Abstract: An apparatus adapted to condition the outer flanges of a vehicle wheel includes a main base assembly secured to a fixed surface, a lower tool assembly operatively supported by the main base assembly, at least one upper drive assembly operatively supported by the main base assembly, and an upper rim guide assembly. The upper drive assembly of the apparatus includes an electric servo drive unit operatively connected to drive a conditioner roll having an outer surface provided with a predetermined profile adapted to engage and condition at least one of the outer flanges of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to condition the outer flanges of a vehicle wheel includes a main base assembly secured to a fixed surface, a lower tool assembly operatively supported by the main base assembly, at least one upper drive assembly operatively supported by the main base assembly, and an upper rim guide assembly. The upper drive assembly of the apparatus includes an electric servo drive unit operatively connected to drive a conditioner roll having an outer surface provided with a predetermined profile adapted to engage and condition at least one of the outer flanges of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: An improved wheel rim expanding tooling apparatus includes an inboard wheel rim expanding tooling assembly and an outboard wheel rim expanding tooling assembly which are selectively moveable between a retracted non-working position and an extended working position. The inboard wheel rim expanding tooling assembly includes an inboard expander press, an inboard barrel head, and a pair of inboard expander press guide supports. Each of the pair of inboard expander press guide supports includes a base plate, an inboard barrel head support bracket, and a pair of runners. The base plate includes a pair of spaced apart rails, and the inboard barrel head support brackets includes a main body having a pair of spaced apart mounting legs extending therefrom. The main body defines a generally U-shaped cradle having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough which receive a fastener to thereby secure the inboard barrel head thereto. The runners are secured to the mounting legs by appropriate members.

Abstract: A basket assembly for holding a vehicle wheel rim. The basket assembly includes a basket adapted to hold the wheel rim, and a pair of pads connected to the basket. At least one of the pads is adjustable between a first position, in which the pads do not capture the wheel rim within the basket, and a second position, in which the pads are effective to capture the wheel rim within the basket. The basket assembly is useful in an apparatus for transferring wheel rims between metal forming stations during manufacture of the wheel rims.