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square wheel arch 5.5" wheels will they fit?

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tweety

tweety

Jedi Trainee
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square wheel arch 5.5" wheels will they fit?

https://tinyurl.com/o9b4wk

These are 13" x 5.5" wheels


This is for a square wheel arch 1500 '79 midget. Currently has the rostyle wheels with 165r13 tires.

Any idea if there will be any rubbing issues?
 
Re: square wheel arch 5.5" wheels will they fit?

Can't say for sure on a "late model" square arch, but on an early one I would say "probably".

I have a '62 (square arch) and am fitting 5.5x13 Superlites. The stock clearance needed about an extra 1/4" to clear 185/70R13 Kumhos. I would say that it would depend on the rubber you run on the rims.

A fairly easy fix is to reposition the 5/8" horizontal flange on the flat portion of the arch. If you (carefully) bend the flange up to vertical you should gain 3/8". The problem is at the "corners", where the horizontal portion of the arch curves into the almost vertical line. Depending on the profile and size of your tire that area may also need attention. That could be quite a bit more involved; slitting the flange will most likely be required.

There are a number of photos and explanations of what I'm doing to accommodate the larger wheels/tires without changing the stock appearance of the rear fenders here:

https://www.raysmg.com/rays_mg_midget_62_sprite_bodywork7.htm

Hope this helps,

Ray
 
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