Can I run this combo with drop spindles

redlines4us · Last edited by redlines4us on Thu Dec 03, 2009 4:16 pm; edited 1 time in total

Can I run this wheel & tire combo with 2-1/2" drop spindles on my '74 Classic Standard Beetle (Not Super).
I plan to lower the rear with torsion bar adjustment.
Chrome Smoothie Wheels - 4x130 Lug, 15”d x 51/2 w with DUNLAP GT QUALIFIER Tires, 195/50R15

Think I'll have any clearance problems anywhere. I'm buying these used, so another tire size is not an option.
Thanks! Bill

P.S. Not my car pictured, but the car they are on now. Should look the same on mine without being lowered, Looks like plenty of clearance to lower it. Any opinions?

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Glenn · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 3:49 pm Post subject:

It's not the drop but the offset of the rims.

First off a 1950/50-15 is a pretty small (diameter) tire so in the rears you'll have to push the engine harder to maintain the same speed as a stock size tire.

I have 195/60-15 on 5.5x15 ET42 rims with the front dropped 3" with AVIS adjusters. If it weren't for the deep offset of the rims, the tires would rub.
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Derek Cobb · Annoying Joined: March 11, 2004 Posts: 2565

If you drop it, it'll rub. The drop spindles add width and I can see on the other car that the tire tread is already past the inner lip (and outer) of the fender. If you don't narrow the beam, it'll rub.

redlines4us · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 4:23 pm Post subject:

So are you suggesting a narrowed beam without drop spindles. Would I order an adjustable narrowed beam? If so what width for this wheel & tire combo. I usually order parts from California Import Parts. Can anyone tell me what part or parts I need. They seem to have all different beams. Sorry, but I'm new at this and don't want to order something I can't use.Thanks again! Bill

http://www2.cip1.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=beam&Search1=Search

Glenn · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 4:29 pm Post subject:

Dropped spindles push the wheels out further than stock, so you need a 2" narrowed beam just to break even.

It's cheaper to buy tires that fit than making the car fit the tires.
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redlines4us · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 4:35 pm Post subject:

So if I run those tires on the rear, what is the widest size tires to match the rears would you suggest for the front that would work with dropped spindles. I have to lower it somehow to close up that tire/fender gap. Thanks! Bill

redlines4us · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 5:10 pm Post subject:

I think thses are the exact wheels I'm buying. Anyone know the offset of these?
Thanks! Bill

http://www.jcwhitney.com/jcwhitney/product.jcw?nva...id=2888708

Glenn · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 5:24 pm Post subject:

$450 is a lot for 4 steel rims.
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74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

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redlines4us · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 5:26 pm Post subject:

I'm buying them used in like new condition with new tires for $400.
Those are just the same wheels I'm buying.
Bill

Derek Cobb · Annoying Joined: March 11, 2004 Posts: 2565

If you must use those tires and rims, then you should consider simply getting an adjustable, narrowed beam and skip the drop spindles. It sounds like you don't intend to 'slam' the bug, you just want to close up the fender gap. A two inch narrowed adjustable beam will allow you to drop the car exactly where you want it and it will get those big, fat tires under the fenders.

Fattie · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 8:30 pm Post subject:

195/65r15 tires in the rear will be great ... it's what I'm running... I run 195/65r15's in rear and 195/50r15's in front...but I went slammed so I had to go with a 5" beam and spindles...but 4" may have worked as well
... I agree with Glenn 195/50r15's in the rear is just too short a tire

Now...
if you plan to run 195/50r15 tires in front with just drop spindles you will be fine

and empi 8's have an offset similar to what your working with and are 15x5.5
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redlines4us · Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 4:35 am Post subject:

Derek Cobb · Annoying Joined: March 11, 2004 Posts: 2565

ratspud · Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 8:12 am Post subject:

Those rims are wide for the front. I suggest a 4" narrowed beam with the drop spindle. Then use a 145-60 on the front. The 195's will be fine on the rear. You should have no rubbing issues with this set up. I have it on my car, and everything works great. Anything more than 4" narrowed makes you cut into the body. It will be a tight fit, but it will work, and you can maintain shock towers and shocks.
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4" narrowed beam

redlines4us · Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 12:22 pm Post subject:

Wow,
Now I'm more confused than ever. How can opinions differ so much on one question. I think I'll just fill up my toolbox with concrete nd put it in the trunk. Ha! Ha!

I think I may just get the 2-1/2" drop spindles and take my chances with that tire and wheel combo. By the looks of that picture, they will probably be alright. I don't plan on sharp cornering with a fat chick in the passenger seat and braking at the same time. At least I hope not!
Any other suggestions?
Thanks! Bill

Derek Cobb · Annoying Joined: March 11, 2004 Posts: 2565

If it does rub, please let us know so we can definitively answer the question.
I feel pretty certain that it will (I did almost the exact same thing on a 70 vert) but I have been wrong before.
Simple solution will be skinny tires like 145's.

redlines4us · Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 4:31 pm Post subject:

OOPS,
I forgot to mention one very important fact. I'll be running '66 and earlier front fenders on my '74. I don't have the original '74 fenders to compare, but these fenders look to possibly be a little wider than the originals.
Any input on this theory?

Thanks again!

bugninva · Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 6:55 pm Post subject:

redlines4us · Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 6:56 pm Post subject:

Thanks!

Fattie · Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 9:44 pm Post subject:

update ?
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