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Thread: Watanabe RS-8 re-barrel

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    6,000 rpm - mere mortals would shift HarryB's Avatar
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    Watanabe RS-8 re-barrel

    So, I have found a set of 15" RS-8's in a reasonable price. Thing is that they are 6.5" wide and the offset is 35, so I was thinking of changing the outer rim to end up with a 7" or 7.5" wheel with 22ish or 10 offset. Searching online revealed that those are 2-piece wheels, meaning that the inner/outer barrel are welded together. Now, I have access to a machine shop so I can theoretically split them, but does anyone have info on where I could source replacement barrels (preferably in Europe). Even better, I could only keep the centers and swap both halves (inner and outer) if I was to find a decent quality replacement.

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    2,000 rpm - light wheelspin, no bog here! vindi49's Avatar
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    I'm sure I've seen some on a facebook post ... pine or something?

    Russell

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    HarryB, are you in Europe? Reason I ask is I have a set of RS8s in 15x7 et15 offset that I'm planning to put up for sale...
    My Eunos Roadster, Jazz

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    6,000 rpm - mere mortals would shift HarryB's Avatar
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    Yes, Greece. Might be interested depending on condition, price and location.

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    Supporting Member fwdtamiya's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by vindi49 View Post
    I'm sure I've seen some on a facebook post ... pine or something?

    Russell
    http://pine-engineering.co.nz/collections/frontpage

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    3,000 rpm - starting to feel the power Flyin 92's Avatar
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    I know a guy who changed lips on his RS8s to make them x7 (or 7.5 don't remember exactly) +17 or something along those lines. It was just a simple bolt-on swap. No cutting or welding required.
    Quote Originally Posted by zacatac View Post
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    Link to the most lack-luster build in MR history

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    3,000 rpm - starting to feel the power freedomgli's Avatar
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    Try Spintech Wheels. If they don't do it or don't have it, they will know who can and does.

    Also see The Official Wheel Build Almanac & Reference Thread

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    6,000 rpm - mere mortals would shift HarryB's Avatar
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    Thank you all for your posts!

    Quote Originally Posted by Flyin 92 View Post
    I know a guy who changed lips on his RS8s to make them x7 (or 7.5 don't remember exactly) +17 or something along those lines. It was just a simple bolt-on swap. No cutting or welding required.
    That's exactly what I wanted to do, but as far as I searched those seem to have the lips welded together, as they are 2-piece instead of 3-piece; might be wrong though.

    Quote Originally Posted by freedomgli View Post
    Try Spintech Wheels. If they don't do it or don't have it, they will know who can and does.

    Also see The Official Wheel Build Almanac & Reference Thread
    Time to study! Thanks!

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    Supporting Member Dandy's Avatar
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    I have never actually seen them re-barreled but I have seen them refinished a couple of times and the centers were completely removed from the barrels in the process. The separation can be done.

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    3,000 rpm - starting to feel the power MLambert19's Avatar
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    Bringing this one back from the dead. Anyone have any ideas?

    Still several ET34 15x6.5/7 RS-8's kicking around on Buyee and elsewhere... It would be well worth doing if I could get them re-barreled to 9" wide and have them clear my StopTech BBK, be able to run 225 R1R's in style.

    -Matt

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    Ninja Messiah kung fu jesus's Avatar
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    Maybe not the answer you are looking for, but I would reach out to custom wheel companies like Ehrlich Wheel Works. See if any of them know. I see a lot of custom BBS, Work, even classic stock cast wheels converted to custom 2-3 piece.

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    3,000 rpm - starting to feel the power MLambert19's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kung fu jesus View Post
    Maybe not the answer you are looking for, but I would reach out to custom wheel companies like Ehrlich Wheel Works. See if any of them know. I see a lot of custom BBS, Work, even classic stock cast wheels converted to custom 2-3 piece.
    HarryB has a StopTech template and some 15" RS8's, after he checks that, I'll proceed with getting quotes. Thanks!

    -Matt

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    6,000 rpm - mere mortals would shift HarryB's Avatar
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    Reporting back/documenting this. Radially, the template clears the wheel barrel with room to spare. Axially, on my 15x7 ET27 wheels, the "caliper" part touches the spokes. With a 3mm spacer, it barely clears the inner face; I would run 5mm spacers to be on the safe side.

    P.S. The faces on my wheels are identical to a set of 15x6.5 ET34 I had; not sure all RS8 15" 4x100 faces are the same or not.

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    3,000 rpm - starting to feel the power MLambert19's Avatar
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    15x9 RS-8's are going to be a thing... Now I just need to find a shop for the re-barrel. Faces acquired!

    -Matt

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    3,000 rpm - starting to feel the power MLambert19's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by freedomgli View Post
    Try Spintech Wheels. If they don't do it or don't have it, they will know who can and does.

    Also see The Official Wheel Build Almanac & Reference Thread
    SpinTech doesn't appear to still be in business.

    WheelFlip can only do outer barrels.

    Love20Bee has quoted me a price... but it's really, really steep.

    Anyone else stateside building wheel barrels? I can't imagine a set of 4 wheel barrels costing as much as a new T56 transmission.

    -Matt

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