arches required??

[minitravellerman]

I've not gotten this far yet in my Cooper S Traveller build but just wondering if arches will be needed to cover the wheels I hoping to use.

I'm going to be using a set of BWA 4 spokes which are 5" wide and these are shod with 165 tyres. Currently I have them fitted to the car on the drum brakes (but I have spacer drums all round at the minute). They sit about a 1/2" past the body. Obviously the back is fine with the extra width the wood gives.

Really my question is - once I change the spacer drums to S discs, will the wheels sit out any wider?

I'm hoping to go without fitting arches to the front, but it's a route I'll go if I have to.

Thanks in advance.

[evonaut]

hiya

i'm running 5" GBs with 165s, on S discs and 25mm spaced drums and I have no arches. It is not an MOT issue however it is apparently illegal and you could be pulled over if plod got out of bed the wrong side.

i'm planning on procuring a set of wheels and tyres that are legal as a back up JIC.......

[minitravellerman]

Thanks.
I'm thinking I might be ok with a small amount sticking past the arch. Just trying to sych myself up for maybe having o drill the wing!

The PSNI don't seem to be too strict unless they are very obvious. I might keep a set of standard 3.5" steels on 145s for MoT

[evonaut]

I might keep a set of standard 3.5" steels on 145s for MoT

MOT isn't the problem......apparently!

[woodypup59]

It used to be an easy nick back in the day for the BiB - a mini with silly-wide wheels. You were supposed to have the tread "covered".

But I don't think plod are interested now - and possibly don't know anyway.

[rich@minispares.com]

It used to be an easy nick back in the day for the BiB - a mini with silly-wide wheels. You were supposed to have the tread "covered".

ive had loads of 'seven day wonders' in my youth for 'wheels sticking out'

the wheels and the peco 'screamer' got me nicked about once a month

[minitravellerman]

MOT isn't the problem......apparently!

It is here, as our MoT centres are Local Government run rather than in your local garage. Generally the regs should be the same, but I reckon they are a bit more strict here to be honest. The PSNI generally don't seem to be too concerned about a wheel that just sticks its nose past an arch a few mil.

[Tim]

...Just trying to sych myself up for maybe having o drill the wing! ...)

If you use the Australian style arches you don't have to drill the wing, just some 1/8" holes in the flange where the chrome plastic trim normally fits, to fit the backing strips.

Available again from Mini Kingdom. http://minikingdomonline.com.au/product ... -set-of-4/

They look quite neat and can be removed later with only a few small holes which will be covered by the chrome plastic trim.

Tim