Wheel question...

[OneAngryDwrf]

Hello All,

Very long time lurker, probably my first actual post here on the board... Anyhoo, on to the point at hand...

I purchased a 73' GT last year and have been slowly but surely restoring it. I had it painted in February of this year, but alas, it is in the shop at present for 3 weeks ago an Escalade decided to go toe to toe with my Opel. Actually, the brute didn't see me in the parking lot (nor hear my horn, or my yelling either) and proceeded to back into my front left corner. Luckily, the damage was minimal, and it did not mess up the headlight mechanism.

Anyways, I've been wanting to replace the rims on my car, for the stock 4 spoke rims are simply too skinny for my tastes. Now, I know from reading this board that the bolt pattern is 4x100 with an offset of 20 millimeters. My question is, would there be any problem bolting on 1975-77 Chevy Cosworth Vega rims? I know that they are technically 4X4" which from what I understand is pretty close, but I'm just not sure. I like the look of these rims, and I can get a set pretty cheap if all they can work out. I've seen a picture somewhere of an Opel Gt with this type of rim on and I think it could look pretty good. I don't have a lot of experience in such things so any help in the matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks fellas!

I'll post some pics of my GT as soon as I can get back into photobucket!

TKO the OAD

[oldopelguy]

I have run Vega rims on an Opel before, but it was 20 years ago and not a great idea even back then. To get any real bite out of the lugnuts puts sideways forces on the studs, and since I can break them off with a regular 4-way even with the right wheels I wouldn't want to do any real driving with the studs under that kind of stress.

If you're really set on the wheels, and they are aftermarket alloy wheels, you might still have a safe out. Most aftermarket alloy wheels have holes drilled in them with tapered seats that the lug nuts register into, but most factory alloy wheels have a steel insert so the lugs don't wear against the aluminum. A good wheel repair shop, or even some machine shops, should be able to machine the holes out to the larger size required to install the inserts and while they are drilling they can drill the holes slightly off and drill them centered on 4x100mm. Pop in the inserts and you're good to go, new wheels the right bolt pattern.

A little research should yield a rim repair shop local to you, or if you're lucky several. Do some calling around for pricing.

[OneAngryDwrf]

Thanks so much for the info! It was just a neat looking rim, and a good opportunity. The other option I am considering is a Rota RB. My shop can order them in 4x100 and a 20-25 millimeter offset. It's just a bit more than I was looking to spend right now. The Vega rims would have only cost me around 200.00 with decent rubber. So, for now I can wait. With any luck I'll get the GT back this weekend from the paint shop!

Thanks again for the info!


TKO the OAD

[OneAngryDwrf]

So, I have some more specs that I thought I'd run by you guys and see if this would work for my car... Here goes...

Like I said earlier I am interested in Rota RBs. I think they look great, and have a nice vintage race look to them. Here's some info I snagged off of evil-bay.

Rota RB
bolt pattern: 4x100 mm
size: 15x7
offset: 35mm
hub bore size:67.1mm

If all these factors would work on the Opel, I might just bite the bullet and go this route. What do you guys think? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

TKO the OAD

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by OneAngryDwrf So, I have some more specs that I thought I'd run by you guys and see if this would work for my car... Here goes... Like I said earlier I am interested in Rota RBs. I think they look great, and have a nice vintage race look to them. Here's some info I snagged off of evil-bay. Rota RB bolt pattern: 4x100 mm size: 15x7 offset: 35mm hub bore size:67.1mm If all these factors would work on the Opel, I might just bite the bullet and go this route. What do you guys think? Any info would be greatly appreciated! TKO the OAD

The 35 mm offset is kinda high for a GT. I calculate a 5.38" backspace. You may have inner fender interference issues. Probably would need wheel spacers to push the wheels further 'out'.

Ideally for a GT you'd want 0 offset with a 7" wheel, leaving you with about a 4" backspace.

[Bill Hoffmann]

Originally Posted by RallyBob Ideally for a GT you'd want 0 offset with a 7" wheel, leaving you with about a 4" backspace.

I'm at a crossroads regarding tires for my GT, which are too old to safely drive on (Michelin XZX with, sadly, like-new tread depth). My dilemma is whether to just reshoe the stock rims or upgrade.

Would a 15" x 7" with 0 offset be enough to clear the lowering shackles I made according to RallyBob spec a few years ago? Would the same size but ET20 also clear?

Thanks in advance,

Bill

[grslightng02]

Would a 16x7 4 bolt 100 with 40 offset fit front and rear of a GT?

eBay Motors: 16" Wheels Integra Aveo Civic Rio 5 Sephia Miata 4x100 (item 230298586836 end time Oct-09-08 14:08:00 PDT)

[jordan]

I think 40mm offset for that width is a little much, I think it would only prove to be an issue, and also looking at the style....why?

[grslightng02]

Why what? Why the offset? or why the style?

[bgdowski]

Im running 16x7 enkei rs7's. They have a +35 offset. Im running a 40 profile tire. and its a little close on the rear with the inside of the fender near the coils, but it hasnt rubbed (if it does ill get some small spacers).

grslightng02, The 16X7's with the +40 offset probably wont work, sorry. I could foresee alot of rubbing both front and rear, and the only solution would be big spacers, and possibly longer lugs. I think you might regret putting those on a classic car, the styles seem to clash, but thats my 2cents.

OneAngryDwrf, I would definitely go with the Rotas, i love the look, and if you need you can throw in a small spacer. Keep us updated and get us some pictures!