Anybody want to trade Superlites with me ?

Deschodt · 02:47 PM

Here's my dilemma...

I backdated my 83 SC, and got a set of 7" and 8" superlite wheels... What I should have gotten was 6+8s ! Same tire size as before (205F/225R in 16"). But the front wheels rub a bit on the backdated front fenders where the fender meets the bumper, with 1/4 turn right on the steering, because of their offset (they stick out more)... the rear 8s are fine though and fill the fenders beautifully, so I want to stick with superlites, possibly...

So, rather than go back to a set of stock 6+7 fuchs which look wimpy in the back due to a more conservative offset (but fit in the front), I was hoping someone out there on this board might want to trade a set of superlites in 6"x16 for a set of 7"x16 ! Free upgrade if you will, assuming you need them...

Why? Not sure.... they would fit in the *back* of any flared car for sure, or you have wider fenders than me upfront (not backdated should be enough clearance), I don't know... Worth a shot, as I am not sure if I should just bite the bullet and buy a set of 6s (which may not clear either) or put my fuchs back on with spacers in the back...

The fuchs + spacers options is easier for sure, but I love the look of the damn superlite things...

billybek · billybek's Garage

I agree, the superlights look amazing on these cars.
I would trade ya for my fuchs AND I would pay the shipping!

J/K.. The only thing I would change on your car is the mirrors, it looks great.

kidrock · 10-17-2009, 06:17 PM

I wouldn't even change the mirrors, you've done a helluva job on your ride...congrats.

Deschodt · 10-17-2009, 08:12 PM

Thanks ! Well, seems like I am wasting everybody's time here, as there are *no* 6x16 superlite...
They make 6x15 which would fit the car's new look better but that means buying a whole new set in 15", or ride with 15s up front and 16" rear? Is that even a consideration ?

For now I'll try the old 6" fuchs in front and 8" superlites in the rear, to validate fitment issues, that looks very 911R or something but I don't like the mixed wheel look....

So my options are :

a) buy 2 6x15" superlites, say $400 + 2 new tires, but I don't know how handling would be affected with 15" wheel up front and 16" wheel in the rear, different sidewall heights might make the car handle funny? Or is that not even perceptible ? And who knows how the 6s fit, can anyone with 6x15 superlites confirm they fit under pre-73 fenders?

b) buy a whole new set of 6+8x15 superlites (another $900 or so w/ shipping) + 4 new tires (ouch), and I have 3 sets of 16" tires left to rot, no less, 2 street sets and one of R compound track tires, seems stupid to waste them...

c) reinstall the fuchs the car came with and put the nicer freshest tires on them instead of on the superlites, sell the superlites at a loss (to whom? someone with more modern 1978+ fenders is unlikely to want that wheel design), try to find a decent spacer for the rear wheels to give an 8" look to my 7s !

d) buy a set of real 16x8" fuchs, which is twice the price of a set of 4 superlites, but I can keep my 16" tires. Add more $ for an RSR finish...

No good choice there, really... All expensive... My mistake, I suppose...

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

Have you rolled your fender lips??

Deschodt · 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

Have you rolled your fender lips??

A little... But that would not help..

See the rub under the top of the wheel arch is largerly contained with a slightly higher ride height and stiffer torsion bars... My issue is the absolute lack of clearance right where the bumper and fender meet... In a straight line, I have maybe 5mm there on the driver side... Much more on the passenger side (hand made car, hand welded sections of early fender).
I should point out there that the arch look wrong on this picture... It's not a bad weld job, it's that the tire has rubbed enough to roll the lip in places already, so it looks alittle off from this angle... Actually it's not a new problem, seems 73 and older ran 15s for a reason, and rubbed with 16s also...

Imagine you turn right 1/4 turn, the left tire will erase that gap under load and rub briefly at 1/4 turn exactly... It's not the end of the world, but it bugs me as most exit ramps require exactly 1/4 turn steering input ;-) and it makes track stuff impossible (harder cornering, more lean, more rubbing, too much noise and puzzled corner workers)

That reminds me:

Plan e) Install 205/50 or even 45s in front ! That would buy me some space, and reset the car's ride height up front to compensate... ?

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

Go for the 45s, tires are cheaper than rims.. Check fome ricer forums for used 205/45/16, so you can test fit it cheaply..