When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Vintage Wheel Works "Vintage 48" wheels DO NOT clear stock calipers
Just wanted to contribute some knowledge on the VWW V48s since I couldn't find it prior to buying these wheels. Hopefully I can save someone else the trouble I'm in.
"This wheel has 3/4" clearance from the axle plane to the backside of the spokes and will fit over 4-piston Corvette brake calipers."
Unfortunately, the wheels do not clear the front calipers (on a '69). I made the mistake of not verifying their statement prior to having tires mounted, so I got a very unpleasant surprise when they didn't clear.
It's not a huge clearance issue - adding a ~3/16" spacer allows the wheels to fit. But they're clearly advertised inaccurately, so just be aware.
I've contacted Vintage Wheel Works to see what they have to say on the issue - I'll update when they respond.
Last edited by 69_427_SBC; 05-26-2015 at 11:28 AM.
Reason: Clarity.
I have the V48 in 17" size, no issues. I know that doesn't help you. It's a great looking wheel.
Oh, I have Wilwood brakes.
You post in the "wheels" thread was one of a few that made me go with these. I suspect that the Wilwoods must be a hair lower profile than the stockers, which would probably make them clear.
Just pointing out they show a zero offset and stock would be -12MM
If that is true you are off by 1/2" compared to stock.
Thanks for the alert. I am aware - in back I'll run 1/2" spacers. In front the look and fit (other than the brakes) is ok, since I went with some wider tires so that the outer edge of the tire is in effectively the same place.
True, but the clearance issue is between the backside of the spokes and the calipers, which isn't a factor with offset.
Actually it is. As this is a cast wheel they probably cast one wheel that has an oversize mounting pad that they will machine down to make the different offsets. So on a 16x8 with 0mm offset, the spokes will be closer to the mounting flange. On a 16x8 with -12mm, the spokes will be further away from the mounting flange and therefore a bigger space to the spokes.
Sorry about the crappy diagram, but you can see that as size a becomes smaller (backspace), size b (mounting flange depth) becomes bigger and thus the spoke clearance becomes greater.
Actually it is. As this is a cast wheel they probably cast one wheel that has an oversize mounting pad that they will machine down to make the different offsets. So on a 16x8 with 0mm offset, the spokes will be closer to the mounting flange. On a 16x8 with -12mm, the spokes will be further away from the mounting flange and therefore a bigger space to the spokes.
Sorry about the crappy diagram, but you can see that as size a becomes smaller (backspace), size b (mounting flange depth) becomes bigger and thus the spoke clearance becomes greater.
That all makes perfect sense generally, but VWW only make one backspacing/offset in this wheel in a 16x8, and that one model is the one they describe above.
Now, if they wanted to make up their mistake by sending me a set of 16x8s with a 4" BS (with a larger pad to clear the calipers) I'd be all over it...
That all makes perfect sense generally, but VWW only make one backspacing/offset in this wheel in a 16x8, and that one model is the one they describe above.
Now, if they wanted to make up their mistake by sending me a set of 16x8s with a 4" BS (with a larger pad to clear the calipers) I'd be all over it...
I have dealt with VWW a lot over the years (think my car is still in one of their galleries with the V48's on) and I would be very surprised if they don't work with you to fix this issue, they are good people.
Nick
You post in the "wheels" thread was one of a few that made me go with these. I suspect that the Wilwoods must be a hair lower profile than the stockers, which would probably make them clear.
Sorry to hear that. I guess my 17's have a different offset?
Actually it is. As this is a cast wheel they probably cast one wheel that has an oversize mounting pad that they will machine down to make the different offsets. So on a 16x8 with 0mm offset, the spokes will be closer to the mounting flange. On a 16x8 with -12mm, the spokes will be further away from the mounting flange and therefore a bigger space to the spokes.
Sorry about the crappy diagram, but you can see that as size a becomes smaller (backspace), size b (mounting flange depth) becomes bigger and thus the spoke clearance becomes greater.
I understand what you're saying, but you're introducing a second variable, that being the thickness of the wheel mounting pad. Most of the wheels I've dealt with, over the years, have a common thickness in the wheel pad, and vary offset by where the wheel center is mated to the rim....
I got caught with exactly the same problem with wheels from US Mags. It seems the "caliper height" you see in the drawing below is not always specified.
05-26-2015, 11:26 AM
Vintage Wheel Works "Vintage 48" wheels DO NOT clear stock calipers
