Wheel Spacers

Finny · Post by **Finny** » Sat Apr 25, 2009 11:13 pm

Any feedback on the use of Wheel Spacers.

They can be bought and installed so that current mags (commodore, etc) can be installed onto a FB/EK.
Certainly opens up a wide range of wheel types. Previously all the major tyre companies just said, "Yes we have lots and lots of nice wheel/tyre packages but NO we can't supply you with any new mags to go on your car, it's too old."

A quick search seems tpo show that the adaptors aren't illegal, although anyone that has used them and what issues/improvements you found.
Good and Bad.

I have heard about extenders that push the whole stub out can understand that they could weaken the whole structure, not interested in them. These bolt on just like the wheels and have new stud pattern mounted onto them. I believe they need to be bedded down correctly first ?

Devilrod · Post by **Devilrod** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 7:54 am

Can't say I would want to run spacers. The safer option would be to fit redrilled discs and drum/axles to suit. It used to around $50 per wheel.

Why would you want to put Commondore style mags on. The newer stuff doesn't suit the older style cars IMHO.

mrs ratbox · Post by **mrs ratbox** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 4:59 pm

Devilrod wrote: Why would you want to put Commondore style mags on. The newer stuff doesn't suit the older style cars IMHO.

that's what i think BUT i have seen a FB with later type 18" wheels and it didn't look too bad, i think going by the size of those spacers they'de push the wheel out to far which would cause guard clearance issues
showwheels do a flash looking 5 spoke 17" and 18" wheel in early holden pattern, same thing though not sure about guard clearance

my70wg · Post by **my70wg** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 5:39 pm

if there the ones im thinking of ratbox there called streeters, i was looking at getting a set for the hg, i like em...

i was priced $1600 for 17's with tyers

aidan...

ben · Post by **ben** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:10 pm

Finny i have not heard if they are legal/illegal, good or bad, but if you want to run commo or HQ pattern they are probably the cheapest option for the rear. With your HR front end you can bolt up HQ stubs and brakes and if you really want commo pattern the HQ disc/hub can be brilled to suit. But I reckon there is not enough meat on HR rear axles to re drill, so unless you get some custom axles made which cost, the spacers are the go

Post by **Blacky** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 11:56 pm

I have done the rear axles myself, its just a matter of welding up the old holes in the axle and redrilling them - its not rocket surgery. Takes about an hour if you have access to an indexing mill , if not a mate had some done in Perth a couple of years back for $150 or so.

ben · Post by **ben** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 12:20 am

Yep i just remember when i measured up to do some it puts the studs very close to the edge of the flange. Would propably never fatigue, but it did not look right to me.

stinky · Post by **stinky** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 12:47 am

I've seen the results of a failure of those spacers on another forum, lots of twisted metal and heartache. It was not stated if the result was due to incorrect use, incorrect fitting or parts failure though.
I'd be checking with the rego dept first though because if you fit them and they are illegal then your insurance goes out the window.

FB MAD · Post by **FB MAD** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 10:17 am

In NSW wheel rim spacers are illegal unless they were factory fitted.

For example XU1 Torana would allow a legal fitment of wheel spacers.

FB/EK Holden NO!

Any insurance claim will be void if an assesor finds that wheel spacers have been fitted.

And they do go over a modified car with a fine tooth comb ( I've seen them do it ) to find some technicality to avoid paying out a claim.

Other states rules may differ,check with relevent rego authorities.

Finny · Post by **Finny** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 10:05 pm

OK, lets forget Adaptors and Spacers.

Will I have any issues with 15" Volvo Mags from 240 series. This will be going into HR Disc Front and HR Rear.

I know the stud pattern is correct, But not sure if they will hit on anything, and if 15" will cause any other issues.

Devilrod · Post by **Devilrod** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 12:35 pm

No idea, but your best bet will be to measure the back spacing on the rims and compare them in the wheel arch.

Trev · Post by **Trev** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 4:28 pm

I know some one that runs those Volvo rims and he has no prob's, Trev

.

my70wg · Post by **my70wg** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 5:28 pm

i dont kno how much different this is but i run 15" volvo rims on the frunt of my hg and i did on the rear as well lowered 3" in the rear and 2.5" in the frunt and a dont have any problems at all. the frunt might scrubb a very little bit on full lock and if it happens to bounce at the same time, doesnt do it often....

and the bloke i bought them off had them on an ek and as far as i kno he didnt have any problems..

aidan...