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TR2/3/3A TR3B Wheel Size

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BobWaldeck

Freshman Member
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I need some advice from those in the know. I am restoring a TR3B, and will be needing wheels/tires soon. I am looking at the Rewind style mag wheel or a Konig Wheel, and am trying to determine the largest wheel that will fit without rubbing. I would like to go with a 205/60R16 since the diameter is nearly identical to the original Bias Ply tires. The concern is the tire width, this is a much wider tire, and some of the rims I am looking at are only available in 7" widths. I test fit such a wheel on the car while on the lift (engine not installed), and no issues with the suspension extended. I am concerned about how things will work with weight on the suspension. Is there anyone out there running similar large wheels on a TR3?
 
I'm running 205/55 on 5.5" TR6 wheels, and they just barely fit under both the 59 TR3A and the 56 TR3; even after tweaking the rear fenders just a bit for some extra clearance; and in the case of the 3A, moving the body on the frame to equalize the clearance. I'm dubious that even 205/60 would fit, let alone 7" wide wheels but maybe.

Wheel offset is also important, the 5.5" alloy wheels I tried let the same tires rub too hard in turns.
 
I have a TR-2/3 that I drive regularly. I have VTO 6 X 15 wheels, and 195/65/15 H rated tires with no rubbing. The car handles great and doesn't spray water/rain up the sides. I have several friends with TR-3s that use the same size wheel and tire sucessfully. Good Luck, Bill C. Mesa, Az
 
alfa33047 said:
I have a TR-2/3 that I drive regularly. I have VTO 6 X 15 wheels, and 195/65/15 H rated tires with no rubbing. The car handles great and doesn't spray water/rain up the sides. I have several friends with TR-3s that use the same size wheel and tire sucessfully. Good Luck, Bill C. Mesa, Az
Click to expand...

Bill show them a pic of your car, I think it looks great with those wheels, maybe not the bicycle tire look some TR3 owners are after, but for sure a great performance look, makes the car look better IMHO.
 
Yes Bill, photos please.

Cheers,
M. Pied Lourd
 
Hap Waldrop said:
Bill show them a pic of your car, I think it looks great with those wheels, maybe not the bicycle tire look some TR3 owners are after, but for sure a great performance look, makes the car look better IMHO.
Click to expand...

5.5" width Hap, 5.5" Sorry, can't give it a rest!

I do think these rims can fit a TR3 or TR4, Bill's pics Here certainly support that. One caveat on these wheels or any other for that matter is if you have a sway bar you may have some interference issues- I saw that on a friends TR3A.

Randy
happy 165-15 bike tire user..
 
Thanks for all the useful information. I am calculating tire sizes, and the issue I see with the 195/65R15 combination is that the tire diameter looks a good bit smaller than the original tires. If you were to bump up to a 16" rim, and use 195/60R16 tire. The width remains the same as the 195/65R15, but the diameter increases to something very close to the original wheel. Am I missing something?

I am running 205/70R15's on my TR6, and although the diameter is right, they look a bit like beach buggy tires. A few guys in my club are running 16" rims with 60 series tires (on a TR6) and the proportions look better to my eye. I am also trying to avoid the bicycle tire look, but want to avoid rubbing issues. I would appreciate any suggestions.
 
I am glad that someone posted my web-site with the picture of my TR2/3 with the VTO wheels. I can not transfer pictures to the FORUM. I just lack the skills with computers. Thanks Guys, Bill Close, Mesa, Az.
 
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