Well I finally got them welded. Also installed the anti coning rings (a must). Got one tire mounted. Holding air for a day now with no loss. Used a little clear silicone around the inner bead and over the weld.

Pretty easy to mount a tire. However even with my cordless impact 32 bolts and nuts are still 32 bolts and nuts!

 

They turned out nice. Wish I had anti coning rings but like you said 32 bolts, I ain't doing it again unless I have to. What did you end up torquing them to? Mine are torqued to 15psi.

 

I am about 10. I have not done the final torque. I still got a little coning even with the rings. But at least it stopped.

 

Ya know the one thing I've always been curious about is what if you used a alloy bead lock wheel but used a steel ring to clamp the tire down? You would have the lightness of alloy but the outer steel ring would be stronger and not chunk off if hit? Unless that is what alloy bead locks use and me thinking they use alloy rings is wrong lol

 

I have no experience with alloy bead locks. However I see no reason why your idea would not work.

 

Most alloy wheels use aluminum rings as well but there is no reason you couldn't use steel. I know people who use aluminum rings on steel because they like the look.