How to Make a Coffee Table Out of Motorcycle Rims

If you are a motorhead and want a coffee table for your man cave that you can use as a conversation piece, you can use those old motorcycle rims that you have stored in your garage. Old motorcycle rims work well because they are thin, already have a hole through the center and have flat surfaces to set objects on. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Remove the tires, tubes and valve stems from the rims if they are all still installed. If you are not comfortable breaking down a tire rim, take the rims to a tire center and have this done. It will only cost a few dollars and you will not damage the rims.

2

Clean the rims thoroughly with brake cleaner and rags to remove any dirt and dust.

3

Measure the diameter of the axle housing on the rims with dial calipers. Select threaded rod that best fits the diameter of the axle housings. In many cases, you will need a rod between 1 inch and 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

4

Cut the rod to a length of 18 inches with a hacksaw. Grind the ends of the rod flat with a grinding wheel to smooth out the cut edges.

5

Thread a hex nut onto one end of the rod and turn it until the nut rests several inches up on the rod. Slide a fender washer onto the rod and then slide the rod through the axle housing of the first wheel. If your wheels are different widths or diameters, use the larger rim first.

6

Slide a fender washer onto the rod and then thread a hex nut onto the threaded rod. Tighten both nuts against the axle housing of the rim to lock the rod in place.

7

Lay the rim flat on its side with the rod facing upward.

8

Thread a hex nut several inches onto the threaded rod and then place a fender washer onto the rod. Place the second rim onto the threaded rod. The hex nut will hold it in place. Thread the hex nut down until one-half inch of the rod protrudes through the top of the axle housing.

9

Thread the acorn nut onto the top of the threaded rod. An acorn nut is a domed nut that will hide the threaded rod. Tighten the hex nut and the acorn nut against the rim to lock it in place.

10

Position the new coffee table in front of your couch or wherever you want to position it.