Does anybody do 'test fits' for wheels?
Discussion
Hi there,
I'm looking at new wheels on my C4 Corvette, I know roughly what size wheels and tyres I want,
but the problem is, how do I know for sure they will look right on my car? I don't mean the wheel style, I mean the actual size, sidewall depth, offset and backspace etc . . . the car is not stock so I cant just look at somebody elses and ask them what they have.
I've measured up, and think I'm close, but when spending a lot of money on wheels and tyres, it would be nice to be able to try a set first, and then be able to adjust sizes to get the exact look and clearances I want.
I'm not aware of anybody willing change tyres over etc for me to see the difference so I can decide
which ones I want.
What does everybody else do? Do I just guess and hope . . .
thanks . . . jack
I'm looking at new wheels on my C4 Corvette, I know roughly what size wheels and tyres I want,
but the problem is, how do I know for sure they will look right on my car? I don't mean the wheel style, I mean the actual size, sidewall depth, offset and backspace etc . . . the car is not stock so I cant just look at somebody elses and ask them what they have.
I've measured up, and think I'm close, but when spending a lot of money on wheels and tyres, it would be nice to be able to try a set first, and then be able to adjust sizes to get the exact look and clearances I want.
I'm not aware of anybody willing change tyres over etc for me to see the difference so I can decide
which ones I want.
What does everybody else do? Do I just guess and hope . . .
thanks . . . jack
I had a wheel shop for 10yrs. I don't think you will find anybody in the UK prepared to mount tyres on rims purely to have a butchers at them on a Corvette.
More common cars wouldn't be a problem, we used to have 30 or 40 sets already made up but the golden rule in that game is that once tyres have been fitted the wheels are technically 2nd hand.
The other factor is actually finding a wheel purveyor that has ANY wheels to fit a C4. From memory though, the nearest fitments that would be safe are Jag or BMW The safety aspect concerns the PCD (stud pattern) and the centrebore of the wheel. The Corvette PCD is the same as the Jag but BMW is only .6mm out over 120mm on the PCD, most jag fitments advertised will actually be 120mm PCD.
Centrebore is the same at 74.2mm so that centralises the wheel on the car so no vibration problems.
Your main problem is offset or backspsce as the Americans call it. I remember offering up wheels to my '86 C4 around 12 years ago and from memory I deduced that a -30mmm offset would look good using an 8.5 x 17 wheel. you will probably need to get a high offset wheel and correct the offset with HUBCENTRIC adaptors NOT universal spacers.
Autopart in Essex can help,they will have them made up to your spec and they will give advice.
Have fun !!
More common cars wouldn't be a problem, we used to have 30 or 40 sets already made up but the golden rule in that game is that once tyres have been fitted the wheels are technically 2nd hand.
The other factor is actually finding a wheel purveyor that has ANY wheels to fit a C4. From memory though, the nearest fitments that would be safe are Jag or BMW The safety aspect concerns the PCD (stud pattern) and the centrebore of the wheel. The Corvette PCD is the same as the Jag but BMW is only .6mm out over 120mm on the PCD, most jag fitments advertised will actually be 120mm PCD.
Centrebore is the same at 74.2mm so that centralises the wheel on the car so no vibration problems.
Your main problem is offset or backspsce as the Americans call it. I remember offering up wheels to my '86 C4 around 12 years ago and from memory I deduced that a -30mmm offset would look good using an 8.5 x 17 wheel. you will probably need to get a high offset wheel and correct the offset with HUBCENTRIC adaptors NOT universal spacers.
Autopart in Essex can help,they will have them made up to your spec and they will give advice.
Have fun !!
When you say its not stock, have you moved the hubs in or out? If not then try the US forums as plenty of people put custom wheels on and may have the look you are after.
If you have, then maybe a full custom set of wheels would be the answer, I had Image make some for mine but they wouldn't fit in the style I liked (not enough depth into the wheel well) and so didn't buy them in the end. I did get to try them on the car though if it helps?
If you have, then maybe a full custom set of wheels would be the answer, I had Image make some for mine but they wouldn't fit in the style I liked (not enough depth into the wheel well) and so didn't buy them in the end. I did get to try them on the car though if it helps?
The best bet would be to have a set made by image. Thats what i intend to do. If i cant find a Z06. The plan would then be to get a C6 and then have image make a set of wheels for me. They look a lot better than anything available. Prices are not to bad either considering they are custom built.
thanks for the replies . . .
I have already decided the style I like and they are indeed from image, problem is I dont
know the EXACT size I want! . . I daren't order any yet until I'm pretty sure, or
at least as sure as I can be.
when I say my car isnt stock I mean the bodywork isn't stock, and I want to get the look right.
A small change in tyre aspect ratio for instance can make a big change in the look.
