Caliper clearance (solid cent wheels)

[JonathanT]

I read somewhere on this forum the solid centre wheels with chrome hub caps will not clear later GTL front brake Calipers. -They're right..... So what's to do?

Trying to follow Malcolm and Clementine's example... this time making my GTL look like a 1968 model but with the 1098 engine and disc brakes for towing my little caravan

I could grind a little off the Caliper or a little off the wheels..or off both.
Seemingly little is needed. But clearly safety could be an issue ..... so any help or previous experience would be most grateful.

Jonathan

 

[petak]

I do not know where exactly is problem.

But just an suggestion, idea.....how about installing some wheel distances....like that tuning freaks do....to move wheel away from calipers

 

[malcolm]

Photo and description of what I did on http://www.renault4.co.uk/gordini-brakes.htm Don't modify the wheel and make sure you countersink the brake disc bolts.

 

[JonathanT]

Hi Malcolm - Thanks a lot! I will check it out tomorrow eve. On first inspection just a little ground off the corners of the Caliper should do it just like your photo.


Petak - I did think of doing that - but I want to remain true to the '68 look - I appreciate your suggestion though!

 

[angel]

The real problem is the six bolts that mount the disc to the hub. Don't overlook this, it's dangerous.
With Petak's idea these two problems can be solved at once. Spacers need to be only thick enough to clear the disc mounting bolts (5-6mm).
However this would upset front end geometry, to some extent, and I don't know if it's critical or not.

 

[JonathanT]

Hi Malcolm, Angel & Petak

Just had the opportunity to explore the hub and clearances properly. I can now see clearly the problem with the 6 bolts and their interference with the wheel. Obviously the wheel needs to fit tight against the flat face of the hub.

Having examined my Calipers its clear mine are not the Bendix low profile type like Malcolm's. Its also clear there is no way without very substantial grinding could they be made to fit the higher profile Caliper. I hadn't appreciated how the bolt heads were influencing how the wheel was sitting on the hub. Flush fitting the 6 bolts actually makes the wheel interfere more with the Caliper.

Angel I can see your point but I think I'd like to retain the correct appearance as only a 5mm stand off makes the car look more like a hot rod!

I'm going to look further into this but can see for the sake of giving way a little on my artistic front I could use the existing wheels. By making a steel 'plug' with a threaded centre I could then mount the chrome hub caps. Ok there will be holes round the edges of the wheel so I'm thinking if I can live with that. The Plug would knock out when required.

I also then have the ease of getting the wheels balanced by the local tyre company as they need a hole in the centre of the wheel to put it on their wheel balancing machine.
Not to mention cost.

Your thoughts?

 

[mr-reno-139]

It was me who told malcom about using countersunk bolts an bendix calipers
think we also discussed using early r5 tlor r6 tlwheels as these have central bolt hole for hubcap and they have a disc brakes set up
suspect they are probably now impossible to find

 

[JonathanT]

Hi Reno

I've had a look on Google Images and can see R6 wheels. They too seem to have holes round the edges (spoke like) and I can see the centre pressing is a different shape to accomodate what's behind.

Thanks for the suggestion I think I will stay with my existing wheels for now

Jonathan