Author Topic: Wheel interchange. Offsets. (Read 4459 times)

trev · « **on:** December 01, 2007, 12:58:36 pm »

I got a deal lined up on 4 winter tires, about 2 months use, mounted on basic black steel wheels.

They are to go on my 90 Jetta.

They are 185/65/14's, vice the stockers at 185/60/14. I dont thingk that the little extra height is the killer here.

The wheels are/were used on a Honda Civic, with a 4x100 bolt pattern.

The real question is, anyone got any inputs as to whether the offset is similar? Clearance issues?

I have the weekend to decide if I am taking the wheels and tires. I was going to spend about the amount he wants for these, on a couple new snow tires to get me by, when these dropped in my lap.

Hoping they will work out.

Had a heck of a time trying to find wheel size info online. To many GD redirect sites, where they are trying to get you to click through, for revenue :-( .

Ugh!

Thanks
Trev

clbanman · « **Reply #1 on:** December 01, 2007, 05:43:03 pm »

According to the Fast Wheels catalogue, Civics from 80-04 have a 56.1 mm hub diameter and +45 backspacing. Your 90 Jetta should have 57.1 mm hub diameter and +38 backspacing according to the same catalogue.

trev · « **Reply #2 on:** December 01, 2007, 06:31:08 pm »

So, if I understand this correctly, the wheel rim edge should be about 6 MM closer inboard than the stock Jetta wheel., and the Honda hub cutout will fit over the Jetta hub, with no worries. All provided that the steel rims are set up to the stock offsets. If I am not getting this, then the rim sits 6MM further outboard, which is good also.
Proof is in the fit.

I will grab one of the wheels and bang it onto the front of My Jetta and have a look at what the clearances look like at full steering travels.

I may feel the need to make a couple spacers to fit between the hub and the steel wheels, or I may not.

I appreciate the help with this.

Cheers
Trev

Patrick · « **Reply #3 on:** December 02, 2007, 06:32:54 am »

Check and see, but it think you'll find the hole in the centre of the rim might be a problem. may have to turn the hole out a mm or two..........

clbanman · « **Reply #4 on:** December 02, 2007, 07:16:17 pm »

Quote from: "trev"

So, if I understand this correctly, the wheel rim edge should be about 6 MM closer inboard than the stock Jetta wheel., and the Honda hub cutout will fit over the Jetta hub, with no worries. All provided that the steel rims are set up to the stock offsets. If I am not getting this, then the rim sits 6MM further outboard, which is good also.
Trev

The Honda rims would have to have the hub I.D. machined out 1 mm to fit. Also, if the outside is 7 mm further in, and rim width is identical, that means the inside edge of the rims and your tire sidewall is 7 mm further in - closer to your struts, etc. and will likely rub. If you can actually get your hands on the rims and try them on the car that would be your best bet, but the hub I.D. will likely cause some issues.

trev · « **Reply #5 on:** December 03, 2007, 05:46:06 pm »

The outfit that sold these rims was obviously getting their money out of their stock. The hole in the rims proved to be about 1 MM larger than the hub of the VW.
That would put them 2 mm large on the Honda.
Pattern is almost the same as the stock stamped steel rims, with the holes punched out from the inside, rather than punched in, from the outside.

I was crossed up on the reading from the first post, and got the sizes backwards between the Honda/VW. DoH!

I fitted one, and cranked the steering to the locks, both directions. Closest interference apparent was about a half inch between the tire and the wheel well liner/splash guard thingie in the wheel well.

I have since paid the man, and own them. If they don't work out, I can always flog them, but it looks like I'm OK.

Geez. Just havin' a math challenged kinda day, that one. Yeesh.

Cheers
Trev

burn_your_money · « **Reply #6 on:** December 03, 2007, 07:50:15 pm »

You may find that hitting bumps while making a turn will cause some rubbing. Steel VW rims are generally cheap to come by and you could have those tires mounted onto them if you run into problems.

You may also notice some high speed wobble if the wheels aren't centered properly.

trev · « **Reply #7 on:** December 04, 2007, 05:34:06 am »

Thanks for the heads-up Tyler.

Will watch.

Figure for the price, I either got a bargain, or just a decent deal on 4 good tires.
Only paid $200 for the lot, two years old, used two months, and stored in a shed since. The owner had bought them, before last winter, for a car he does not have anymore. Most of the mold hairs are intact on the sides of the tread.

If needed, I can bang out a couple 1/2" spacers to get the fronts pushed outboard a bit. CNC is fun! Too bad the mill is not in my garage.

Cheers
Trev