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Topic: Enlarging wheel cover holes (Read 275 times) previous topic - next topic
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Enlarging wheel cover holes
I had the "Dually Extended Tire Stems" installed a couple years ago and have been using some plastic tubing over the stems to prevent chaffing of the stems from the KII wheel covers. After reading through the archives (using the search function) I noticed that Larry W. And Greg (Hilola) both have enlarged the wheel cover holes with a Dremel tool.

My question is this; what specific bit or sanding drum have folks used to trim away some of the stainless steal material? I did try a regular sanding drum today and it did not seem to be removing any material. Is there sanding drum or a bit that will make this easier?

We are preparing for our first long trip since in years by adding a TPMS and want to avoid creating more issues by adding sensors on the tire stems.

Thanks for any enlightenment!

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath

Re: Enlarging wheel cover holes
Reply #1
They likely used the 1/8"carbide cutters in the Dremel Tool.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath

Re: Enlarging wheel cover holes
Reply #2
I don’t recall specifically but it might have been a combination of tools. Perhaps these bits and a file?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Enlarging wheel cover holes
Reply #3

A  Dremel is fine for for minor trimming, used with a course sanding drum..
Dremel 408 1/2-Inch Sander Bands, Coarse, 6 Pack, Rotary Tool Accessory -...

I have used both a Dremel and a pneumatic die grinder with a carbide bit, for wheel cover trimming as Rodney guessed.

Larry

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Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Enlarging wheel cover holes
Reply #4
Thanks for the replies. When Rodney and Larry talk about a carbide bit, are you talking about a narrow bit that looks like a drill bit or the wider bits like Greg post a photo of? Sorry to ask for specifics but I have never cut metal before.

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath

Re: Enlarging wheel cover holes
Reply #5
I did the same with my covers, but I used an angle grinder for the initial cuts.  I had a couple of older and worn down disks that worked fairly well due to the much reduced diameter.  I used a Dremmel to round over the grinder cuts and file the edges. 
2017 RB

Re: Enlarging wheel cover holes
Reply #6

To widen the holes in the rear wheel covers I used aviation left or right cutting tin snips. Then I cleaned up the sharpe edges with a Dremel grinding stone. Easy job.
<Amazon.com: MIDWEST Aviation Snip Set - Left and Right Cut Offset Tinner...;

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2010 RB "Monty"  &  2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'

Re: Enlarging wheel cover holes
Reply #7
Thanks again for all the suggestions.

Mike, I had read you used aviation tin snips and for some reason, probably from photos of your shop, I had thought you were referring to a pneumatic tool.

I have a carbide bit and some drum sanding drums on the way from Amazon. Hopefully that will be the end of this project.

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath

Re: Enlarging wheel cover holes
Reply #8
Thanks for the replies. When Rodney and Larry talk about a carbide bit, are you talking about a narrow bit that looks like a drill bit or the wider bits like Greg post a photo of? Sorry to ask for specifics but I have never cut metal before.

I used a carbide burr like this.
SB-3 Tungsten Carbide Burr Rotary File Cylinder Shape Double Cut with...
Or this.
Amazon.com: SF-5 Tungsten Carbide Burr Rotary File Tree Shape Radius End...

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze