wheel adapters
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From: crofton maryland
wheel adapters
i have seen it before but i wanted to ask some thing else about wheel adapters. i have 1986 vette with 17 inch rims off a 1989 vette. they are on my vette now with no adapters, but I see places in side the fender wells were there rubbing and the rims set to far inside the fenders for my liking. i have seen guys say to get i think it was adapters that are 3/4 of a inch thick. but was thinking about getting 1 inch ones, but would that make the rims seat out to far and then i would be rubbing on the outter fenders then?? 
Last edited by tigmaned; Sep 19, 2005 at 03:17 PM.
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From: Maryville Tn
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According to Gordon Killebrew's book, The 17" wheels should work on our '84-'87 cars with no problems. The bolt pattern is the same for all Vettes, '84-'96. 
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
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84 thru 87 wheels have an offset of 38mm. The 88 and later wheels have an offset of 56mm. That is a difference of about 18mm (or 3/4") and the later wheels will sit that distance further into the wheel well compared to to the early wheels.
Gordon may be right about the wheels being able to be mounted on the early cars in that they hae the same bolt pattern and there will be no clearance issues with the wheel wells or calipers, but the difference in offset between the early and late cars is why you need the adapters to make the later wheels look "right" when they are installed.
Get the 3/4" adapters and you will be good to go.
Gordon may be right about the wheels being able to be mounted on the early cars in that they hae the same bolt pattern and there will be no clearance issues with the wheel wells or calipers, but the difference in offset between the early and late cars is why you need the adapters to make the later wheels look "right" when they are installed.
Get the 3/4" adapters and you will be good to go.
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Pro
Joined: May 2005
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From: crofton maryland
yea i know they fit, there on my vette right now. but they seat to deep in the fender wells and why i want the adapters. i was wondering if anyone has gone a little wider with one inch ones? but i guess i'll go fro the 3/4 ones then.
Pro
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From: Marysville CA - 2002
i hate adapters - don't use them - i went with a wheel that had a 38 degree offset - no problems - no worries - no adapters - t
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Burning Brakes
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From: Shelby Township Michigan
You could go with either the 3/4" adapter to place the wheel just inside the lip of the fender line or go with the 1" adapter to push it out a hair. Depends on what look you like the best. I used 1" adapters on the rear to place the C6 wheels to the same position as my stock 17" wheels. No problems. They bolt on like a wheel and then you bolt the wheel on to them. I hear that most tire stores won't deal with them, but keep looking, I am sure you will find a qualified place that will.
Good luck,
Dino
Good luck,
Dino
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Don't use 3/4" adapters unless they're 9.5" wide. 1.25" for 8.5" wheels will give you a nice look.
I mounted my 17x8.5 Y2ks with 1.25" adapters. $174 for the set.
Discount tire will mount wheels on bolted on adapters, but not spacer plates. Make that clear with them if they give you a hassle, most of the employees, sadly, don't know the difference.
I mounted my 17x8.5 Y2ks with 1.25" adapters. $174 for the set.
Discount tire will mount wheels on bolted on adapters, but not spacer plates. Make that clear with them if they give you a hassle, most of the employees, sadly, don't know the difference.
Last edited by CentralCoaster; Sep 20, 2005 at 10:52 AM.
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From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
Hmmm- This is my `87, with `96 CE -OE wheels with no adapters. I think it looks ok. Wheels fit fine 
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From: Fort Lauderdale FL
Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
Don't use 3/4" adapters unless they're 9.5" wide. 1.25" for 8.5" wheels will give you a nice look.
I mounted my 17x8.5 Y2ks with 1.25" adapters. $174 for the set.
Discount tire will mount wheels on bolted on adapters, but not spacer plates. Make that clear with them if they give you a hassle, most of the employees, sadly, don't know the difference.
I mounted my 17x8.5 Y2ks with 1.25" adapters. $174 for the set.
Discount tire will mount wheels on bolted on adapters, but not spacer plates. Make that clear with them if they give you a hassle, most of the employees, sadly, don't know the difference.
