Spider alloys - robust?

[badyaker]

Hi folks

I've always wanted a TVR but sadly it's still a pipe dream for me, however I'd be grateful if you could help me out with a query or two about the 18" spider wheels fitted to Cerberas, as I'm currently after a set for my Mk 1 TT. Sacrilege huh? Anyway I read in a couple of places (including a product review on PH that google threw up for SP12s) that the OEM 18" spiders are heavy and prone to buckling. I don't like the sound of this!

So I wanted to ask, how heavy is heavy, my maths makes them 12 kg which I think is lighter than the Audi wheels I have at present; also, under what conditions are they liable to buckle? I won't be doing and track driving, just the commute and some fast roads etc.

Hope you can help me out here. Also, what is a sensible price for a set of 4 these days, new or used?

Thanks!

[so called]

I dont know the figures but the SP12's are described as 30% lighter and 30% stronger.
I changed from Spiders to SP12's on my Tuscan.

Hit a kerb stone at about 2omph due to someone cutting me up trying to take a photo.
How would Spiders have done ?

Edited by so called on Wednesday 6th April 17:22

[rico23]

From what i've been told 18" Spiders only fit TVRs. Haven't heard anything about them buckling but they are easy to kerb.

[badyaker]

For the fitting, it's a case of getting the right CB and PCD adapters which can be done - I've seen a library pic of a TT with a set on so I think it is physically possible.

Really just after some advice about the buckling issue, as one seller has now come back to advise that with the original Rimstock wheels they are still seeing problems with buckling on rough roads. Not entirely sure what he means and so I'd really appreciate the input of the experts!

[Allandwf]

Yes, they are prone to buckling, even more so with the roads in the state they are now. I went through a couple on the front of my Cerb. They are also comparatively heavy. Still look great though.

[badyaker]

OK thanks, so how hard would I have to hit a pot hole to cause myself a serious problem? JUst trying to get an idea whether it will be worthwhile in the long run. What are we talking exactly?

[Diablos-666]

If only there were forged alloy spiders available???

[Allandwf]

badyaker said:

OK thanks, so how hard would I have to hit a pot hole to cause myself a serious problem? JUst trying to get an idea whether it will be worthwhile in the long run. What are we talking exactly?

I hit the potholes reasonably hard, and they were quite deep. Probably depends on many factors though. 35 profile tyres didn't help either. Used my old 16" wheels in the winter.

[Gazzab]

If you are saving for a TVR then why waste money on spider wheels for the TT? (I know that's not the question asked :-) ).
I havent had problems with buckled spiders but I am told it is common.
A set can be had for between £400 and £850 without tyres depending on where you source them. They cost £50 each direct from the manufacturer though! But you wont get any direct.
They are a nice looking wheel but they are a little crude in terms of fit, finish and weight.
If you want to upgrade your wheels then look elsewhere.
If you want spiders cos you like 'em then go for it.

[badyaker]

Cheers Gazza I take the point but the reality is I use the car as a daily driver so the fuel consumption on a V8 isn't practical - I could afford a Cerb these days but the on-costs would be far too high, I think it's one for after kids have left home. Haven't even had any yet! The TT is my pride, joy and project for the time being.

Sounds like the bucking issue is only going to rear it's head if I hit bad ones hard, which I have been able to avoid so far. I'm not that an aggressive/fast driver tbh.

I have this size spec from a seller called TVR Power based in coventry - have you heard of them, and does this look right?

Quote
front wheel 8.5j x 18 h2 e42
rear wheel 8.5j x 18 h2 e33
bolt holes are are chamfered
centre hole is 55mm and has a small shoulder to hold the centre cap
Unquote

Sounds like the centre bore is 55mm for the hub mounting, and with the chamfered bolts holes I will need to replace the wheel bolts as mine are rounded?

[Gazzab]

There are various sellers on ebay and on the private ad's on here. I would look out for some that way unless you are happy to pay the retail price. I have no idea though if they will fit your car.

[madbadger]

badyaker said:

Spider Alloys - robust?

Gentle knock into a small pothole.



I wouldn't waste money puting them on my TVR, nevermind on a TT.

[shep1001]

Spiders look good and suit the TVR. However, they are not very strong and damage easy. I have had 2 replaced in the last 3yrs due to hitting pot holes that have damaged them

Shep

[badyaker]

Cripes

Question pretty much answered then!

I love the look, but I guess shopping continues. Really thanks for taking the time to help out with this stupid query!

[Gazzab]

I have never replaced any in (3 cars over) 9 years

[bobfather]

madbadger said:

Gentle knock into a small pothole.



I wouldn't waste money puting them on my TVR, nevermind on a TT.

A lot of Spider damage results from the fashion of having rims that are frankly too big resulting in tyres that do not have sufficient wall height to prevent rim bump when driving over pot holes, etc. (when the tyre is compressed so far that the inside of the tyre tread hits the rim). The above appears to be an example of this though that's only my interpretation of the picture.

[badyaker]

True and the TT has an 18" OEM fitment anyway so I guess this is equally likely to happen whatever wheels are on it?

[madbadger]

bobfather said:

madbadger said:

Gentle knock into a small pothole.



I wouldn't waste money puting them on my TVR, nevermind on a TT.

A lot of Spider damage results from the fashion of having rims that are frankly too big resulting in tyres that do not have sufficient wall height to prevent rim bump when driving over pot holes, etc. (when the tyre is compressed so far that the inside of the tyre tread hits the rim). The above appears to be an example of this though that's only my interpretation of the picture.

[madbadger]

bobfather said:

madbadger said:

Gentle knock into a small pothole.



I wouldn't waste money puting them on my TVR, nevermind on a TT.

A lot of Spider damage results from the fashion of having rims that are frankly too big resulting in tyres that do not have sufficient wall height to prevent rim bump when driving over pot holes, etc. (when the tyre is compressed so far that the inside of the tyre tread hits the rim). The above appears to be an example of this though that's only my interpretation of the picture.

I think you are right Bob, but the tyres are original TVR size with no more room to put thicker rubber on them.

However that one wasn't the only spider I damaged in 2 years of running them and in the 5 years I have used SP12s they are all still original and undamaged using exactly the same profile Toyos as I was using on the Spiders.

If one damages easier than the other under the same circumstances then there is a problem with the spiders.

[madbadger]

badyaker said:

True and the TT has an 18" OEM fitment anyway so I guess this is equally likely to happen whatever wheels are on it?

See above! (the post where the text isn't invisible)