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Wheel Spacers???

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Dukelog11, Apr 2, 2013.

  1. Dukelog11
    Joined: Oct 16, 2012
    Posts: 65

    Dukelog11
    Member

    Howdy everyone.

    Almost hate to ask this question, but ultimately I'm not made of money.

    I Converted to disk brakes on the front of my 1950 Mercury, and now the factory wheels will no longer fit because they will not accommodate the brake calipers. I see the new wheels will run me anywhere from $70 to $150 each for steelies. Additionally am looking at about a grand for some nice new white walls all the way around.

    The wheels, beauty rings, and hubcaps that came on the car are serviceable, and could even complement the look I'm hoping to achieve with the car. Additionally, there is a lot of tread left on the tires, and they are holding air very well; they are still inflated properly after several months of leaning against the wall in the shop.

    So my question is about wheel spacers. I have seen spacers almost an inch thick that fit between the wheel and the hub, which could give me the clearance I need between the factory wheels and my break calipers up front. Do any of you have experience with these wheel spacers? Are they worth my time and effort?

    I know I'll eventually convert to modern steel wheels and radial tires, but right now if I had $1200-$1500 to spend on the car, I would put it in the transmission or some other vital component. I understand that these wheel spacers are only really delaying the inevitable, but the delay could be beneficial for me financially. The only question is if the spacers would do what I need to do safely.

    What say you? Thanks in advance.

    Paul
     
  2. jpnewlin
    Joined: Nov 19, 2010
    Posts: 196

    jpnewlin
    Member

    I have worked with spacers before and they loosened up with travel so as long as you check them periodically they should work fine. Keep in mind there may some compromise with the quality of the ride depending on your speed, etc..
     
  3. plodge55aqua
    Joined: Jan 4, 2009
    Posts: 1,710

    plodge55aqua
    Member
    from Alberta

    Or go to a wider rim from a wreckers.. Cordoba 15" ? just a thought..
     
  4. big duece
    Joined: Jul 28, 2008
    Posts: 7,044

    big duece
    Member
    from kansas

    Scrub radius will increase also... making it harder to steer in corners.
     
  5. Dukelog11
    Joined: Oct 16, 2012
    Posts: 65

    Dukelog11
    Member

    Well I will be upgrading to power steering soon so I think scrub radius won't be an issue. I had not considered wheels fro a wrecker donor. That's a good idea.
     

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