TheSamba.com :: View topic - Two parter

Sun May 16, 2004 6:41 pm

Hey gang,
Need some advise: just picked up my new (old) project, a '74 Sterling, on a '66 swingaxle Bug chassis. The original owner upgraded the front brakes to disk and kept the back drums. So, the track at the front is wider than at the back, which looks ridiculous. The car is fitted with original EMPI split rim 5 spoke / 5 lug wheels - the front wheels are have spacers to clear the caliper. The question is: it will be a street car for everyday. No plans to really thrash it. Would anyone recommend spacers for the back wheels to get them outboard where they are supposed to be, and how much stress would that put on the bearings? Or, I could try to find other rims with the appropriate backspacing and replace the EMPI's and allowing for larger tires. The next question being: how much are original EMPI's worth? These are in great shape, save for some cleaning and painting.
Any advise would be a help!
Thanks!

Sat May 22, 2004 9:25 am

If you're not really into the original wheels, you should sell them to somebody who is. They have a tendancy to crack and are substantially more frail than the majority of wheels sold new today. A set of four in good to excellent condition should fetch upwards of $1000. That would be more than enough to buy new wheels that don't need any work and still have money left over.

Sun Sep 04, 2011 10:57 am

Anyone know what the torque setting would be for the bolts that hold the two halves of the rims together?

Thanks.