Another wheel arches thread

[Ric H]

Hi all,
I realise this isn't the first time the topic has come up, but as a bunch more
folks have now got their SVAs I'd like to canvas opinion.
Before I was fully aware of how tight the bodywork was going to be I'd got my wheels - OZ ultraleggera 15x7 rims with 195 50 tyres. Although listed as a Rover fitment I now know these have slightly less negative offset - 37 versus 45 so 8mm each side. However, When trial fitting my bodywork, the rear wheels protrude a good 20mm from the arches each side. Unless I'm missing something, i can't even see standard Rover wheels fitting. The fronts protrude only a small amount at the top, but more so at the front edge as the bodywork curves away from the wheel.

I'm not clear on the specifics of the SVA - I quote:

Wheels
• which, above the horizontal plane
passing through the axis of rotation, must
not project beyond the vehicle body plan
form (other than in the case of tyres,
wheel discs and central wheel securing
nuts)
• on which any wheel disc or central
wheel securing nut that projects beyond
the vehicle body plan form does not have
a radius of curvature of less than 30mm
and does not project more than 30mm.

Now I read that as saying only the top half of the wheel is relevant (massive negative camber then!) and that the rubber of the tyre can actually be beyond the body. Is this correct or is it best to just interpret as "nothing outside the body plan" - in which case this would include the front outside edge of the front tyres??

In any case, i think I have two depressing options - 1) get some different wheels (ouch!); 2) mould some new arch extensions on to the body (I was planning to paint it anyway). Has anyone tried the latter - aside from Jon of course with his major body reworking? Any thoughts on any production car arch kits that might be a good starting point?

Frustrating stuff.
Richard

[Patrick]

Could you get a set of cheap steelies from a scrap yard for the test?

Otherwise if you planning on making your own arches you can get everything you need here: http://www.cfsnet.co.uk/acatalog/index.html

I got some of the Polyurethane Sheet which is surprisingly easy to work with (hack saw blades & sand paper). I plan on making some custom bits for the sportster out of fibreglass

[SDMC001]

I cant really pass any real opinion over understanding, I do know 185`s were just about ok.

I can only suggest, if not already done so, speak to your sva office, and try to asceratin their view.

Best of luck

Steve

[limpabit]

I'm using the standard turbo wheels with 195 rubber. And it was close. The rears I thought would fail as they were protruding slightly. I took a risk under the assumption it would fail on the first go anyway.

Depends on the examiner.

[Ric H]

Thanks to Patrick for the tip-off to CFS. Great site.
I bit the bullet and decided on some wheel arch mods. This is a lot of work!
I've attached a couple of photos - one of a foam core in place before GRP and one of the laminated arches. All are now rough glassed, with the long filling and finishing task to come.... after SVA I think! All in all I'm pretty pleased: wheels now comfortably covered and the car has a generally more muscular look to it. Shouldn't get debris thrown down the wings either.
Richard

[Jon@JNRacing.co.uk]

Coming along there nicely Richard, it is a lot or hard work as you have probably worked out to get the perfect finish, but it is worth it. keep up the good work.