Well I think I have decided on a set of wheels. Unfortunately, they aren't exactly what I am looking for but I should make do. They are 19"x7.5" 35mm offset which I am planning to put on all fours. Just to see how 7.5" will look, I put my spare on the back and is didn't look to good. So I am planning on getting 2 custom spacers machined. The spacers will be 1" width that fit around the axle flange and fit into the wheel, so when bolted on with the rim, they act like one piece with the rim. So I am wondering if there are any spacers out there that fit tight around the axle flange and into the wheel. I don't want those spacers that make all the car weight to ride directly on the studs. I had a set of spacers/adapters machined for my 2000 Expo which worked well. I think I can get these two machined for aroun $150-$200, but just wondering if there are any existing options out there.

Also since I have decided on 19's I am wondering what I should get to lower it (they are going on a 2000 CLK 430). I want to basically slam is as low as possible, but I don't want to do any fender mods or have to worry too much about any rubbing. Any one have any experience of lowering a 430 on 19's. And how low ( F & B) and what kit I should get.

Thanks

--Tom

 

Hey Tom,
I just installed 19X8.5"s all the way around with a 35mm offset. Let me tell you, an 8.5" wheel in the rear is the absolute minimum. Even with a 12mm spacer, the wheel face is at least .75 inch from the fender.

Also, I can't imagine that your method of adding a spacer will be the best way to do it, that just can't be structurally sound....IMO You may want to call a local tire/wheel shop or even email Luke@Tirerack Good luck!!

 

Just adding a normal spacer would not be structurally sound. But I am going to have an adapter/spacer custom machined out of billet aluminium. Here's how it'll work. The machined spacer fits fit around the axle flange just like any wheel does. It is 1" wide so it moves the wheels out 1". The spacer also comes out toward the wheel, just like the axle flange "would have" and fits tight into the wheel. So when bolted together you have the axle flange resting inside the custom spacer and the spacer resting inside the wheel. I will need to get 1" longer studs of course. I wish I had a picture to show you. I had these machined for my Expedition, which is a HEAVY vehicle, so structurally they are sound. The design takes all the car weight from riding directly onto the studs and puts the weight back on the axle flange as if it was a stock wheel.


The picture I attached is the general idea. This is looking at it from the side. Since you wouldn't be able to see how the axle flange would fit into the spacer from the side, I made it see through

--Tom

 

yuo dont say which wheel youre looking at.. if you tell us someone on the board may know of a visally similar wheel that fits better on a clk?

 

You guys won't like them probably. But they are the "Alba Bank" rims. Alba has a nice feature of them on their show car on www.albawheels.com but their website is down.

 

so, like this:


as long as you like them, thats the most important thing. show cars are suppose to be flashy... good luck fitting them, keep us posted

 

yeah exactly like that. That pic doesn't do them justice, they look a lot better mounted.

Superbuytires.com has a pretty good deal on them. I am wondering what you guys recommend for tires? I have the option of Falken, Pierlli, Nitto NT555, or Yokohama Parada's. The Nitto & Yokohama's have the most aggressive tread pattern. I have a set of Nitto 555's for my 22's, which I like. Any one have a preference?

Also for tire size, they recommend 225/35ZR19 is that a good tire size for a 19x7.5?

--Tom

 

Well I just called the local tire store and they recommend a 245 35 x19 tire made by Michelin. The guy said it'll be 3/4-1" wider than the 225 35 19 tire. Any suggestions?

Thanks

--Tom

 

I don't think the tire guy has a clue. According to Nitto's website, a 19x7.5" rim needs a 225 35 19 tire.

Does anyone know where I can get wheel studs that are an 1" longer than stock?

 

All you have to do is buy the H&R kit. They make one that will bolt to your hub. Then you bolt the wheel to the spacer. We sell these very often for Ferrari applications.

Thanks

Brad