burntkat
NAXJA Member #1145
- Location
- Charleston, SC
In the last 15 years I've done a dozen or so weld on beadlocks. Honestly in the end it cost the same. It really boils down to how much time you are willing to but in to them. Weld on you have the cost of the wheels, beadlock kit, hardware (nuts and bolts), paint, valve stems, balancing beads, welding wire and a grinder. What is a weekend worth to you? Welding is a key skill need. A fair about of prep is needed.
Personally I'm not ever going to recommend someone do dyi beadlocks. For the average individual, it dose not pencil out.
OK, I'll play this game:
Buying a new wheel: $50
beadlock kit at TMI: $50/wheel
hardware: $15
paint: $5 (oh, BTW- you're not going to use all of it)
valve stems: You already have them in the wheel- $0
balancing beads: Sure, if you want to go that way. $5 of BBs
welding wire: negligible. It's not like you're using a spool of wire per wheel.
grinder: Again, negligible. I don't know anyone that buys a grinder per item they build
total: $125. Let's call it $150 to be ridiculous.
Cheapest beadlock I've seen is $275. Are you not good at math?