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OT - New wheels for the roadster

Posted June 21, 200618 yr

Some of you know that I've developed a new vice, buying wheel sets for my roadster. Being that today is the summer solstice, I guess a new style for the summer season is in order. I absolutely blame my association with club4ag.com for giving me this virus

This set was made by Speed Star of Japan in the mid 80's, branded as Longchamp XR4. They were not imported to the US until they were re-introduced by Suzuka Brain 5 years ago. Even those are no longer available. This set is the original Speed Star, circa 1985.

I had thought that I understood offset and wheel fitment. Last year I had developed a range of offset specs that would fit my car. Well, My specs were in error. I came to this once I came to the realization that the object was to fit the TIRE within the fenders and NOT the wheel. In other words, the actual difference between a 195/60 tire on a 6'' rim, and the same tire on a 6.5'' rim is only 3mm on each side, at the widest point of the sidewall bulge. This opened the range of what would fit greatly.

Even by my most conservative estimates, I really wasn't sure these would work, until my test drive an hour ago. Much to my happiness, there is no rub. I still don't quite believe that, and you might doubt it too, once you've seen how the fill the fenders. They are 14X6.5 @ +5.5

I bought these from my car show buddy, Arnel for $400.00. I spent another $580 for straightening, de anodizing and polishing. Thanks to the wheelsmiths at Pico Wheel Service, they are now perfected.

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