ED with AU rims + spacers, should I do it? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Martin · 01-19-2002, 06:12

This site here ( http://www.gruppea.com.au/ ) sells wheel spacers so that AU rims will fit Pre-Au Falcons, ive always liked the AU Series I 17in rims so I was thinking of perhaps doing it. I also dont mind the look of the 16in Fairmont Ghia rims either(cheaper tyres and less insurance hassle also).

Just a couple of Qs
Will it be legal due to the spacers?,
Maybe a stupid question, but would it in anyway change the handling of my car?
Should I do this or just get a set of rims that already suit the car without the spacers?

XR8chic · 01-19-2002, 07:22

Dont do it!!!

The spacers you would need are actually HUGE!!!

30 - 40 mm from memory.

There are a lot of 16's and 17's to suit pre au falcons out there. There are quite a few really nice designs.

Also have a look at billit rims.. You can get some awesome designs, and they arent that expensive.. (I met a guy at the nats with a gorgeous EL who got his set of 18" billeted rims for $300 cheaper than what it cost me to get my off the shelf 18's)

PURSUTE · 01-19-2002, 14:02

i agree, DON'T DO IT!!

i'm not sure about all states but spacers are definitely illegal in the act.

because the offset is so different they would be huge, requireing extre long wheel studs. these could be prone to streching.

also, they are really painfull to get streight, making wheel balance/vibration problems difficult to solve.

Martin · 01-20-2002, 05:19

The spacers seem pretty professional though??

RAPTOR · 01-20-2002, 14:00

I'm in too minds on this one.

I agree with you that the AU Series I 17in rims look hot and that these spacers seem very professional. I'm not sure of the legality but it just could be that these are OK. The spacer being permanantly attached to the cars hub via bolts or the original studs (much like many cars are built originally) and the spacers themselves carry the new wheel studs - ask the authorities.

However, like others have said there are plenty of styles with the correct offset to suit your car - so why make life more difficult than it has to be?

Provoided the wheel/tyre combo you eventually fit is positioned correctly wrt offset and of a suitable overall diameter it should not be detrimental to handling.

WINGED · 01-21-2002, 00:03

GO FOR IT I SAY.

GO FOR THE 17" AUI OR AU11 RIMS.

Here is a pic of my car before i brought it, i test drove it with these wheels on and was awear of the probs people said it could cause but it seemed fine.

I just could'nt stretch the budget to get the wheels.

RAPTOR · 01-21-2002, 13:52

Hey Martin, have you seen this thread in the "Market";

18" Simmons FR Series to suit ED!

Aussie Pete · 01-21-2002, 18:49

Quote:

Originally posted by RAPTOR
Hey Martin, have you seen this thread in the "Market";

18" Simmons FR Series to suit ED!

I'd be going for the Simmons. Fantasmagorically superdelicious!

Martin · 01-22-2002, 09:15

Yeah those Simmons are damn sweet looking, but nearly $3k is more than I want to spend wheels, plus I would imagine the ride with 18s wouldnt exactly be 'comfy'.

Aussie Pete · 01-22-2002, 14:41

Quote:

Originally posted by Martin
Yeah those Simmons are damn sweet looking, but nearly $3k is more than I want to spend wheels, plus I would imagine the ride with 18s wouldnt exactly be 'comfy'.

Ride with 18s is okay on my car. As for the $3k, I have found that with Simmons wheels you will always get a good amount of money back if you sell (i.e. they have very good resale). Hence the ownership cost is actually lower overall. I was going to get the FRs for the AU, however I chickened out (regrettably I have to say).