Re: alfa-digest V7 #521 - Alfa Wheel Bolt Circle

[AlfaNeely@domain.elided]

 From: "Joseph A Fillip, Jr." <joseph.fillipjr@domain.elided>
 Subject: Question Re: Spider Wheels
 
 Anyone out there happen to know the bolt circle of wheels used on the (in my
 case, a 1988) Spider? The shop manual identifies the wheels used on the Quad
 model as 6J x 15" H2, those used on the Veloce as 6J x 14" H2, and those
 used on the Graduate as 5 1/2 J x 14" 2h.
 
 I have an opportunity to buy some used alloys identified as 15 x 6", 4 on 4
 1/4" bolt circle."  Same general size as the Quad wheels, but I'm not sure
 about the bolt circle. Will these fit?
 
 Thanks for any and all help.
 
 Joe Fillip
 Swarthmore, PA
  >>
	In recent times, Alfa used three bolt circles, 4 x 108 (Giuletta thru 115
Spiders, like the 88), 4 x 98 (Alfetta) and 5 x 98 (GTV-6, Milano, 164).  Ford
uses 4 x 4.25, which at 25.4 mm per inch computes to 4 x 107.95.  Sounds like
you found a set of Ford wheels, but I thought the Mustang LX  (has heart
shaped openings and looks a bit like the Gieuletta wheel) and Mustang GT
(turbine style) wheels were all 15 x 7.  The Mustang wheels have more offset
than the Alfa wheels, which makes the track wider and in my opinion, fills the
wheel wells better.  You might have to flatten the wheel well lips for
clearance with the extra offset.  I have no problems with the 15 x 7 Mustang
wheels on my lowered 82 spider except that the 225 50 15 tires rub on hard
bumps.  I am also running 1 degree negative camber in front, which gives a bit
more clearance.
Ciao,
Russ Neely
Oklahoma City

Post script:
	I forgot to mention that Mustang wheels need to be modified slightly.  The
inside of the wheel where it contacts the rotor has a campher.  This needs to
be cut square to clear the end on the axle on the rear of your spider.  The
diameter of the cut is 2.75 inches and deep enough to fit the rear axle.  I
cut mine on a lathe, but a friend cut his with a dremel tool.  The wheels are
not hub concentric, so fitment is not critical.
	The wheels you found may need a similar modification. 
      Also make sure your lug nuts are long (deep) enough.  The stock 82 mag
wheel lug nuts would not work with the Ford mags.  Steel wheel lug nuts will
work, but have the funky lip to hold on the hub cap.  Any tire store should
have an assortment of lug nuts for sale.
Ciao,
Russ Neely
Oklahoma City

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