Discussion
Folks,
I'm looking to replace the 17 inch low profile tyres on my late S3 (Dec 92). Ideally I'd like to stick on a set of tidy Oz 8 Spokes but they seem as rare as rocking horse teeth. I've seen some rough and some powder coated one's around but believe that re-chroming is not available in Europe now, so I couldn't refurb them to a reasonable condition?
Failing that I think the next best option is some Chimera Imolas. My mate has a set available from his Chimera but curious to know peoples thoughts on sticking the 16s on the back? Clearly I'll need to make sure the overall diameter isn't ridiculous (it already as 45 profile 17 inches on it)and apparently the 16s would need 10 cm spacers also but is it worth it? Would I be better to just get 2 more 15s and go 15s all around?
Of course, if anyone has some mint 8 Spokes lying around that they want to give away, just give me a shout, I won't charge much for disposing of them for you! ;-)
I'm looking to replace the 17 inch low profile tyres on my late S3 (Dec 92). Ideally I'd like to stick on a set of tidy Oz 8 Spokes but they seem as rare as rocking horse teeth. I've seen some rough and some powder coated one's around but believe that re-chroming is not available in Europe now, so I couldn't refurb them to a reasonable condition?
Failing that I think the next best option is some Chimera Imolas. My mate has a set available from his Chimera but curious to know peoples thoughts on sticking the 16s on the back? Clearly I'll need to make sure the overall diameter isn't ridiculous (it already as 45 profile 17 inches on it)and apparently the 16s would need 10 cm spacers also but is it worth it? Would I be better to just get 2 more 15s and go 15s all around?
Of course, if anyone has some mint 8 Spokes lying around that they want to give away, just give me a shout, I won't charge much for disposing of them for you! ;-)
Refurbing them with a colour finish all over, then diamond cutting the rim back prior to laquer is a solid refurb option.
The Chim Imola's were an option on the last cars as 15-inch alround. The 15/16-inch set up shouldn't be an issue if the tyres are sized correctly. You may need spacers and longer studs to sort out the rear offset to.
Alternatively, you can join the 'minilite club. 15-inch with 0 offset - http://www.midlandwheels.com/Shop/C-1343-Ford4x108...
The Chim Imola's were an option on the last cars as 15-inch alround. The 15/16-inch set up shouldn't be an issue if the tyres are sized correctly. You may need spacers and longer studs to sort out the rear offset to.
Alternatively, you can join the 'minilite club. 15-inch with 0 offset - http://www.midlandwheels.com/Shop/C-1343-Ford4x108...
ukflyboy said:
if anyone has some mint 8 Spokes lying around that they want to sell for a fair price , just give me a shout,
How about four like this.............. 
"New old stock", never been on a car, you won't find better, and complete with ceentre caps
These could genuinely be for sale if anyone is interested, but won't be cheap!!
While their condition is exceptional there is a tiny bit of "spidering" or laquer failure just on the outer rim on a couple of them, this is the worst bit.
I imagine a competent wheel company could sort this without a full re-furb?
Hmmm, choices choices! 16 inch Imolas with 225/50 tyres on should be just a smidge smaller than the 225/45s on there at the moment so might get hold of my friends and see how I go. Philpot's Oz 8 Spokes would be lovely, but I can't quite justify the expense of them plus new rubber all around :-(
mk1fan said:
Alternatively, you can join the 'minilite club. 15-inch with 0 offset - http://www.midlandwheels.com/Shop/C-1343-Ford4x108...
Another in the minilite club - fitted just before the Spa Classic trip 2 weeks ago
Really pleased with the look - the 0 offset makes them look a little more aggressive
magpies said:
they look very good. Do they just sit inside the arch lip, I presume they don't rub on the arch
what size tyres?
They don't rub on any arches and are standard tyre size - they were fitted to my original wheels for a few weeks and swapped over easily. what size tyres?
The hole in the centre was drilled out and a sprocket used to make sure the didn't foul on the hub and I need to get the centre caps sorted.
AutoAndy said:
They look great Max....But what tyres are those...they look like off-roads...
The rear does look a little high (on stilts!!) so I'll have to re check the rear height and readjust the rear shocks accordingly - mind you it doesn't seem to bottom out anymore and handled well on Spa (and I was pushing it quite a bit). The new Dunlop blu-rinse are great tyres and improved the grip and my confidence in pressing on has come back (Deeman - best not tell "me Julie" that last bit though)
Oh, and the wheels were sourced cheaper than Midland wheels.
Thanks for the thumbs up on the look of the wheels though - suit the dark red car me thinks.
Edited by Scoobimax on Sunday 7th June 23:35
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