trailer hubs compatible with VE rims

[Shorty33]

G'day, a question about the VE rims -
having read several threads on related topics, have I got this right:
the centre bore of the VE rim is smaller than previous Commodores; and
the wheel studs and nuts are larger than previous models ?

My first question is -
does anyone other than GM use the VE "pattern" of rim, or is it still unique to GM after being in production since 2006 ?

My second question is - I have a trailer that needs an upgrade. I'd like it to have the same rims as my VE Omega (for interchangeability of spares on long trips).
There are plenty of VE rims on Ebay & elsewhere. But after three hours of chasing every link in 12 pages of Google-hits, I can't find anyone offering VE-compatible hubs to put on a trailer.
Has any reader succeeded in buying or making trailer hubs that will fit a VE rim ?

Surely I'm not the only VE owner that wants to go down this path ...

 

[piston_broke]

Anything's possible mate.
After inquiring from anyone who specialises in trailers, and if that didn't work, i'd be look at getting a couple of hubs from the wreckers and getting a good boilie to make 'em up to suit.
Or, depending on who or what ya know, it might be easier to get earlier model rims and put on your Omega with spacers

 

[RiCeY]

Presuming the stud pattern is the same, just machine the hole to suit the trailer hub as you would to fit VE rims to pre VE Commodores.

 

[RiCeY]

Anything's possible mate.
After inquiring from anyone who specialises in trailers, and if that didn't work, i'd be look at getting a couple of hubs from the wreckers and getting a good boilie to make 'em up to suit.
Or, depending on who or what ya know, it might be easier to get earlier model rims and put on your Omega with spacers

Spacers are a bad idea as they transfer the load from the hub to the wheel studs.

 

[piston_broke]

Spacers are a bad idea as they transfer the load from the hub to the wheel studs.

Ah, if that's the case, then it's not a good idea, it was just a suggestion, i've never had anything to do with the things.
But if he machines a wheel out to fit the trailer hub as you suggested, then he can't use it on the car like he wants to without a spacer.
So back to my original answer, myself, if VE hubs aren't available, i'd look into making one up.

 

[RiCeY]

Yes he can if he purchases the wheel rings, they slip into the hole of the rim or over the VE hub to make it a snug fit when they go back on the VE.

 

[RiCeY]

Wait is that what you meant by a spacer? If so then yes you were correct.

Generally a spacer is a large ring that goes between the rim and the hub to actually move the wheel outwards if you have clearance issues or want the rims flush with the guards.

 

[revinR1]

Pretty sure wheel spacers are illegal too.

BUt glad I read this topic guess I wont be trying my spare on my bike trailer to see how it fits. I now know it wont hahaha. Start looking for another model set of 17`s

 

[Shorty33]

I still haven't found any other car that uses the same pattern of wheel as the VE.

REgarding compatability with the trailer:

my trailer was fitted with Commodore wheels, that is the type used on Commodores upto and including the VZ.
I took a wheel off, and tried my VE Omega 16" mag: won't go, because the outer part of the centre bore (where the badge goes) was too small to fit over the trailer hub.
Next I tried a VE steelie, where the centre bore is much simpler (one layer only), and it went straight on. The stud pattern is the same, but the VE studs are larger. So, when I put the VE steelie on the older hub, the studs weren't centred in the holes - the wheel hung down (of course). I think that problem would be solved by carefully tightening the nuts, and ensuring that the wheel is centred before finishing. I'd be happier using VE studs, and I'll look into that.

So, the answer is: VE steel wheels will go onto pre-VE hubs, but care is required.

The next step will be to see how difficult it is to put VE studs in the older hubs. I fear that the stud-holes may have to be drilled out, but I won't know for certain until I compare the sizes of the stud-heads of the VE and the pre-VE.

 

[RiCeY]

The centre hole on VE alloys and steelies should be the same diameter as they are both made to snugly fit the VE hub.

Ve centre hole is smaller then pre VE hence them needing to be machined to fit earlier hubs with the larger diameter.

Are you sure the VE steelie is sitting over the locater on the hub and not on it?