Technical Which hubs/brakes/alloys/tyres?

[MattGibson]

My 500 currently has stock hubs, brakes, rims and tyres. I'd like to improve the brakes and fit a nice set of period-looking alloys. I'd also like to fit slightly larger tyres for better traction. The alloys I quite like are these:

http://www.fiat500.cc/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=259

They use the standard 190mm PCD. I was thinking about upgrading the hubs to 98mm PCD hubs from a 126, and use the 126 hubs on the rears. If they will fit inside the 12 inch alloys I wanted to use the disc brake adaptor plates and make some fron discs using calipers and discs from a Fiat Punto/Sceicento, etc.

I realise I'll need to use adaptor plates to fit the 190 PCD alloys onto the 98 PCD hubs and was told that this combination (with 145/70R12 tyres) would cause the rear wheels to stick out too far and catch the wheel arch.

Can anyone recommend the best fit. Should I use 126 hubs, disc brakes and adaptor plates on the front and stick with 500 hubs and drums on the back, or just stick with 500 hubs all round and get a disc brake set for 500 hubs?

Any advice is really appreciated.

 

[the hobbler]

Hi Matt;
The problem is, I don't know of anybody who anybody who does a disc brake conversion for the 190pcd hubs that does not need to use the 98/190pcd adaptor plate, because if an adaptor plate is not used, the wheel bolts would end up needing to come out in the middle of braking surface! The answer might be to fit 126 hubs (98pcd) at the front, with adaptor plates and (early) 126 rear hubs. I am sure that the early 126s still used 190pcd hubs. My recently purchased car has 98pcd hubs, and for some inexpliccable reason, adapto plates and 190pcd alloy wheels (which will eventually be for sale!). The conundrum is, that there is no doubt that the improvement in braking that use of the 98pcd hubs allow, makes for a much safer car.

 

[MattGibson]

Thanks Tom, it should have occurred to me that the studs from the 190PCD hubs would stick into the discs. I saw a couple of brake kits for 500 hubs, but I realise on closer inspection that they include the 98-190 adaptor plates. I guess my other option would be to go with 126 hubs and 190PCD alloys with the adaptor plates and have the wheel arches flared slightly like you're planning on doing.

 

[RogerNZ]

Really keen to see where this thread goes because I have looked at the same issue. I love those exact alloys, but have committed to fitting 126 hubs on my D resto. My answer is to use this kit on the front http://webshop.fiat500126.com/index...isc_tuning_kit_front_for_2_sides_premium.html

And to then use the adapter plates on the rear. I was also planning to use 145 tyres, but can't see that an adapter plate will take up too much room - at least not more than could be allowed for by beating out the inner guards, while leaving the external guards looking standard. Maybe I need to go back to the drawing board on that idea?

Cheers Roger

 

[MattGibson]

Roger, I hope to pick up the hubs mid-November, so I think I might get the alloys as a Christmas present to myself. Once I've got all the parts together I'll try and fit them to car and let you know how I get on. I'll go for 126 hubs all round, with 126 drum brakes on the back and disc brakes on the front using the adaptor plates and Sceicento/Punto calipers, pads and discs. I'll hopefully be able to fit the Lesmo alloys with 145/70 tyres - I guess time will tell!

Matt

 

[MattGibson]

Roger,

The Hobbler told me about these alloys, which are very similar but have the advantage of fitting 98 PCD hubs:
http://www.ricambisport.it/ing/ricambi_auto_sportive_online_store.php?cat=152&id=210

Matt

 

[the hobbler]

Hi All;
Whilst the wife was watching 'Homeland' (which I can't stand) I thought that I might as well do something useful--the outcome was:--- look onto the RICAMBI SPORT web-site-their alloy wheel (part No. RCL001) might just fill the bill--4.5x12 with a 98pcd wheel bolt pattern--E150 each. Seek and ye shall find

 

[RogerNZ]

Well spotted! Just what I have been searching for. I thought I had viewed every fiat site there was, but you're at least one ahead o me. Thanks.
Roger

 

[the hobbler]

Visiting daughter who is insisting on watching 'X Factor'--gawd 'elp us!! so did a bit of 'perusing' whilst trying to ignore TV and found another set of 4.5x12 alloy wheels with 98pcd wheel bolt pattern---Ricambio International--£410.00p for a set of 4, (£492.00p inc VAT)--look very nice.

 

[RogerNZ]

Just an update - and a service endorsement for a supplier. Thanks to the hobbler's tip off I recenty bought these wheels from ricambisport.it

http://www.ricambisport.it/ing/ricambi_auto_sportive_online_store.php?cat=152&id=210

They shipped from Italy to New Zealand in under 10 days. Given the size and weight of the parcel the approx 170 euro frieght charge was more than reasonable in my view. The website is easy to use and shipping is calculated at time of purchase. It's a shame I had to pay VAT, which many suppliers remove from orders being sent outside the EU, but the wheels are so nice I don't care! Interestingly they are approx 10mm wider than a standard 126p rim.

Shame it will be at least 6 months before the car is in any state to fit them!

Cheers Roger

 

[MattGibson]

I take it you're happy with the wheels Roger? I should be picking up my 126 hubs on Friday and these are the wheels I want to use too. Any chance of a photo to see how they stack up against the professional photo on the website?

Matt

 

[Abarth 695]

no connection to these guys worth a look prices are reasonable.
http://www.frtuning.it/index.php?page=catalog_visio&cid=78

 

[RogerNZ]

Hi Matt, yes, very happy. I'll take some pics and post here in the next day or so.

 

[MattGibson]

Thanks Roger, I guess I know now what to ask Santa to get me for Christmas!

 

[RogerNZ]

Hi Matt, these should help Santa and the elves find what you're after in their North Pole warehouse...

 

[Bambino]

Very nice - they make my old steel wheels look a bit pedestrian.
I hope you've some nice wheel bolts to go with them?
Chris

 

[RogerNZ]

Actually I've got my eye on these bolts...
http://www.fiat500ricambi.com/tuning/Tires+-+Rims/WL1020#

 

[Bambino]

Yep - from what I can see of them, they look nice.
As I can't yet afford mag wheels, I might get myself a set to dress up my wheels.
Chris

 

[MattGibson]

Thanks for posting the pictures Roger, they do look the business.

 

[MattGibson]

Roger, is there any chance you could measure the inside diameter of the alloys? I'm trying to work out if I can fit disc brakes inside them using the adapter plate method.

Cheers,
Matt