Ranger wheels won't fit

I saw a Comet with a set of stock aluminum ranger wheels in one of the threads from a couple months ago. I thought they looked pretty good so I decided to see if I could find a cheap set. Well I found a decent looking set today, and only paid $75 bucks for them. I was all jazzed up to get home and see what they looked like on my 76 Maverick, but they don't fit. The lug pattern is ok, but the hole in the center is just a little to small to fit on my rear drums. I haven't tried one on the front yet, but I doubt they'll fit up there either.
Can I just hog the holes out a little with a Dremel or something? Is that going to weaken the wheels or affect the balance?
I'd appreciate a little advice. I was really looking forward to trashing those steel trailer wheels that somebody put on the car previously.
Thanks

 

you can hog out the center. now that is how ford guaranteed they were centered on the axle is by having that hole be a slip fit on the hub of the axle. on the older cars like the maverick ford depended on the lug pattern so you should be ok.

 

I had a similar problem, ironically with my spare tire. I found out that it didn't actually fit the car, though it's the same bolt pattern. It's just a regular steely, so would I be able to dremel out the center as well?

 

there is not as much material on a steel wheel. being a spare it maybe ok but easyer to just find the right one in the salvage yards.

 

You mean my old wheels? http://mmb.maverick.to/gallery/showimage.php?i=1676&catid=member&imageuser=974

Mine fit the rear hub no problem...

I wish you were closer, I could hook up with my old ones.

 

the hub on the axle got biger on the later year cars.

 

Yep thats the one. Man I really dig that Comet. I think it looks great with the Ranger wheels. What kind of shoes is she wearing now.

 

I have a set on a 72 but they wouldn't fit the 76.

 

they do look nice on the comet...

 

Thanks! I thought they always looked awesome.

she is shoeless right now... here is the current thread: http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=58349

 

That's right! I forgot about that, thanks Bryant.

 

I just took a dremel and trimmed it till they fit.You have to get the inside tthe same size as the outside.

 

ranger wheels

Here is a few pics
http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=71967&page=3

 

They'll fit now.

I stopped by the hardware store on my way home from work today and picked up a 3 inch bi metal hole saw. It was a real bugger to get it started because the outer hole is exactly 3 inches in diameter, but once I got it cutting I zipped right through them. It only took about an hour to get all 4 wheels drilled out. I should have them cleaned up, polished, and ready to mount by tomorrow night.

 

Just got me a set of Deer Hoofs, got to get a hole too.