TheSamba.com :: View topic - Tucking tire with aftermarket wheels on a Super?

Mon Mar 01, 2004 8:47 pm

I know, I know... Here's another newbie asking questions that he's not even close to tackling, but...

I recently got a '71 Super Beetle, and am planning what kind of wheels I want to run on it... Of the 4 lug variety, my faves are the Porshe 2.0 alloys, or some Rivieras. Now, unlike your typical Super beetle owner, I want my car slammed; and tucking tire is my goal. It looks like the reason that no one gets their Super this low is because of the obvious clearance issues because you can't narrow like on a Standard Beetle... Of all the wheels I've looked at, it seems like the 2.0 wheels might be the best bet, b/c of their offset... Anyone have any first hand experience with this? Will I be able to tuck with a set of Rivieras or 4 lug Fuchs? It seems doubtful with the Rivi's b/c in mst pictures it looks like they stick out a little...

Thanks in advance.
Jamie

Tue Mar 02, 2004 8:39 am

You would be surprised at the number of Super owners who lower their car.
Checkout Topline. http://www.toplineparts.com/frameset.html
They have springs and struts that will give you up to a 5" drop and allow the room necessary for those larger wheels.

Tue Mar 02, 2004 9:27 am

Yeah, I've already got the lowering struts on the car, and am gonna cut a coil or so to get it a little lower... The thing I'm worried about is the fact that in most pics of lowered Supers with wheels like Rivieras is this: the wheel arch is still above the rim and tire, whereas I'm hoping to have some of the tire tucked under the fender. Do you guys think I could pull this off with Rivieras or 2.0 liter Fuch's with a 135 tire on the front of a 71 Super? Am I overestimating how much these wheels will stick out?

Edit: I guess I'll try to clarify something else... The Maxx struts just give you more clearance for wide wheels behind the wheel, right? I'm not so concerned about that, b/c these wheels are 5.5"; it's the backspacing and the clearance between the outer wheel lip/tire and the fender... Most aftermarket wheels seem to want to stick outside the fender of a Super Beetle...

Tue Mar 02, 2004 7:52 pm

I saw a hoopty '71 the other day,and it had the "Gurney" or "Western" type porsche wheels on it and it looked like there was enough clearance. I believe they have the same off-set as the 2.0 Fuches.

Soooooooooooo...... I'm going to spend the cash and get a set myself. If I get them I'll post some pics. If you get some first, do the same.

What do you think of the Porsche Ronals for sale in the classifieds? Could look pretty good tucked.

Here's a pic of how low it is now, with 135's on the front. Not too bad for a Fatty.

Wed Mar 03, 2004 7:05 am

Thanks mulkfam... I've been following your posts about your Fat Chick. I like the early bumpers and what you've done with the wheels... Looking good!

I'll check out those Ronals... I also wouldn't mind a set of polished Pedrini's... Who knows, I just wanted to know what my options were... I like Rivieras, but I don't think they'll work on a really low Super. :cry:

Wed Mar 03, 2004 1:55 pm

I wouldn't use the term "tucked" but the 2.0 rims make a huge difference in clearance. Well....not huge, an inch to be exact, but that make a big difference. I had 8 spokes on the car with 145's up and a 4.5" drop up front and 215/65's and a 3" drop in the back.

The car came with Riviera's running 195/50's on all four corners. Looked terrible in my opion so I ditched them right away not to mention the fact that they were rubbing the fender in the front.

With the 8's I had about 1/2" clearance when I turned my front wheels and about the same in the back. With the new 2.0 L rims (purchased from the guy with the Ronals) I've gained that extra inch from the back spacing to clear everything nicely.

Wed Mar 03, 2004 8:49 pm

Hey Envious........... where's those photos you promised when you mounted them up? We're still waiting LOL.

Wed Mar 03, 2004 9:19 pm

The only pics I have are of the car on jack stands. Doesn't do them any justice. I just received my rear disc brake kit on Monday so once they're on, I'll drop the car, roll it out, and take some better pics.

After all the hype, I'd hate to post lousy pics. I can almost imagine the abuse I would take.

Wed Mar 03, 2004 9:54 pm

The Mapleleafs are up there. You've got to be used to the abuse by now? j/k

Wed Mar 03, 2004 10:02 pm

You see what happens....you open the door just a bit.

Thu Mar 04, 2004 6:55 am

8)

That's cool... Looking forward to pics...