New owner query

[rustymx5]

Good day folks. I'm soon to become the proud owner of a 1999 Griffith 500, and as you can expect, I am rather excited!

However, the wheels that are currently on it are in pretty poor shape, not to my preference, and in one case, cracked and buckled. They aren’t original either, otherwise I probably would refurb. Excellent timing then, to fit some shiny new ones.

I adore the OZ multispoke fitted to some Griffiths (very similar to a BBS esque wheel I guess?) but know that these are very hard to come by and pricy too. I've therefore decided on a set of DARE DR RS wheels.

Anyway, the point to all my waffling above is a question on sizing.

After many hours of research (yes, my wi-fi is THAT slow) I have decided I could go to a 17 inch diameter front and rear, without looking silly.

BUT,

- Would 7.5 wide front and rear be ok?

- The offset on the wheels is 35. This results in 15mm less clearance on the front inside (having read online for a few instances, it still doesn’t cause problems though, but even if it does a set of spacers can help) but just 2mm less on the rear inside. This should be fine? Does anyone have experience of this offset?

- Would this square stance* be fine with as long as it is stuck to the ground on very high quality rubber, or is that inadvisable once you start getting to this sort of level of performance? Note, I am not someone who goes right up to the ragged edge on the roads - I am unlikely to reach the cars limits. (*I'm 99% sure that means all tyres/wheels are the same size, but please correct if I'm barking up the wrong bush)

I'm pretty certain I've found the wheels I like and the sizing, but just want additional thoughts before I pull the trigger.

Advice gratefully received!

Link can be found here if you fancy a look at the wheels

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DARE-RS-15X7-15X8-4x100-...

[simonwedge]

I was told by the nice man at the wheel shop that the Dare RS wheels have very little clearance for brake calipers and often foul. He recommended Lenso BSX which are very similar but offer better clearance. They're only marginally more expensive as well.

As for sizes, standard are 7 inch wide front ET25 with 7.5 inch rear ET35. You can get Lenso in exactly these sizes. Up to you if you go bigger than that.

[ThePrisoner]

I was considering the Lenso's , a pretty good match to the Original OZ wheels. Sometimes OZ split rims come up for sale on here, but they are not cheap. Just remember you will have to grind down your wheel nuts for the rear's to fit the Centre plate ( Offset) .Or get some new Shorter wheel nuts from the Bay.

[rustymx5]

Ah. Thats a bit of a downer about the caliper issue. Thanks for suggesting the Lenso wheels though, I'll look into pricing.

As for grinding down the wheelnuts - I'm not sure I understand that. Is the hub a certain thickness or something? Surely I could just use the original bolts? Sorry if I'm not understanding something really simple.

[BigGriff540]

Found a nice looking Griff on here:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C167208

Looks good with the 17" Lenso's

[simonwedge]

rustymx5 said:

Ah. Thats a bit of a downer about the caliper issue. Thanks for suggesting the Lenso wheels though, I'll look into pricing.

As for grinding down the wheelnuts - I'm not sure I understand that. Is the hub a certain thickness or something? Surely I could just use the original bolts? Sorry if I'm not understanding something really simple.

The standard wheelnuts are quite 'long' and won't fit under the centre caps of some wheels dependant on offset and dimensions. If you get new nuts with the wheels shouldn't be an issue.

[neutral 3]

Get a set of original Estorils ?
One thing to consider when fitting "after market" wheels, is their weight. If they arent made by one of the reputable Cos they are often very heavy. This can ruin the handling, steering feel, etc etc.

I have a pair of front Estorils with centre caps if your interested.

[rustymx5]

Aha, understood on the wheelnuts issue, thanks. Sorry I was being a little slow there

Neutral3, don't suppose you have the full set do you?

[simonwedge]

There's a full set of Estorils for sale on the classifieds section of the TVRCC website.

[paul2000]

Hi lads i have these on my griff at the mo et at the front is 25 et at thr rear our 35 with 5mm spacer on the rear,s to take care of the wheel nut problem

[paul2000]

HI lads for got to mention that i have 2 of the same spare in 17" if any one would like them they are brand new ,not fitted on any car

[rustymx5]

Well, I've ordered some new wheels today, so might whack a picture up when they are fitted. Thanks for the advice all.

[simonwedge]

paul2000 said:

HI lads for got to mention that i have 2 of the same spare in 17" if any one would like them they are brand new ,not fitted on any car

Paul

Fabulous colour and those wheels look great - are they they Lenso's?

[paul2000]

they are dare 16 front 17 rear glad you like them ,the car has gone back into the spray shop again as the people who did that job did a really bad job so its having another paint job at the mo ,should have it back soon this is the colour it is when i get it back

[paul2000]

another shot of the car in normal light

[simonwedge]

So the DARE wheels DO fit!

[paul2000]

yes if you get the right offset