Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I just purchased a 1965 1500 with the original 13" wheels. I was wanting to convert the front drum brakes to discs and am told I need 14" wheels to clear the stock calipers but they will rub on the "narrow" fenders. I wanted to put 15" Panasports on the car so no problem there. Now it seems I cannot even run 14" wheels. I am prepared to roll the fenders and it seems the 14" wheel would fit fine from a visual perspective. Does anyone run 14"/15" wheels on a narrow fender car without rubbing ?

Although I haven't actually "run" 14" wheels on an early car, I do have a set of Watanabes that I plan to use for Sunday Best on my '66 1500.

Stock 13" wheels with 175/75 13 tyres.


Watanabes 14 x 6 with 195/60R14 tyres.

The trick is to choose a wheel with the same offset as the original wheelss so that the increased tyre and rim width is placed equally towards the inside and outside of the car.


In fact, I noticed that a 14" rim actually clears the front suspension better than a 13" due to that extra 1/2" in radius.
The 13" would touch the rear of the top wishbone at full lock whereas the 14" doesn't.


14" Alloy wheel.


13"Steel wheel. Without the steering stop these rims will foul on the trailing edge of the upper wishbone.

Of course the steering stops prevent this happening but just something I noticed.

So, I used 14 x 6" alloys with a 12mm [1/2"] Positive offset and 195/60R14 tyres.
This size tyre has the same O.D as the original 13" tyre so that minimises the likelihood of guard fouling.


Stock wheel and tyre, rear.


Alloy wheel and tyre, rear.

The clearance of the rears are a non event since the extra tyre and rim width has heaps of room in the rear wheel arch.

Just make sure that the 14"wheels you choose will clear the huge front hubs and the calipers.

Nissanman, did you make new rear axle U bolts? I am looking for new that are 1.75" longer that stock.
Thanks

No they are the originals, re-plated.
If you want longer, I would suggest an Auto Performance Shop.
Some leaf spring lowering kits that use blocks come with lengthened U bolts.
e.g.

These are from the "Summit Racing" online cattledog: -
http://www.summitracing.com/search/?key ... ocks&dds=1

2nd page of this thread there are lots of 14-15" aftermarket wheels on 310s
http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=5787" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

you just need to sort out proper offset/width and if you are lowered or stock ride height

Thanks for the replies, greatly appreciated. I like the look of the 15" Panasport wheel but perhaps a 14" might be more prudent for my application. Both are available in 15mm offsets in the 6" diameter however.

pebbles wrote:Nissanman, did you make new rear axle U bolts? I am looking for new that are 1.75" longer that stock.
Thanks

While fitting lowering blocks to my composit springs this summer I was not able to find any U bolts on the internet that were the correct size for a Roadster in the length I needed. I had a set made in about 15 minutes at a spring shop, cheap. Bring them one of yours and you're golden.