery covering. it would help hide any "tips" or bumps

Originally Posted by 34_40

Sounds good. If you add a layer of foam (thinking 1/8" or thinner) between the card stock and the outer upholstery covering. it would help hide any "tips" or bumps

Like Mike says, if you add a layer of foam it tends to hine the slight bump, and you can even sand the foam surface slightly to really smooth it out.

Getting closer on this project. What a lot of work!

WOW.. it's gonna look great. You're certainly putting in the work.

Thanks! It's the most metal forming I've done. I was wishing I had an English wheel and a planishing hammer.