Throw 240Z wheels away?

[Fuji]

Hi there, new to the forum. My best friend has a 67 1600 that for the last 10 years has sat in garage and not moved. He is in the process of getting it running, has replaced the brakes, drained and cleaned tank, rebuilt SU carbs, distributor, plugs, ect. He had been running the car previously with 14" wheels pulled from a 240Z. The wheels may not be stock Z wheels, they are what I call "slotted mags", kind of what you would see on a '70's hippie van? Anyway the tires now on the wheels are 205/70/14. They rub the fenders when turning tightly. The suspension is stock. He is wondering if anyone would know what size smaller tire would fit the rims and prevent the rubbing. I'm not sure he can afford new wheels just yet, it has taken him some money to rebuild brakes and carb. New tires will cost a good bit I would imagine as well. He is thinking the Z wheels will never work and will discard them and have to wait to save money for new wheels. What do you think about re-using the wheels? What size tires? Much appreciation for the help. There are so many threads about wheels, I looked for an hour or two, but did not see any pictures of exactly what type of wheels he has.

[notoptoy]

Hi and welcome, post a picture of the wheels, that is a pretty big tire. The wheels may well work.

[mblue97]

We would need to know the wheel offset, but regardless a 205/70 is too big for the roadster. 185/65/14 (my preference), or a 185/70 or 175/70 should work.

[Fuji]

Okay, he is going to send me pic of the wheels. I suspected that the tires were too large, they even look like they are. What is the best way to measure the offset? I can loan him my set of digital calipers if he needs those. Thanks to both of you for the replies!

[mblue97]

Have him take a picture of any markings on the back side.

[Fuji]

Okay, will do.

[fj20spl311]

The easiest way to measure the offset is cut a 15" piece of wood or any rigid material. With the wheel removed and the wood spanning the back side of the wheel, Measure from the wood {outside of the lip} down to the mounting flange. Turn the wheel over and measure from the outside lip to the same point.
Subtract the outside measurement from the inside. Most Z car wheels are "0" offset, so the measurements are the same.
If the total of both measurement = ~7" than you have 6" rims.

[Fuji]

Here is pic of the Z wheels. Sorry image quality is not good, my friend was unable to send me the pic via email so texted me pic instead. I can get better pic myself when I visit later today or tomorrow. Thanks again!

[fj20spl311]

Those fit nicely on a roadster with 185 tires.

An IMPORTANT NOTE:

They require a special Lug nut.

lug nut thread

[Fuji]

I have decent pics of the wheels now and the stamped info, which was on the outside of the wheel instead of the inside. The only thing stamped on the inside was the word "Datsun" or maybe "Nissan" I should have written down the name. We measured the wheels like indicated in one of the pics and came up with 4" on the inside of the wheel and 3 1/4" on the outside of the wheel. My friend is really excited if he can reuse the wheels since it would have put the project back a few months to save for the new wheels. He wanted me to personally thank each of you for your excellent help!

[fj20spl311]

These are very common on Roadsters.
They are 14 x6 +10mm, I would bet the 4" measurement is closer to 3 3/4 because the total should be 7"
That would have given a +13mm which is within reason.
The important thing is they fit and look good.

[Fuji]

Thanks, my friend will be pleased. Thanks for the lug nut info as well as the lug nuts he was using only fit using washers, not the best solution. I wonder how much it should cost to get these wheels refurbished, as they are slightly corroded and the spoke insets would look nice painted black?

[Gregs672000]

YOU MUST USE THE PROPER LUGS NUTS WITH THOSE WHEELS OR THEY CAN COME OFF. I DO NOT BELIEVE THE STOCK ARE THE CORRECT PITCH FOR A ROADSTER. They are a shouldered lug nut and must be the correct depth and thread pitch. Spend the money on the right nuts or don't run the wheel... see recent disaster and history of similar wheels (iron cross) coming off cars. Could cost you your life.

[Fuji]

Hi Greg, Thank you for being concerned about the lug nuts. Even though not my car, I may be riding in it some! FJ20SPL posted a link earlier in the thread and it looks like these? http://www.ezaccessory.com/Toyota_Lexus ... /5001t.htm Would these be the correct ones? My friend is using lug nuts that are long, but also has some short ones and those don't fit at all. The longer nuts fit but you have to use hardware store washers to make them cinch up. He realizes that the lug nuts or the wheel studs need to be changed. If you don't mind, could you take a quick look at the link I posted and see if you think these appear correct. These have a built in washer. You are correct, the right nuts will be cheap compared to a wheel accident. Thank you.

[Fuji]

My friend could not find anyone to refurbish the wheels at a decent price, and since they were straight and not cracked or bent, he has decided to clean them up and buff and paint himself. I will post a picture when they are done.