What width would you guess??

mike95125 · 03-29-2004, 01:46 PM

I was wondering if anyone either knew this car or could give an educated guess at the dimentions of this wheel. I have some 17x9 that I want to mount and I want this subtle flare as well.

John Kelly · 03-30-2004, 06:37 AM

Hi Mike,

I answered your other thread... the flare in the picture is one of my favorites. I don't know who did it, but you can get the same look by stretching the fenders yourself. I am still slowly working on a video how-to, but would be happy to coach you on how to do it in the meantime. The flares shown in my album would fit a 9" wheel given the proper off-set and tire, and you can even go a little wider than these if you want to. The main consideration being the proportions of the flare to the car. Here is the link again:

http://allshops.org/cgi-bin/community/communityalbums.cgi?action=openalbum&albumid=9980138836765

It is amazing how simple it is to make your own flares.

John www.ghiaspecialties.com

mike95125 · 03-30-2004, 11:41 AM

John,
I have been a long time admirer of your work. It is the basis for me wanting flares. I would love to do the work myself, but unfortunately I am a student and have no time or resources for such a project. Hence, it is Mexico bound. I am glad to hear about the 9" fitting because that is exactly what I have. I have 17x9 E15 and 17x7.5 E23. With no wheels on the rims they just fit in the back. I may have to space them a little. What do you think of the front size? Will it need flares in the front? I am very interested in having flares that are large but subtle. I am not a huge fan of the dualy truck @ss look of the 916 flares. Sometimes they actually look nice, but not my preferance.
What would I need to do it my self if it very easy? I have a dirt/weed lot and some tools.

Thanks for your support.

John Kelly · 03-30-2004, 02:21 PM

Hi Mike,

Zach's car is running 15x8s with room to spare in the back. In the front we need to do a little more work. I'm not sure what the offsets are on the Fuchs he has. I have always just made the wheels fit (within reason). The fronts will be the most critical because of turning under high loads, including turning the opposite way in a skid or 4 wheel drift and hitting a slight bump. Ride height and tire type and size come into it as well. That is why I can't be more specific about what will fit. But that is not a problem...you can make them fit if they are not really outrageously fat or with backspacing that puts them way out beyond where most rims are.

Doing the work is not difficult to grasp, but it is labor intensive, and would take one person a long time unless they have an air compressor and a palm nailer, then it would go pretty fast...still a big job though. You might be able to find someone local to help you. Do you have any pictures of the wheels on the car?

John www.ghiaspecialties.com

mike95125 · 03-30-2004, 03:48 PM

"Do you have any pictures of the wheels on the car?" Nope. They are not here yet. I had a set but had to send them back due to UPS losing one and damaging two others. That is how I know the offsets will work. With tires installed they wont fit on the car with out the flares.