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Topic: rear wheel spacers

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


rear wheel spacers

Posted: 8/1/07 9:43pm Message 1 of 9
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Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533
Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
I am currently thinking about replacing my rotors (still on the originals) and I noticed that I have plastic (gray) spacers on the rear wheels that are about 3/4".
 
When shopping for rotors, I don't see measurements and I would like to keep that "offset".
 
Unless I'm wrong, I don't think its original equipement, so how do I go about to keep that offset when shopping for rotors?



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rear wheel spacers

Posted: 8/1/07 11:20pm Message 2 of 9
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WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ - USA
Joined: 11/4/2003
Posts: 29
Vette(s): 1969 350 4-speed L46 fathom green Coupe w/AC 134a conversion, Steeroids rack n pinion ENGINE-3970010,K0120CKB TRANS-19S733177,P9R13b INTAKE-3965577 HEADS -3998993 DISTB -1111493
Its sounds to me that you have after market wheels which have a larger offset or backspacing than original requiring the spacers. Replacing your rotors shouldn't have any affect on current wheel setup.


rear wheel spacers

Posted: 8/2/07 7:53pm Message 3 of 9
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Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
Oh boy! Did I say 3/4 ?? Wacko
 
I meant 1/4.  I just found the exact same on ebay; they say it's 5/16.
Here's a pic of mine.
 
My wheels are rally 15/8 repro bought on ebay by the PO.
 
I guess he added the spacers so the back wheels stick out by 1/4" more (wait..., way more than that... by 5/16).
 
 



rear wheel spacers

Posted: 8/3/07 6:29am Message 4 of 9
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
I'd get rid of them, myself, unless you NEED them to keep the rims from hitting the calipers. Those things are just an accident waiting to happen. I've seen too many rims fall off the cars with those spacers because they really don't allow the nuts to be tightened properly. Definitely NOT needed with Rally rims.
just my opin...


Joel Adams
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rear wheel spacers

Posted: 8/3/07 8:22pm Message 5 of 9
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Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
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Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed
To Joel's comment, I say , "Right On". Things can happen. According to one of our members in Texas (was it?) there are different types of spacers. Your style should really use extended studs, but a nightmare to replace. ......A toss of the dice my friend. you may never have any problem.


rear wheel spacers

Posted: 8/3/07 8:38pm Message 6 of 9
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Canada
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Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
I think you guys couldn't be more one the money with your advise.  The lug nuts in the back were shorter (kind of just plain 'ol bolts...) and it still was a tight fit.
 
I'm currently shopping for rotors; so by default those spacers will be gone.
 
I will probably miss the look of the tires stickin' out 1/4" more, but I won't jeopardize safety for that!
 
And yeah; I guess I'll be ordering a set of lug nuts too!
 



rear wheel spacers

Posted: 8/7/07 5:58pm Message 7 of 9
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
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Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
The Chevell/Monte Carlo ralley wheels ahd different back spacing than Corvette wheels, and are more often seen at swap meets and on eBay.  Maybe you just have the wrong wheels.


rear wheel spacers

Posted: 8/8/07 5:59pm Message 8 of 9
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Canada
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Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
That is great information.
All I know right now, is that my calipers & rotors are standard and that the wheels were purchase on ebay.
 
So, before ordering rotors; if I just measure the inside of the wheels and all 4 come up the same, then it is safe to assume that the PO installed those spacers just for the look and I can order rotors without worring about replacing wheels as well?
 



rear wheel spacers

Posted: 8/8/07 6:53pm Message 9 of 9
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Manteca, CA - USA
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Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed
[QUOTE=MrMako]Its sounds to me that you have after market wheels which have a larger offset or backspacing than original requiring the spacers. Replacing your rotors shouldn't have any affect on current wheel setup.[/QUOTE]
 
  UH, Yup. It's Twu. In a worst case, you may still need the spacers if those wheels are in fact after market and have an inadequate backset, but the rotors won't affect anything. Order away.The clearance issues are the E-brake cable and the rear spring. The cable can be pulled in and anchored and the spring can be replaced with a custom shorty. Look around and see what your up against. Rotors will be machined to an exact thickness and will not vary.
aceinthehole2007-08-08 19:03:26


in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


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