255HP_03_SE

find a place with an open drill bit that is around 2"?

Here is what I am attempting to do...

I purchased some 17" (6-spoke) SE rims for my g/f's Max. They are the ones with the center caps over the lugs. This weekend she was looking at them and said she liked the chrome Nissan hamburger on the old rims (the new caps are the gray plastic).

I am buying some center caps for the newer SE rims that have the chrome hamburger on them. The ones that are just over 2" in diameter.

I would like to find a place with the drill bit that I can drill out the center (2") of the plastic caps, and then I will replace the center with the newer caps that have the chrome hamburger on them.

make sense?

now where can I do this? a wood shop?

Anybody have any ideas, I appreciate it.

Thank you!

-R

01SE02SER

Home Depot? Lowes?

jjs

Not sure how successful this will be, but you should be able to find at just about any hardware store a 'hole saw' in various sizes. They are typically used for installin door handle hardware in house/office doors. You know, that round hole the handle goes through?

2k2kev

you might do better with a jig and a zip tool... roto-zip? A 2" hole bore is going to be a pain to hold and get it to cut right.

255HP_03_SE

Actually I think that bore saw for door handles just might work, jjs.

Thank you for the suggestions, everyone!

_R

jjs

If you do that (and I cannot guarantee the results), and you are at the hardware store anyway...try picking up some of that anti-slip rubbery stuff for under carpets. A double thick layer of that on a piece of wood might help keep the cap from spinning like mad when you try to cut it.

2k2kev

not to wet on the parade, but have you checked the price on replacement caps in case you mess yours up?

I can see this going very bad, very quickly.

jjs

Very true...but if some people are hell bent to try something, let's give them the best chance possible...

255HP_03_SE

Gee, I like the vote of confidence, 2k2wannabe.

Haven't you ever been in shop class?

This is what "modding" is all about... and the center caps aren't that expensive. Make something unique, and stand out, and look better!

-R

jjs

Do you have access to a drill press? That would make life much easier.

2k2kev

I'm not downing on you... I really hope it works. But it'd suck to mess one up then find out it's $40 to replace it because you have to buy a set of 4... I have no idea if that's the case, just throwing it out there.

Like I said, I hope it goes well, but it also helps to look ahead and know other "possible outcomes."

255HP_03_SE

It's just insulting to say that and not think that it was a consideration BEFORE I started the project.

-R

jjs... I will look for a drill press!

2k2kev

Didn't mean to insult.. meant to "plan ahead" so you're not posting "messed up my cap and now have to drive around ghetto until the new ones come in" in a week.

Whatever... good luck.

255HP_03_SE

That's cool, man.

I know you were looking out for my best interest in not screwing up.

It's just that I want to do this to make it better... and considered the drill approach after considering a taping and painting approach (chrome color paint and black "Nissan" lettering)... which is too cumbersome and too detailed.

The drill process shouldn't be a rocket science... I have to just be careful and not break/crack the plastic. with a sharp drill bit and a slow, steady pressure... should be ok.

If it works, I will have pics...

_R

MaximaMan77

The hard part of this is going to be keeping the cap from spinning. I don't think tape will help by its self. You see when your drill this large a hole you are going to generate a lot of heat very quickly. Once the plastic starts melting the bit will most likely bite. I don't know if this can be done successfully with out a drill press. If you can get your hands on one try to use tape on the bottom and pieces of rubber on top with clamps. When you start drilling don't be in a hurry start with a slow speed on the drill and low pressure on the handle then drill for a second or two and ease up to let it cool.
You are also going to want to make sure the bit you choose is going to be a VERY close match to the new cap diameter or it probably won't look to good, unless you can center it very good so there is an even edge around it and using a glue that dries crystal clear to give it some depth.
Also depending on the thickness of the new one you may want to use a bore instead of a hole saw (i.e. if the new one is thinner than the old one.)That way you can bore down part of the way and still have some plastic on the bottom for a very tight fit. Or you may want to give it a raised look.

Good luck.

jjs

Hence my suggestion above.

I have found a large number of uses for that carpet stuff.

Also, this is not going to generate THAT much heat. Since it is a hole saw, the only parts causing friction are the center guide bit and the very thin 'blade'. It is not like using a solid bit and having all that surface area friction.

Padsy

iTrader: (1)

Good Luck....

TallB'00SE

Try this on a drill press...nice and slow. You might look at wetting the plastic too.

http://shop.woodcraft.com/Woodcraft/...6F864A15C2C4C1

jjs

I may need to get one of those for the toolbox!!

Padsy

iTrader: (1)

nerd

jjs

jack@$$!!

MaximaMan77

That'd be the ticket. It looks like you can put a bevel on both pieces with it too, that'd be a sweet fit.