81 Brat -- wheel spacers needed? Source?

[bendecker]

I'm thinking of increasing the size of my tires on my '81 brat to 185/80/13 (an extra inch of clearance without swapping rims). Unlike swapping to pugs, these are available locally (I'm in So Cal, land of no Pugs). I've searched all over the forums and can't find answers to the following.

 

Any suggestions on wheel spacers so the tires don't rub in the rear against the torsion bars? Or... will I even need spacers for that size? (It sure looks like I will)

 

Anyone here sell them? Should I hit up my local machine shop? Any tips on design? I have a call into adaptitusa, but have not heard back from them yet and would like some guru advice even if I order from them.

 

Thanks!

 

-Ben

Edited January 7, 2011 by bendecker

[bendecker]

I just talked to someone at http://adaptitusa.com/ who was very helpful. It took them a couple of days to get back to me, but they can make my size (which is not in their standard lineup).

 

The minimum depth of all spacers is 1.3 inches. Here are the specs:

 

4X140 --> 5X100

$77.25 each

 

4X140 --> 4X100

4X140 --> 4X108

$57.25 each

 

4X140 --> 4X140 (as in spacer only, no change in wheel size)

$57.25 each

 

If just a spacer for the stock rims would work in the rear, that would be the cheapest way to go. Maybe a thinner spacer and longer lugnuts...? Any suggestions or opinions would be most welcome.

 

-Ben

Edited January 9, 2011 by bendecker

[bendecker]

I got the full info from The Beast I Drive (aka Bill, the maker of the Gen1 lift kits that people keep raving about).

 

For a 185/80/13 size tire, you do not need a spacer. The fit is really tight against the torsion bar ends, but he says they work fine. Anything bigger and you generally need a 2" spacer. Personally, if I ever go bigger, I'll buy from adaptitusa.com as they seem to have their act together and their prices are reasonable.

 

So... I'm going to give it a shot and, possibly do a lift sometime post-recession (dream on!)

 

Note: 180/85/13's will not fit under the hood as a full-size spare (obvious to some, maybe not to others), so I'm muddling over where to put the spare without cramping the space for passengers in the rear seats.

 

-Ben

Edited January 7, 2011 by bendecker