In a message dated 12/08/2003 1:08:45 PM Mountain Standard Time,
amukdigiphoto@hotmail.com writes:
Robert
I wouldn't be happy with that caveat, especially with the amount of money
that is involved.
What is the problem with them possibly not fitting?
Nigel
.
Well, when I first started this search, one of the suppliers told me the back
spacing on all the Spridget wheels from Dayton was 3.5", or the same as the
stock wheels. The supplier indicated that all of the extra width was on the
outside of the wheel.
It seemed to me that if this were the case, at least on my RWA '73, there
would be no problem with rubbing, except maybe when going over a severe bump.
This supplier asked me to double check the back space on my stock wheels. I
did this and indeed, it was about 3.5".
Then I wrote him back and said everything looked OK and what would the price
be for 13x5.5" wheels?
His response was that Dayton said they probably would not fit (then why offer
the option!) and there was a no-return policy on special orders.
Now he wont respond to my e-mails or phone calls (on vacation maybe?)
Soooo...I went to a second vendor and he is very responsive. Trouble is, he
gets the same thing from Dayton and the policy is firm...if it don't
fit...forget it. I am not in the market for expensive garden hose reels.
Finally, Peter C suggested a third vendor and I had a long conversation with
him today. He said the only reason to go with 5.5" wheels would be to run 175
tires. I think this is the combo Daniel 1312 is running. BUT, he said they
had problems with this on his autox bugeye, and he went back to 4.5" with 165
tires and the car handles much better.
Yes ED, I know this is what you said from the start.
My problem was I grew up with Sports Car Grafic, Road and Track, Hot Rod, and
Car Craft magazines, and Big Daddy Ed Roth was my hero. I can't tell you how
many of his drawings I copied onto blue lined notebook paper in school.
Anyway, my personal preference is for a tire/wheel that virtually fills the
opening and maybe sticks out a little.
After the last conversation with the third vendor, I may just give up the hot
rod attitude and go with the 4.5" wheels. Less $ than the custome width, and
if they don't fit, I can return them.
Besides, I have the Bugeye project coming up, and it's already on it's way to
being a hot rod with aluminum wheels wide enough to require offset springs in
the rear.
I guess maybe I'll just let the Midget go more custom and less racer looking.
I have some time to think about it and read list opinions as the Dayton plant
is closed until July 5th and no orders will be taken until then anyway.
Robert Houston
The Supreme Court ruled there cannot be a nativity scene
in Washington,DC this Christmas.
This isn't for any religious or constitutional reason,
they simply have not been able to find three wise men or
a virgin in the nation's capitol.
There was no problem however finding enough asses to
fill the stable
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