17" alloys on a clipper......rubbing

Hi, im new to the world of mk1's.

Ive purchased a 92 (k) clipper and fitted a set of 17" alloys i had……They dont fit!


They rub on the suspension, the tyre size is 205,40,17 can you buy spacers so that these will fit or is it just a big no no???

tyres on 17" wheels are much more "square" in shape than 13" or 14" or whatever wheels. The Mk1 wheel well is not a simple shape, its curves and tapers all over the place and of course you need to allow for suspension travel and the front wheels steering. So yuo might find if you put spacers on, it rubs the other side. Certainly, you won't have much authority to lower it - and this will also mean if you deflect the suspension a lot it will also collide.

Maybe you need 195 tyres and it might just fit?

Thanks for your quick reply, im gutted, the wheels and tyres are only about 4 weeks old!!!

17`s are a big too big for a mk1 in my opinion, they are too big for a lot of the early cars, even Corrados, rallyes etc

they ruin the handling characteristics (like cabbys have really got any to speak of) but you know what i mean

every bump becomes a mountain, every corner becomes an under steer or skipping accross the tarmac drama, they tram line and for the cost of tyres etc they just dont give enough benefit to warrant having them

best rims on a mk1 are 15 inch with 195 50 tyres perfect for comfort, handling and everyday use, and you can lower it a fair whack if you want to without any agro or body work!! 16 inch will go on and be better for clearance but still not as good as the 15`s

Just my 2p worht, and i have been (and still am :wink: ) a wheel whore  (as he buys yet another set of Borbets, 16 inch C`s this time though :mrgreen: )

i would guess its the tyres that are the problem, 205 is a wide tyre for a mk1.

17 inch is too big

get sammler rims.

NathBlack said

get sammler rims.

Ohh are they a old skool brand :wink:  :mrgreen:

if the 17s are only a few weeks old then perhaps think about selling them and buying something smaller. If theyre still in a new condition you shouldnt lose too much on the sale! plus 15s are cheaper so you'll have enough coin left over to buy me a pint!   

I'll put the 17's on my van and look for some nice 15's for the cabby, the rims it came with are 15's with brand new tyres!

Show a picture, please.

There she blows……..