48H hub with 40H rim?

[procel]

I have an old tandem 26" steel rim here that looks pretty bombproof. Trouble is finding 40H rear hubs for a not-completely-ridiculous price. Is it possible to use a 48H hub and just miss out every sixth hole on it when threading... or would that have too big an effect on the finished wheel's strength?

 

[Spoked Wheels]

My understanding is that is not a good idea. Flanges would not handle the extra stress well and fail eventually.

Some people have attempted this trick in order to save weight with bad results.

 

[procel]

Thanks! I thought it probably was a daft idea ;/

Anyone have any suggestions for alternative? The front wheel is an easy 32H and I'm thinking of a Shimano Deore XT hub for it. But finding a reasonable price range 40H rear hub looks like an impossibility from my hours trawling through the web