Tyre Clearance Plus 2 - Wheelarches (185/70R13s)

[gerrym]

Hi, as part of the trial fitment for a typical "road" 185/70R13 tyre, as opposed to a road legal track-day tyre, I've dropped off my tyre for fitment to an original GKN Lotus alloy wheel.

The shop are saying that the valve fitment might be awkward due to the very thick wall. They are suggesting a bolt-in valve. Does anyone know which is the best type and fit of bolt-in valve (eg diameter, straight or angled).

mrtee.co.uk (http://www.mistertee.co.uk/10.html) seems to stock a variety.

Regards

Gerry

[david.g.chapman]

I have just bought new GKN alloy wheels for my +2. It is tight, but rubber valves can be fitted. My local tyre fitters did so without comment, and the tyres are holding their pressure well after 3 weeks (less then 1psi drop).

Dave Chapman.

[gerrym]

Dave, your'e right. In the end the shop jammed in and stretched the rubber valve. It appears not to be possible to use a bolt-in valve as the hole is too tight into the corner (bolt-in needs a flat surface to seal against)

Regards

Gerry

[gerrym]

Hi all, I'm now into the trial fitment of a "road size" 185/70 R13 tyre on an original GKN Lotus alloy wheel.

I'll post back later with some tyre measurements. In the meantime I've removed the spring from the damper unit. Jacking up the suspension against the bump stops gives the maximum compression and hence body clearance (I might revisit this and use a slightly thinner old bump stop to take account of dynamic compression).

So far only completed one corner. There doesn't appear to be any touch on the outer fender lip. However there is a touch on the bonnet "bowl", similar to Mike's hole shown in his photos. For the standard size of tyre, ie 165R13 I had pretty much the same touch on the inner fender.

Regards

Gerry

[Gopherit]

I am currently running my "winter" tyres which are 185 x 70 x R13 Yoko A021Rs on original steel rims.

These are excellent and do not rub. Ride height at the front measured to the underside of the crossbeam is 5 1/2". I am however using 150 lb/in springs on the front and 120 lb/in on the rear with Protech dampers (the rear ones were a bit of a saga but ultimately successful). I like the tyres so much I am thinking of using them on my 14" summer alloys - if I can get the right size combination.

Ride is not affected by the higher spring rate, the ultimate arbiter being my wife's (very) sensitive bottom! Road holding and handling are VERY much improved, most noticeably on the track.

Yes the sills (PO) will come off when I can afford the respray!

[JGeezer]

I now this is an old thread, but looking for help. New Kuhmo Solus 185/70-13's look great and do not touch anywhere on my 69 +2 with stock steel wheels - but the insides rub slightly on the rear spring perches. I wish I could space the wheels out 1/8" or something - anybody else encounter this? Advice?

[gus]

You can tap the perch back with a hammer.

I cut mine back entirely years ago to run 205's

No structural issues

[JGeezer]

You can tap the perch back with a hammer.

I cut mine back entirely years ago to run 205's

No structural issues

Would you believe I never thought of that! Duh.

Thanks!