Fitting some sprintstars

[Jeremy 356 (Jez 356)]

Hi all

I have picked up 2 x Flat4 sprintstars for the 356A

Thought this would freshen the look and I would continue to enjoy using the car more!

Anyway I offered up the wheels and have found that the threads are not long enough for the nuts to get a thread........

I have not found anyone who has mentioned this problem before but wondered if you might be able to tell me how I can rectify this problem?

I presume the answer is to get longer threads fitted? As I would like to have the ability to swap wheels to the standard rims when I feel like it. So I do not want really long threads that would be too long with the standard wheels.

Or are there suitable nuts available maybe with a sleeve that would fit?

If anyone can provide any pearls of wisdom this would be appreciated.

Also if I do have to replace with longer threads: Is this a DIY job and can I remove the threads from the drums in situ maybe by locking two bolts together on the thread to unscrew and then screw replacements in?

Any help / advice appreciated

Regards Jeremy

[Rustbucket]

I think Machine7 might do a kit for this, I think it involves re-bolted spacers, but not sure.....

http://www.machine7.com/section.php?xSec=384

[Jeremy 356 (Jez 356)]

It seems that the obvious solution it to fit the longer wheel studs as used for wheels using spacers.

They cost $4.50 each x 20 = $90

I have found that you just need to hammer them out of the drum and then press / knock the replacement stud in.

I think this will be how I will go to get the wheels installed. But the good bit will be that I can use the standard wheels as well.

I had hoped not to have to take the drums apart but it seems that this will be necessary.

Regards Jeremy

[cubist]

It's quick and easy to knock out the studs without damaging the drum. We used a 4x4x4 block of hardwood with a slightly larger than stud head hole drilled through it. Place drum over block with stud over hole and knock away. Light knock with the lead hammer and they alll popped out. Made it so much easier to polish them once they could be spun up on a lathe... Good luck

[speedsterboy]

I have fitted longer studs to my drums to fit various different alloy wheels.as said before this is a relatively easy job once you have the drums off(which can be difficult at the rear sometimes-a lot of torque/brute force required).I seem to remember that you are able to buy studs in various different lengths,so choose carefully.One issue I encountered after fitting the long studs came when I sold my convertible D which I had the studs changed on ,and the new owner wanted to fit the standard wheels and hubcaps back on ,which due to the stud length the hubcaps could not clip on due to fouling the studs..

Ps. great looking wheels and really suit 356's, have some chrome steel ones on my car now.

[vwretrosteve]

if you decide to use the diy stud fitting methods - the longer the studs the more chance of them being out of true. This can become a real hassle when attempting to fit alloy wheels with limited diameter stud holes. The rims or stud threads can become damaged in the process - which is annoying at best.

I made a couple of devices which gave a better degree of accuracy prior to fitting a wheel ( and using a stock steel rim and tightening all 5 lug nuts wasnt an option due to the lack of threads at the lower protrusion of the studs, just where they would be needed to make life easier )

I initially used a gudgeon pin from a beetle - over each stud and torqued down to draw them level, then utilised a 5 lug 12mm spacer that did the job on all the offending items in one hit. Buzzed tight a couple of times they centralised nicely, allowing my alloys to fit with much less grief.

I didnt have any trouble with the studs on the front of the car (centralising them up with a stock steel rim and torqued nuts) but the rears were much longer to accommodate the spacers and eliminate estimated clearance issues due to the camber.

[Jeremy 356 (Jez 356)]

Brilliant thanks for the feedback guys

I have ordered 52mm long studs which seem to have the thread pretty well all the way down, so that might help too.

I did speak to Machine7 but their spacers would not help with this application.

I hope to make some progress once they arrive!

All the best

Regards Jeremy

[Damon]

Or you could get some genuine Sprints? they are steel not cast and therefore much thinner.

[vwretrosteve]

or the bbt repro steel ones - also available in chrome i think ?

[Jeremy 356 (Jez 356)]

Thanks guys these are certainly worth investigating

I hope that once I have sorted it I will get some photos of the finished product up for you all to see!

Regards Jeremy

[Jeremy 356 (Jez 356)]

Just been looking at the BBT catalogue

What sort of offste would work best for the 356?

For 15 x 4.5 (fronts) they offer ET +15 / +25 / +34

For 15 x 5.5 (rears) they offer ET +10 / +15 / +25 / +34

Do I go for chrome and black or grey and black - car is silver and currently has chrome rims - I think I would go towards the chrome and black - what do you think?

Any pointers will help me get the order sorted !!

This will be much easier than changing the wheel studs!!!

Regards Jeremy

[Jeremy 356 (Jez 356)]

So chrome BBT sprintstars it will be

I have found a UK supplier and will be ordering shortly.

Could someone let me know how I measure the offset on a standard 356 wheel so I can get the sprintstars close to this ??

I think I will go for 5.5 all round - I don't think having 4.5s on the front will really make any difference as I am not building a Cal looker!!

Any help appreciated

Regards Jeremy

[Jeremy 356 (Jez 356)]

Latest news on the sprintstar saga.....

I now have the BBT sprintstars - however I ordered chrome and black but ended up with grey and black as the batch of chrome was not suitable for providing to buyers so BBT have held on to them.

This means that I want to find a chrome plater in the UK to chrome them for me.

Is anyone aware of a good chrome plater in the South / South West please?

Cheers

Regards Jeremy

[Bootsy]

Latest news on the sprintstar saga.....

I now have the BBT sprintstars - however I ordered chrome and black but ended up with grey and black as the batch of chrome was not suitable for providing to buyers so BBT have held on to them.

This means that I want to find a chrome plater in the UK to chrome them for me.

Is anyone aware of a good chrome plater in the South / South West please?

Cheers

Regards Jeremy

Chroming wheels is a nightmare and many platers won't touch the job.

I've always liked the grey black sprints even though I've owned a couple of sets of original chromed ones.

[cubist]

What he said... I agree!