Cragar info needed

[scuncio]

Interesting construction. As a metallurgist there are some interactions that I’m definitely curious about. Please inspect those carefully - I had a mint set of Rocket 15x4s that were staked, and the interface on one of them had loosened to the extent that the hub had a few degrees of rotational clearance. Fortunately I discovered this before I put them on the car.

[1967 4K]

What do you guys mean by staked? I’ve never heard that term in reference to wheels.

Richard

[scuncio]

Instead of welding the wheel center to the rim, there are reliefs cast into the wheel center spokes where they meet the rim. Then a special die tool stakes the rim to the wheel center, deforming the rim like a hammer and punch would do, essentially locking the rim to the wheel center. This is an interesting idea but since aluminum expands at a higher rate than steel, the interface loosens up when it’s cold. And once the wheel center slips relative to the rim, it’s downhill from there.

[1967 4K]

Thanks Tony, I don’t like that method. Over time that will come loose. Cragar must not have used that method much and good for them.

Thanks

[Bernhard]

Originally Posted by scuncio

Interesting construction. As a metallurgist there are some interactions that I’m definitely curious about. Please inspect those carefully - I had a mint set of Rocket 15x4s that were staked, and the interface on one of them had loosened to the extent that the hub had a few degrees of rotational clearance. Fortunately I discovered this before I put them on the car.

What are your thoughts about having them welded like other Cragar rims?