(Sorry if this comes twice, not sure the first one went)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Randall Young" <Ryoung@navcomtech.com>
> > Paul Dorsey< <
> > I am fairly new to the world of TR3's and have been trying to find out
the
> > answer to this question. Please help!
> >
> > What is the offset of our wheels? Will a 14"x 7" wheel with a
> > positive offset
> > of 3.5" work? (Assuming the bolt pattern is correct)
> >
> > Sorry to be so persistant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> Paul, sometimes you have to accept that no one knows the answer ...
>
> However, if I understand you right, those wheels have the mounting surface
> flush with the inner bead seat, meaning they will stick out over 7" from
the
> hub surface. On a TR3, that will be beyond the fender, so your only hope
of
> making them fit is to use smaller diameter tires that will fit under the
lip
> of the fender rather than inside it. You can also expect rapid wheel
> bearing wear and possibly even hub/axle failures, as the large offset will
> greatly increase the forces involved. Also note that many states prohibit
> cars with tires that extend beyond the fenders.
>
> All in all, a poor idea IMO.
>
> Randall
Sorry, it seems I missed the beginning of this thread and have already
deleted the messages before this one.
A couple of questions. Why use a 14 x 7 tire on a TR3? This is a smaller
diameter than the original, and will reduce the already low clearance of the
vehicle. Why use such a radical offset? As others have pointed out this is
a very not good thing most of the time. Are you sure it is a 3 1/2 " offset
and that this number is not backspacing instead? Wheels are rated both ways
some times. A 3 1/2 " backspace would probably work quite well, while a + 3
1/2" offset would not.
On my 1962 TR4 I have 15 x 7 wheels, but with 4" of backspace, and they work
very well. I have put over 40000 miles on the car since this wheel change
and have not noted any increase wear in front end parts. The URL for what I
did and some basics of wheels can be found here:
http://home.mchsi.com/~token/TR4Page5.htm
Darrell
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