Technical Wheel rim width

[jonny427]

Morning all, what is the widest wheel rim width that will fit beneath the wings, I will consider having the arches rolled, though I would like to keep the car shape fairly standard, ie not putting super fandango arches on.

Regards Jon

 

[Ant Knox]

I believe several folks here run 145's without problems, however I found they rubbed on both the front arch liner and the lips of the rear arches, especially under compression when driving 'fast' (such as road undulations). It depends on the offset of the wheel too; I was running Abarth-style Fergats on mine before changing back to a standard wheel pattern.

 

[jonny427]

I believe several folks here run 145's without problems, however I found they rubbed on both the front arch liner and the lips of the rear arches, especially under compression when driving 'fast' (such as road undulations). It depends on the offset of the wheel too; I was running Abarth-style Fergats on mine before changing back to a standard wheel pattern.

Thanks Ant, I am thinking about having my standard rims banded so thinking about how much larger to go, is there a standard offset on the 500L?

 

[jonny427]

Also is it possible to buy new Fiat rims with the safety beading?

 

[smart51]

I've had no problems with 145s on mine. There's a pic here of my wheel next to a standard R wheel https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/heated-handbrake-and-other-musings.504208/post-4712962

 

[jonny427]

I am thinking about the width not the diameter of the wheel without the tyre.

 

[Goldnrust]

When it comes other fitting under arches, wheel diameter and tyre size are ultimately quite linked. If you were to go the route that many VW enthusiast go with 'stretched' tyres you can fit crazy wide wheels under standard looking arches. Offset also plays a big part also. I'm sure the wheels in this picture are going to be 7 or 8" wide and 'fit' under fairly standard arches, but they aren't going to be a fit most are happy with.

The wheels @smart51 is using, I believe, are 4.5" wide. So thats 1" wider than standard, and fill out the standard arches nicely.

These couple of 500s are using 10x6" wheels ( I think, could be 10x5?) under standard looking arches.

At a guess I'd say you wont want to go much wider than 5" without needing something more than just an arch roll, and you'd be best to take some measurements from your current wheels to calculate the offset and work out how much extra banding you can do. There are guides online as to how to measure and calculate wheel rim widths and offset.

 

[jonny427]

I am thinking about the width not the diameter of the wheel without the tyre.

Thanks Goldnrust 4.5 to 5 inches is what I was looking for, there is a company near me that do banding I will speak to them regarding offset, and once I have the car I will see how much room there is.

 

[the hobbler]

Thanks Goldnrust 4.5 to 5 inches is what I was looking for, there is a company near me that do banding I will speak to them regarding offset, and once I have the car I will see how much room there is.

Be careful as to how wide you go---the front hub bearings on the 500 are not that big (when compared to the Mk 2 126)