I need advice I am going to fit D type wheels on my series 1 Etype. I have wheels 6" x 15"and have tyres Vredstein 205/70 VR5 96V.I am told, if I fit these I will have clearance problems unless I flair the fenders, Ala series 3 which I will not do. Should I fit 185/HR 15 Instead? Some one out there must have done it or knows how, any help is appreciated.Thankyou John A Meering 301 609 8557.

Submitted by NE40-48370 on Fri, 12/07/2012 - 08:21

Have you got splined wheels or bolt-on? If they are from Realm then you will probably be OK with either type. Many have run with that size tyre on a 6" rim without fouling, although demounting the rear wheels can be a squeeze. Adrian Cocking of Realm will know if you ask him (assuming they are from Realm). His 16" two-piece wheels are made by Image wheels so I assume they are the Realm type advertised on eBay UK? Dennis Welch Racing does a better version.

The real thing is a peg drive 16", as Mike says, and they are 1800 dollars each - gulp! Ask me how I know when I needed five... I am using Blockley race tires on them which last longer than the Dunlop race tires, are road legal and look suitably 'period-correct'.

Pete

Submitted by mfrank@westnet.com on Thu, 12/06/2012 - 22:23

D-Types also used Dunlop L series tires, which would be unthinkable for a streetable car. Not to mention expensive:
http://www.sascosports.com/products/specs.php?type_id=35

The answer is going to depend on the offset and width of the wheel. The offset will tell you how far the mounting surface is recessed from the wheel center. subtract this from half the width and you will know where the outside of the wheel will fall relative to the axle flange. If it's the same or less as a stock wheel, you have to worry about rubbing the mudguards and bump stops. If it's closer to the fender than stock, then you're going to have to measure very carefully as it may interfere on the outside.

I would guess that the vendor you're dealing with has been asked this question before.

Submitted by azmmgm@yahoo.com on Thu, 12/06/2012 - 13:26

You might want to check to see what is ment by flair the fender.
I have an extra set of 16 inch alloys for racing. Now I know it isn't a D type wheel and you are 15's vs. 16's with 225X50X16 tires but I needed to stiffen up the rear susp. so it didn't squat to much on launch and then I used the old baseball bat trick.
I ran the handle of a baseball bat between the tire and rear fenders which was just enough to fold up the 1/4 to 1/2 inch tab just under the fender and that gave me enough clearance. Don't use a good bat. It will destroy the bat. Never broke the paint.
Good luck
Mike