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Mickey Richaud

Mickey Richaud

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OK, now that I've got your attention... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I bought some very nice rims for the B, but am in a bit of a bind. They're 3/4" more positive offset than the Rostyles, and 5.5" wide. This means when I get them fitted even with conservative tires (185/70's), they're probably going to rub the inner wells. I can solve part of the problem with spacers (no more than 1/2" will do, I think), but I need longer wheel studs. I've searched all over Clarksville, and can't seem to find a match. The problem is the shoulder of the studs on the only ones I can find are thicker than the stock ones. I can make these work if I have all the holes drilled out, but would rather not do that.

Anyone have a source you can point me to?

Or has anyone else had this problem and solved it otherwise?

Finally, can someone measure the width of their 185/70's mounted on 5.5" rims so I can double check my clearances?

Thanks,
Mickey
 
Mickey,

Saw your post on the "MG's Back Baby!" thread on this forum. Checked out the wheels you bought on e-bay. NICE!!! Also noticed that the seller says they are off a 78 MGB and not stock of the MGB. Have you asked the seller how they managed to get them to fit properly? Can't imagine the seller not knowing or not being able to find out unless there is some special circumstances. Have you called Moss Motors, VB, or some other MG parts supplier?

Good luck and I hope you will be able to share some pix of the new wheels on your B with us SOON!!! Of course, we want a full report of what tire you desided on and how she handles, etc.
 
Hey, 78 -

As I write, I'm also sending an email to the seller. One of those situations where the obvious is the last thing we resort to! Haven't checked with Moss, etc. as yet, but will do so. I've got both the front end and the rear hub assemblies torn down at the moment, so it's difficult to check the clearances. I might luck out and have enough room without any modifications (yeah, right!). But, as I mentioned, I can always have the holes drilled out and replace the wheel studs.

Since they were supposedly on a '78, there is the chance that there really isn't a problem. Thing is that once all the rebuilding is done, it's a pain to disassemble everything to change out the studs. I'm just trying to avoid extra work, and hoping that someone has already addressed this. I will report to all what I find.

Thanks for the input. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
Mickey
 
While I am reading this I just realized that your bigest problem will be in the front were the rims will probably hit the tie rod ends. That is one of the problems with larger 14 in wheels on MG's.
 
Hiya Mickey,

Hope you're well.

I'll preface by mentioning that I know absolutely nothing about this subject at all. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

In doing some quick research,..would something like this help:
Custom Spacers

(in my best "Bones" from Star Trek Voice)

I'm a chef, not a mechanic, dammit! LOL

Good Luck!

Jerry /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Hey, Jerry -

Yep - that's an option. Thanks for the link. If I need to go with spacers, I'll be sure and check them out.

BTW - you sounded just like Bones!

Mickey
 
Update -

Just received an email from the previous owner. He said he was running 205/75's with no spacers or clearance problems. I'm not interested in tires that wide, so maybe I'll be OK after all. Have to see...

Mickey
 
GREAT!!! Thanks for the update.

Here is something you may find of interest.
https://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Please excuse the use of the "m" word. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif

Mickey, YOU DO /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif understand we want to see pix of the new wheels and tires on your MGB. Seriously, I am almost as anxious as you to see them on the car.

Keep us posted!!!
 
Thanks for the link, 78. It will be a while before I get to buying and installing the tires. Headed out of the country for a couple of weeks, and when I get back, I'm planning to get busy so we can get this thing on the road.

It went a few feet under its own power this morning. No brakes yet, so I can't really try it out. Nice to know the clutch works!

Mickey
 
Mickey - back to my question when we looked at the wheels in your garage: will they fill the wheelwell if no spacer is used - especially with tires that ar not as wide as the PO used? I think you'll find they will sit too far into the wheelwell without spacers....remember, you want the sidewalls of your tires to be flush with the fender.
 
Hey, Tony -

I've just about got it figured out. When I get back from Ecuador, I'm going to have the local tire shop mount a couple of used tires in different sizes on the wheels, to see what will clear. From the looks of everything, I think it's going to be OK.

My previous measurement was off - instead of 3/4" more offset, it's less than 1/4"! So, it's looking much better than I thought.

Mickey
 
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif (at myself)
Mickey,

Guess I missed the part about you are IN the process of getting her road worth. Bet the "roll" without brakes was exciting or could have been. Glad it was not.

Have a safe trip and C U on the forum when you get back.
 
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