How to get the front wheels more outside

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Helge Tielker
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How to get the front wheels more outside

#1 Post by Helge Tielker »

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
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Martin Benade
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Re: How to get the front wheels more outside

#2 Post by Martin Benade »

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.
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Adam Wright
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Re: How to get the front wheels more outside

#3 Post by Adam Wright »

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.
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Helge Tielker
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Re: How to get the front wheels more outside

#4 Post by Helge Tielker »

Thanks for the info, are those wheels same design but a different " EinpressTiefe" value (is it called offset)?
356 B Coupe 12/59 ruby red/ black
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Martin Benade
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Re: How to get the front wheels more outside

#5 Post by Martin Benade »

Yes, I believe identical to the regular ones, just welded together in a different position (or offset).
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pitteloud michel
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Re: How to get the front wheels more outside

#6 Post by pitteloud michel »

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

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Martin Benade
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Re: How to get the front wheels more outside

#7 Post by Martin Benade »

The only complication is that you need longer wheel studs along with the spacers, so it gets expensive.
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Bil Brown
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Re: How to get the front wheels more outside

#8 Post by Bil Brown »

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.
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Helge Tielker
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Re: How to get the front wheels more outside

#9 Post by Helge Tielker »

Thanks Bill, probably a VW .. I have a few sets in the garage - will check the numbers ....
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Helge Tielker
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Re: How to get the front wheels more outside

#10 Post by Helge Tielker »

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)?
356 B Coupe 12/59 ruby red/ black
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356 C Coupe 64 BaliBlue
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Helge Tielker
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Re: How to get the front wheels more outside

#11 Post by Helge Tielker »

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
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Daryl Bruhl
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Re: How to get the front wheels more outside

#12 Post by Daryl Bruhl »

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
Daryl Bruhl

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Graham Kerr
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Re: How to get the front wheels more outside

#13 Post by Graham Kerr »

And all the VW guys fit narrowed beam axle assemblies to get the wheels 'Inside'. Like drag race machinery I suppose.
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Re: How to get the front wheels more outside

#14 Post by Rudy Kramer »

How to lower a 356

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John Clarke
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Re: How to get the front wheels more outside

#15 Post by John Clarke »

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
 

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