Wheels and offset?

Advokat · Post by **Advokat** » Sat Dec 28, 2002 6:07 am

Okay, finally considering a disc brake conversion for my '74 (after engine is complete). Anyway, I'll either go with the So. Cal. Imports kit or Vince's kit from Things Unlimited.

I've started looking at new rims and have seen the term "offset" used quite a bit. What does this mean and how does it apply to my vehicle?

Also, since I will have to get 15" rims and my fenders are all stock, what is my tire width and wheel width limitation?

Thanks,
Rick

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Sat Dec 28, 2002 1:48 pm

Rick, I think you might do well in going with the So Cal kit because you`ll need no wheel adapters. They increase wheel offset by 1/2" per side further complicating the already complicated situation.
From the factory your rim is centered over the drum. Offset refers to the distance away from this point the center of a rim is located.To gain width overall side to side a positive offset is used. Meaning that the rim center is relocated more inwardly thus pushing the wheel outward from center. To get wider tires in a confined area a negative offset is used. This in effect moves the width toward the center and away from fenders.
For sake of proper geometry it is best to stay as close to center as possible. Front wheels are best at 3 1/2"-4" and rear wheels at about 7".
If you use this size wheels for example you can go to a 235x75R/15 rear and a 215/75R/15 front. I use this example because my Thing is so equipped. I cannot speak for anyone else just myself. The car is lifted by two notches rear and stock in front w/coilover shocks to get about 2 1/2" lift. To use stock suspension I would think that about a 215 rear and 195 front would be OK and not rub. Remember that a 15" tire is larger than a corresponding # 14" tire. Check http://www.tirerack.com . You`ll find spec charts there for all tires. They will tell you tire height and width as well as many other specs for any given tire.
If you can find a copy of Bjas and Buggies by Jeff Hibbard you`ll get a much better explanation of offset and tire/wheel information. Hope this will get you started. Good luck. Bob Ingman

Advokat · Post by **Advokat** » Sat Dec 28, 2002 2:23 pm

Thanks Bob, your explanation was perfect. As to the choice of kits, the So. Cal kit is basically twice the price and for that reason I am leaning towards Vince's kit.

Also, I may have a line on some well priced 15" 4 lug rims that will eliminate the spacer/adaptor issue on the fronts. These are Empi 8 spokers -I think they are 5 or 5.5" rims (all 4). As to the rears, I guess I can keep my stock Thing drums (recently turned and new shoes, wheel cylinders and hoses)and just use a 5-4 adaptor.

With these rims, do your tire size recommendations still hold? I was thinking 205s all the way around-too much on the front with stock suspension?

Thanks again for your help,
Rick

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Sat Dec 28, 2002 4:40 pm

Rick, EMPI eight spoke w/205s will work just fine all the way around.Just be sure when they mount the fronts that they will be OK but if not just use a 195 there. Good luck. Bob Ingman

Jeff Lee · Post by **Jeff Lee** » Wed Jan 08, 2003 10:54 pm

I went with the So.Cal wide 5 front and rear with e/brake. Centerlines 15"X6" @3.75 offset. For tires I chose to stay conservative with 205 R75 28" profile Timberlines offroad tires.

The slightly wider front tires seem to pose no difficulty in steering and the overall ride is fantastic. I recommend the ability to stop with out fading on long grades.

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Thu Jan 09, 2003 9:03 am

Jeff, how was the install. Did you DIY? I like the idea of staying wide. VW kept the Thing wide 5 for a reason. To me it looks funny to see a 4-hole Thing.Sometimes the adapters needed to stay wide five space the tire out enough to interfere during cornering. Of the kits I know of only the So Cal kit does not increase front wheel width. Thanks for posting. Stay with us. Would like to hear more about your car. Good luck. Bob Ingman

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Thu Jan 09, 2003 10:34 pm

On this same thread I am just about done putting Ghia discs up front with rotors that have 5x130 studs and 84 Porsche 944 rear discs and arms. Now I am having some trouble finding 5x130 wheels. I was hoping for Centerlines but have not found any. Resources offered here would be appeciated. K-mann

Jeff Lee · Post by **Jeff Lee** » Wed Jan 29, 2003 5:46 pm

Try Chiro, their catalog has centerlines at a better price than I paid and probably no sales tax if you outside of Arizona. <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kubelmann:
On this same thread I am just about done putting Ghia discs up front with rotors that have 5x130 studs and 84 Porsche 944 rear discs and arms. Now I am having some trouble finding 5x130 wheels. I was hoping for Centerlines but have not found any. Resources offered here would be appeciated. K-mann<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>