15 replies to this topic

[MiniDude]

Well, I've just splashed out on some new 14" alloys from america, something completely different to what anyone is using over here in the UK at present! They're actually meant for an ATV, and have some wicked dish on them!

I'd just like to hear from anyone who is already running 14s on what size tyre you are using as against what size alloy (width). I haven't got tyres yet so need to sort this out! Also whether you have problems clearing the rear swing arm on the back, and if anyone has successfully used 14s with no catching/ rubbing on the front?!?!

Thanks, and hope someone can help! Andy

[Jammy]

You won't be able to fit any 14s without major mods. Ask on 16V Mini Club, someone on there has managed to fit 15s, but this was with major mods. You'll need to trim the bodywork, modify or use different rear trailing arms, fit the rack limiters to your steering rack from KAD, buy in a supply of wheel bearings if they have a massive offset, and possibly/probably redrill your hubs as I doubt the stud pattern is the same on the ATV they are intended for as a mini hub.

And IMO, 14" wheels on a small car like the mini will just look silly, but that, of course, is just my opinion.

[MiniDude]

Ok, well thanks for the help; I've got stud/hub adapters lined up so won't need to drill the original hubs, steering rack can be overcome, as can the body mods as I'm stripping the car back to the shell, so that's all easy stuff! The only thing I'm bothered about is the rear trail arms as you say, I'm hoping I can modify the originals, and not have to replace everything at the back! I'm doing everything myself, so cost isn't going to be a problem!

I just think the 13" alloys haven't quite got it for me, so I'm pushing it to 14"; and I want to make the car a bit unique and different!!

Andy

[nev_payne]

...I await your problem thread on the crackling sound you keep hearing form your ball joints, bearings and the bend in your tie bars....and why your car seems to follow grooves in the road without you steering.

Edited by nev_payne, 18 September 2006 - 09:41 PM.

[jack_marshall]

Give the guy some slack, jeez.

If he wants to do something, let him do it, its quite easily possible with a little time.

16vminiclub website is good place to ask exactly what mods are needed, as they do this more than us lot on here.

Good luck and post up any progress, its always good to see something different.

[Jammy]

As I mentioned, its Minimivic on 16V Mini Club who managed to get 15" wheels on his Vtec conversion. I believe he did it by using the trailing arm from something else, possibly a Metro. Personally I wouldn't want to trust my life wth modified trailing arm.

The other option (much more expensive) is to go to a company like Specialist Components (SC) or KAD and look at them making you custom trailing arms.

I think with the right styling they could look ok, in fact I was thinking about a later project on which I would use 15"s, but that was a project the likes of which I haven't really seen yet.

[MiniDude]

Lol, wel I'm glad to see I've caused a bit of a stir

Unfortunately I'm doing things on a very tight budget, and everything I've got hold of up to now has been due to them being very cheap! So, the option to go to KAD or anywhere like that is out! I've had a chat to some of the guys over on 16Vminiclub, very helpful!

I am a perfectionist, so I wouldn't be doing this unless I thought it where just about do-able, and would look good! I've mocked up the look I'd end up with on CAD, (as I'm a car design student) and with the correct lowering, I think it will look good! However I'm not going to be sticking chavy dodgy 14s on, as I like the traditional or lets say 'not chavy' look! Here's a pic of the wheels that re on the way:



The larger dish are going on the back, and the smaller dish with the bigger offest on the front to create less of a problem with steering! Hopefully it will create a kind of 'hot rod' stance!

Hopefully I will see some of you up and down the country at the shows next year, and you will agree that the 14s suit!!!

As to the wheels tramlining, I already have this problem with my daily driver, as I have 19's on that! You get used to it eventually! Of course thats not a mini though

[Purtsi]

wOw.. Now those wheels look sexy

Good luck with your project. I sure want to see how low you can go and what kind of stance you'll get with those wheels. Keep us updated

[Dan]

Before you modify any trailing arms, you do know they are hollow right? You can't really grind any off them with weakening them dramatically. You may also end up tubbing the rear arches, or at least adding a strip between the wheel arch panel and the real 1/4 to loose the wheel arch lip.

[Jobu]

Minimivic on 16vmini used a renault 5 rear beam on his mini.

Also for 14's with 195/45/14's you shouldnt to tube the arches for them to fit, well i wont/dont have to and im using 14's.

But if you want it low, then you certainly will have to. Doesnt seem hard to do anyway.

[MiniDude]

Hey jobu, you're the same guy thats been helping me over on 16Vminiclub arent u???

Yep, as has been stated, I have since found out they will fit with no modification needed to the rear swing arm! The whole inner arch is being removed on both sides (due to rust set-in), and therefore I am welding in a whole new larger inner arch; which will enable me to tuck the wheels right up. Then the coilovers can be set to the right height with #hopefully# no scrubbing and also being nice and low!!!

I will soon start my own thread in the projects section so everyone can have a look at what I'm doing, as pictures speak louder than words!!! Once again, thanks to everyone who has been able to help Now its just down to me....

[Jobu]

Yeap it is

Try the wheel to the swinging arm first! Dont forget as i said on 16vmini most the people who use 14's on there use have the Watsons kit with the shiny spacers.... So yours could completely foul the arm im not sure.

What i meant by that is the back of the swinging arm not the side of the swinging arm (Heelboard side) But your wheels have a pretty big negative offset anyway so you may be ok..

Hang on a second what the hell am i thinking! They're 7j wheels so they'll be fine no different than using 13x7's.

Sorry lol

Edited by Jobu, 19 September 2006 - 08:44 PM.

[ginger_monkey]

Those wheels are absolutely sexy as hell. I hope you get it done and get out to the shows so I can have a closer gander cause they are yummy

[AlexM]

I believe you can get tyres that fit whilst providing the same rolling circumference as 13's The Australian Mutant Mini uses these i believe

[Bam]

there is a photo of a mini on this padge with 15" alloys on it to give yo an idea of what it will look like.

http://www.sc-photo-...uk/rally201.htm

The mini later got hit by a metro 6R4!


Thanks.