I thought about trying other style of wheels, something more readily available to see how the tyre sits in the arch etc and then
ordering from image to match it, but as I say I dont know anybody willing to mount tyres
just for me to say I dont like them try some others! I dont need to drive anywhere so even
if they aren't a 'safe' fit, as long as they are a size that might work I'd give it a try!
Maybe I should start talking to a few BMW owners
. . .
for now I'll keep measuring
I have already decided the style I like and they are indeed from image, problem is I dont
know the EXACT size I want! . . I daren't order any yet until I'm pretty sure, or
at least as sure as I can be.
when I say my car isnt stock I mean the bodywork isn't stock, and I want to get the look right.
A small change in tyre aspect ratio for instance can make a big change in the look.
I thought about trying other style of wheels, something more readily available to see how the tyre sits in the arch etc and then
ordering from image to match it, but as I say I dont know anybody willing to mount tyres
just for me to say I dont like them try some others! I dont need to drive anywhere so even
if they aren't a 'safe' fit, as long as they are a size that might work I'd give it a try!
Maybe I should start talking to a few BMW owners
. . .for now I'll keep measuring
hi
if you`re local to me , you`re welcome to come over , i have set of 17x8 bmw wheels , i used for my c5 while hre`s were refurbished, i have some 16 , 17 and 18 inch jaguar 5x120 wheels , also you can try my 9,5x17 and 11 x 18 hre wheels to see how they fit
i live in banstead in surrey
andy
if you`re local to me , you`re welcome to come over , i have set of 17x8 bmw wheels , i used for my c5 while hre`s were refurbished, i have some 16 , 17 and 18 inch jaguar 5x120 wheels , also you can try my 9,5x17 and 11 x 18 hre wheels to see how they fit
i live in banstead in surrey
andy
straker said:
thanks for the replies . . .
I have already decided the style I like and they are indeed from image, problem is I dont
know the EXACT size I want! . . I daren't order any yet until I'm pretty sure, or
at least as sure as I can be.
when I say my car isnt stock I mean the bodywork isn't stock, and I want to get the look right.
A small change in tyre aspect ratio for instance can make a big change in the look.
I thought about trying other style of wheels, something more readily available to see how the tyre sits in the arch etc and then
ordering from image to match it, but as I say I dont know anybody willing to mount tyres
just for me to say I dont like them try some others! I dont need to drive anywhere so even
if they aren't a 'safe' fit, as long as they are a size that might work I'd give it a try!
Maybe I should start talking to a few BMW owners . . .
for now I'll keep measuring
They have a technical line. Maybe you could arrange a trip up there to discuss the exact fittments.I have already decided the style I like and they are indeed from image, problem is I dont
know the EXACT size I want! . . I daren't order any yet until I'm pretty sure, or
at least as sure as I can be.
when I say my car isnt stock I mean the bodywork isn't stock, and I want to get the look right.
A small change in tyre aspect ratio for instance can make a big change in the look.
I thought about trying other style of wheels, something more readily available to see how the tyre sits in the arch etc and then
ordering from image to match it, but as I say I dont know anybody willing to mount tyres
just for me to say I dont like them try some others! I dont need to drive anywhere so even
if they aren't a 'safe' fit, as long as they are a size that might work I'd give it a try!
Maybe I should start talking to a few BMW owners
. . .for now I'll keep measuring
wow thanks felga,great offer, now if I didnt live 160 miles away in yorkshire! . . .
I may consider a trip south!
it doesnt help that the tyres are slightly different 'look' between brands too, so I
could use a 255 width tyre that might be 250mm across the tread or it might be 260! . .
I'm pretty close to the wheel arch lip as it is so dont want to risk fouling under hard cornering.
I'll give it more thought, the car is off the road for the winter now for some upgrades etc so I
have plenty of time . .
I may consider a trip south!
it doesnt help that the tyres are slightly different 'look' between brands too, so I
could use a 255 width tyre that might be 250mm across the tread or it might be 260! . .
I'm pretty close to the wheel arch lip as it is so dont want to risk fouling under hard cornering.
I'll give it more thought, the car is off the road for the winter now for some upgrades etc so I
have plenty of time . .
Hi
Come over anytime
WHat yesr and model is Your c4, what dia you`re after. I assume You want to have same width on the front and wider backs to fill the fenders right? tell me how much space is between external edge of your tire the point where fender starts looking from front , back. I`ll help you find the correct fitting spec.
ANdy
Come over anytime
WHat yesr and model is Your c4, what dia you`re after. I assume You want to have same width on the front and wider backs to fill the fenders right? tell me how much space is between external edge of your tire the point where fender starts looking from front , back. I`ll help you find the correct fitting spec.
ANdy
Speak to John Pettifor Sr. at North Hants Tyres as they are American vehicle specialists for both tyres and wheels. There website is www.northhantstyres.com
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