The Official 356Talk Forum

Guys, for a “better looking” I use the setup 5,5 x 15 (205) in the back and want to use the 4,5 rims in front. Make it sense to get front wheels with a different ET value (modify my originals ones)?
All tips are highly appreciated (BT5 Coupe with 100 hp).
Cheers from The Netherlands

Maybe Adam could help, I think some factory replacement wheels from around 1966 with the large bolt pattern have about 1/2" more offset to the outside than usual. This should give you the look you want. They are 4 1/2" wide.

Martin Benade wrote:Maybe Adam could help, I think some factory replacement wheels from around 1966 with the large bolt pattern have about 1/2" more offset to the outside than usual. This should give you the look you want. They are 4 1/2" wide.

Correct, the post production wheels looked like this, giving it a wider look, but still a 4.5, ignore the fake rudge hubcap.

Thanks for the info, are those wheels same design but a different " EinpressTiefe" value (is it called offset)?

Yes, I believe identical to the regular ones, just welded together in a different position (or offset).

hi
it s very easy you can buy spacers of all measurements by sierra madre
i did it on my 356 C cabrio in front and back looks great
michel

The only complication is that you need longer wheel studs along with the spacers, so it gets expensive.

The wheels you`re referring to are the post-drumbrake Lemmerz 1555 wheels with 1/2" more negative offset. They look perfect on a 356! I`ve had many of these wheels, and all have been chrome. Not being a big fan of chrome, I`ve had a couple sets stripped and had them powdercoated silver.....look great! I have one set of 5 now and am going to list them in the classifieds.....they are still chrome, but need stripped.

Thanks Bill, probably a VW .. I have a few sets in the garage - will check the numbers ....

Does it mean, when driving 5,5 back and 4,5 front that I will use a 185 back and 165 in front (wheel size)?

Oh too bad mine are 1589 so they will go probably more inside than outside. I will search for the 1555 here in Holland/ Germany

pitteloud michel wrote: ↑Sun Jun 03, 2018 8:30 am hi
it s very easy you can buy spacers of all measurements by sierra madre
i did it on my 356 C cabrio in front and back looks great
michel

Saw 15mm & 20mm spacers and 50mm long stud (std 36mm) at SMC. How many spacers to get a really noticeable difference in the way the front wheel looks? 63 super 90 sunny SoCal

And all the VW guys fit narrowed beam axle assemblies to get the wheels 'Inside'. Like drag race machinery I suppose.

How to lower a 356

Hi all
With regard to 'Offset' Do we have to be careful to increase both the 'Inset' AND the 'Offset' ? so you retain the Centre loading on the Wheel Bearing?
Just a thought! Too much from the vertical centre line dramatically increases the loading on the bearing. Or does this not matter with Taper bearings?
Kind regards Jay