Lessons learned VTO Retro 4 15x7 P12

[fj20spl311]

1) The stock Front studs are short - replace with either 1.5 or 1.75 long studs (Dorman 610-259).
2) The hub bore is too small, either cut the wheels with a router or plan on a small spacer.
3) The rear studs are just barely long enough if you don't cut the face of the wheels.
4) The rears need a little more + offset, have the face cut to increase the offset to P18 and more threads engaged by the lug nuts.
5) 195/50-15 tires fit best

I am very happy with these wheels, The look very much like my Libre's and are 40 years newer.

The other choice for me were HB4 Modular wheels. $$$$$ LOL

[Alvin]

or run the 15x6 to be safe

[fj20spl311]

or run the 15x6 to be safe

The outer lip of the 15x6 +3 in only inboard of the 15x7 +12 by 4 mm or 0.146"
The 15x6 +24 is inside by 1"

What fun would it be to run 6" rims?

[notoptoy]

So, I still need pictures!

[Alvin]

one thread below

[notoptoy]

Thanks Alvin,
I was wondering how/where this thread jumped!

[FutoFab]

Phil,
I assume from your comments that there is enough material in the Retro 4 wheel center that machining 6mm off the mounting face could be done to get a +18 offset. I know the Classic 8 has the material needed to do this.

If a 15x7 +18 offset were made, in your opinion, would the 6mm additional offset draw the front wheel inboard too far? From what I have heard in various posts adding this amount of backspacing (4.7" +/-) does not create any interference issues, but it is more of an appearance issue having the wheel more recessed into the wheel opening.

It would seem that a 15x7 +18 wheel with a larger or even stepped center bore that fits over the Datsun’s hub center would fit both front and rear on a 67.5 or later Roadster. This might be the best 4 corner wheel for an owner that doesn't want any "stagger" on rims/tires.

Do you have any thoughts/comments on using a 15x7 +18 for all wheel locations? Or any thoughts on '67 and earlier Roadster fitment.

[fj20spl311]

Phil,
I assume from your comments that there is enough material in the Retro 4 wheel center that machining 6mm off the mounting face could be done to get a +18 offset. I know the Classic 8 has the material needed to do this.

It looks like it to me, but I would have to remove the metal insert to measure the thickness to be more sure, but they are much thicker than most. It looks like the metal inserts end about 5 mm before the flange.

If a 15x7 +18 offset were made, in your opinion, would the 6mm additional offset draw the front wheel inboard too far? From what I have heard in various posts adding this amount of backspacing (4.7" +/-) does not create any interference issues, but it is more of an appearance issue having the wheel more recessed into the wheel opening.

15x6 +10 are a common Panasport offset that puts the tires close to flush in the front and still clears unmodified in the rear..

15x7 +18 (If the offset calculator I use is correct, LOL) puts the tire 5 mm out farther. Therefore you might have to roll the fender lip in the rear. These cars do vary a lot in the clearence in the rear from car to car.

It would seem that a 15x7 +18 wheel with a larger or even stepped center bore that fits over the Datsun’s hub center would fit both front and rear on a 67.5 or later Roadster. This might be the best 4 corner wheel for an owner that doesn't want any "stagger" on rims/tires.

That is what I was thinking, but I want a little more time with my set-up to check things. I have a few "while I am there items", so I have not had a chance to drive my car yet.

Do you have any thoughts/comments on using a 15x7 +18 for all wheel locations? Or any thoughts on '67 and earlier Roadster fitment.

I don't think the 15x7s in any offset will NOT fit a stock 67 and earlier Roadster. Even the 15x6 +3 might have to be shaved 6 mm to get closer to the ideal of +10

[FutoFab]

Phil,
This is great information, thank you for being the guinea pig on the 15x7 +12 Retro 4's.

[FutoFab]

Phil,
Thank you for the input and FutoFab has responded with a spacer/stud package to at least get proper wheel installation to the car.

Here is a link to our post in the Vendor Section for FutoFab's Roadster Spacer/Stud Kit.

http://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=13477

[sfdaugherty]

I decided to take a chance on the 16" x 7" +12 VTO wheels and I couldn't be happier.

They fit great with 195-45R 16 Yokohama S. Drives.

1) You will need the spacers that Dave at Futofab sells or trim the hubs;
2) The lug nuts on the front only have about 6 turns on the threads so I will be installing the longer studs that Dave sells;
3) The 195 tires clear just fine in back and in front with the spacers.
4) My car is lowered in front but not radically.
5) The caps fit over the front hubs!

[notoptoy]

Those look great, do you have any larger resolution pics?

[sfdaugherty]

You can go to my photobucket page and look at the pics that don't start with "reduced".

http://s1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee4 ... %20wheels/

I'll try to get some better photos a little later.

I just took it out for a quick spin. It does ride a little rougher than my 60 series 14" Revolutions and the balance is slightly off (I'll go back to Discount tire and have them rebalance them). I took it up to about 75 MPH, over speedbumps, made some tight turns, etc. and there was no rubbing at all.

I ordered these on June 30 and they arrived a week later. I took advantage of Futofab's free shipping offer and Discount Tire's offer for a $100 rebate if you purchased 4 tires on July 1 or 2. I just had them installed on the wheels yesterday and mounted them this morning.

Shannon

[FutoFab]

Shannon,
Those 16's look great on such a sharp looking car!

I'm glad we could help you out.

[sfdaugherty]

Dave:

You guys were great to work with and part of my decision to purchase from you was because of your interest in this forum and our cars. Keep up the good work.

My fiance offered to buy me a second set so I wouldn't have to take these off my 69 2000 when the SR20 is ready.

We'll see . . .

Shannon