rrohtake

Hi All,

I'm in need of some advise on front tires rubbing.

I'm wearing 225/40 ZR 18 on stock rims. Since I had brand new tires on front when I got her, I never bothered to check since last November. Looking closely, I just noticed tires were rubbing against the wheel-well and in need of new set (my rear looks like racing slick anyways).

It looks like this particular area is protruded for some reason (picture the clean black area). The undercover and lower part of the lips is quite damaged but doesn't seem to be pushed back. Do you typically shave this bit off especially when you wear wider tires? Couldn't find it in the forum but if I missed, please point me to the right place - thanks.

Rick

320 dreamer

take a heat gun warm up the plastic panel and massage back in to place with a hard roller

rrohtake

Thanks 320 Dreamer,

Actually that's a simple, clean and very good idea. Better than sanding off, compromising the strength.

With that, I just might venture to the 235 - as discussed in the other thread

Rick

ghiaguy

when you roll 235s, make sure to go /35 to clear easily
take care!

rrohtake

Thanks!

BTW: I have a neighbor who has 2 or 3 Karmann Ghias on the way to my kid's school. I look for your silver baby but remembered you were in the East Bay.

ghiaguy

Yeah, I love the Ghia- such personality. Keep your eyes peeled, I cross the Bay every once in a while.
happy motoring!

Viper98912

225/40/18 is stock size and should not be rubbing. My guess is your plastic is warped or are running some seriously wide rims or offsets.

FrankW

Do not go to 235/35/18...you will not have the right tire diameter. 235/40 matches with either 255/30 or 265/30 18".

Also to OP, if you rub on the front cover with stock wheel and tire. The cover is probably loose or misaligned. The front under cover holds the wheel well cover.

dsp_tdi

Pics on my 255/40r17 up front

No rubbing

17x8.5 et30, washer mod, camber around -2.5, stock suspension

The turn in are crazy!

swedepat

I´ve got 20" 235/30 tires, no rubbing at front.
did the heatgun mod.

Working fine!

rrohtake

Thanks all,

Viper98912: Yeah, should not but somehow is. Rims are stock (I love the design) but probably warped cover.

FrankW: I took off most area I can re-tighten but not much change - maybe just a slight. Thanks for the tip on the diameter. Since I need all 4, I'll give it a shot with 235/40 and 255/30 on the stock wheels.

dsp tdi: 255 up front!?!?!?! That's crazy! I thought 225 was heavy on cruising speed; only when revved up, she becomes lively and eager to tackle. I was thinking 235 would make her more Jekyll and Hide personality.

Swedepat: Thanks. I think I'll opt that option. BTW: I previously drove C36. Gave up for family's SUV but missed so badly came back. I find great similarity between C36 and C55, but somehow driving impression from C63 is very different (also big + is the elegant W203 design).

Ghiaguy: I know the conversation you have with the Ghia. If I had my way, my 2nd car would be in the same school

Thanks again - will give heat-gun a try since I'd like a 235. Still, will take everything off again and give it a re-tightening.

Lenin

+1. Heat it up with the heat gun and while using the roller or just pushing the plastic panel in, spray it with cold water to cool it. This way it will keep the shape you want.

kent426

the 235/ 275 tire combo is perfectly matched in height, a 245 is slightly taller and hence the rubbing. I found that out when I bought a set and have been running 235's for years without problems on SL rims.