WHEEL OFFSET SUGGESTIONS

One of the biggest problems roadster owners face when looking to replace their wheels with aftermarket wheels, or replace aftermarket wheels already installed on the car, is trying to make sure that the wheels and tires they plan to use will not rub on the fenders.

On the 68 roadster I purchased new I ran Continental 195/SR14 tires on stock steel rims without rubbing.

Victor Laury suggests the following wheel width/offset values for late model roadsters.

Tires used usually range from 175 to 195 widths with 60 to 70  sidewalls.  195's are playing with fender rub, but deeper wheel offsets will move the tire towards the center of the car, clearing the inner fender lip.  Some owners roll the inner fender lip a little bit away from the tire in order to clear tires that are slightly rubbing.

Some tire stores have a tool for determining what offset/tire combination will work on your car.  This tool mounts on your hub and supports different size tires.  The wheel offset is adjustable, allowing you to look at inner and outer fender clearances to be sure the wheels and tires you finally purchase will fit properly when installed on your car.

For information related to measuring wheel offset, and a LOT of other good information about tires and wheels click on the link below to go to the Car Bible page on tires and wheels.  VERY interesting reading.

http://www.chris-longhurst.com/carbibles/tyre_bible.html

The Car Bible page includes speedo a speedo offset calculator for use when comparing one size tire against another and a rim width calculator based on tire size.