Scroll down. Voila mes roules: http://freespace.virgin.net/linda.weaire/GOLF/wheel_1.jpg As you can see it sits in under the arch by quite a long way. The offset stated on the wheel is 43. I read on a website that MK3 Golf GTI should be between 32 and 38. In the knowledge that the 43s were on, I've got my hands on a set with offset 40. No problem, right? Wrong. The wheel won't physically clear the brake. I've got a few pictures to try to explain it. http://freespace.virgin.net/linda.weaire/GOLF/wheel_2.jpg - are those standard 8v brakes? You might not be able to see but the caliper sticks out way more than the face to which the wheel joins. http://freespace.virgin.net/linda.weaire/GOLF/wheel_3.jpg - the inside of my BBS rim. Imagine it's like < in shape, with the attaching face recessed slightly. http://freespace.virgin.net/linda.weaire/GOLF/wheel_4.jpg - the inside of the new wheel is more like | in shape. I was running late so I didn't have time to see if the back was the same. My question is... Can I make 'em fit? It looks like a spacer / longer bolts will do the trick - is this the case? What costs am I looking at? Cheers, Tom Edited by: Ghost
Is it just a set of spacers I need? How big? Ultimately I'd like the wheels to 'fill the arch' a bit or whatever, but they've gotta' remain legal. The new ones are 17"x7". As long as you can assure me they're what I need I'll get to you via PM. I really can't work it out when it comes to wheels. Tom
I can't assure you that they're what you need but if you don't want a set of free spacers to try out then fair enough
Looking at the last pic it would appear that the new wheel has got the wrong spigot ring fitted. Lever out the ring in the centre inside and the wheel should then go on the car. You can drive it without a spigot ring but the wheels will wobble at about 60-70mph. You need to get the correct rings to fit the hub taper. Hope that helps.
I can just swipe the rings from the VR6 alloys, right? I don't think it's just a case of that ring - as I said the spokes actually hit the calipers. And sh*t, even if they did go on they'd be wobbling all the time without the rings if 60mph is the magic number. Still, I've only just got up and I don't have time to go out and ask around in wheel shops about spacers etc. so maybe it's worth a go. I'll try for some clearer pictures too. Thanks, Tom Edited by: Ghost
Oh right, spoke hitting caliper.......missed that bit Deffo gonna need spacers then. There are no spigot rings in the vw wheels as they are made for the golf. Usually these rings are used on after market wheels. They make one type of wheel with a big space in the middle. Then you get the ring for your car. Saves making loadsa completely different types of wheel for one style. BTW, without spigot rings the wheels will be held tight by the nuts, but they won't sit perfectly centred (only about a nano mm, but enought to wobble at speed). I hope this is all making sense?
Yep, I get ya'. I'll just try and get them on for now... Will sort the spigot rings if / when they fit, thanks. I've been out and about getting spacers this afternoon. First stop - Halfords. They only had 6mm in 5 stud so I got them for 14 just incase nowhere else had 'em. Wilco had spacers up to 10mm but only in 4 stud. Finally went to a wheel place but they only had 5 stud in 6mm too. But, as they were only 5 for 2 instead of 14 for 2 I got a couple of sets and will return the Halfords ones. Almost a 300% price difference. Tom Edited by: Ghost
Is it not quite normal for a wheel specialist shop to stock 'em? That was gonna' be my first port of call. Tom
Well, this is proving to be a barrel of laughs I can tell you. With the 6mm spacer (that's actually the second 6mm spacer - there seems to have already been one. I think it might JUST clear. To be happy with it, I'd probably have to get an 8mm spacer or use two 6mm spacers (making that three). Is that a bit dodgy? It would also probably mean longer bolts. But the best bit..? My wheel bolts don't even fit in the wheel. What's the problem here? Did I overlook something major or what? Easy answer is to get them machined so the bolts fit. For a multi-fit alloy, they're not fitting very well at all. Tom
