So I got some new Falkens (165/70R10) the other day... to replace some old bridgestone tyres (also 165/70s) on my contessa's

The Falkens are obviously wider then the bridgestones were, as they are rubbing on the rear shocks and trailing arms...

Bob Jane didn't even bothrting telling me about the problem, I just happened to notice when i was looking at the exhaust tonight...

I've attach some pictures showing the issue... will i need to get some space drums?
Are the spaced drums just a straight swap with the existing ones? or will i also need new wheel studs.... and are the studs hard to swap???

Thanks!

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1975 Hairy Lime/White Clubby
Build Thread: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=80657

The drums are a breeze to swap over. Be aware you should match new drums with new pads as a matter of course.

The studs are easy to replace, from memory, you will need to undo the hub nut on the trailing arm once the studs are tapped backwards by a soft hammer. This is easy though, the torque required is not much, and the socket is not an odd size.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Thats poor form from Bob Jane. Surely there is something along the lines of 'duty of care' or whatever. What would have happened if you didnt notice?
If you replace the studs, at my workplace we put them in the freezer for a while to shrink a fraction. Whether it works or myth I dont know. Just follow orders from the boss

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1963 Morris 850 Smoke Grey
1963 Morris 850 Shadow Blue
1965 Morris Mini Smooth Van
1966 Morris Mini Van
1969 Morris Mini Deluxe Resto
5/72 Clubman Gt

It will help, by how much I don't know as they are pretty easy to pull up.

I push them in firm so they don't spin, and then pull them up using the wheelnut and a spacer. Usually a pile of washers.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Thanks Mick,

So i will need to pop that centre cap off and then loosen the nut under it off so i can get the old studs out and the new ones in?

Are these parts all i need?
http://minisport.com.au/mini-stepped-dr ... -suit-rear

oh will i also need longer drum retaining screws?

And yes Scoop... i thought it was pretty Effing ordinary when i discovered it.

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1975 Hairy Lime/White Clubby
Build Thread: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=80657

Yeah, thats the go. You will need the longer retaining screws. However I usually go without. The four large wheel nuts do the job by themselves.

Actually the studs will probably come out fine, but as you go to slide the new longer ones in they collide with the backplate. So you're moving it out to actually put the studs back in.

I don't take the hub right off if I don't need to. I think it can lead to bearing contamination. I only move it just enough to get the new studs back in and that is all.

What flares have you got? Are they the Innocenti type? Should have plenty of clearance if that is so.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Will your wheels stick out to far after this?

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1963 Morris 850 Smoke Grey
1963 Morris 850 Shadow Blue
1965 Morris Mini Smooth Van
1966 Morris Mini Van
1969 Morris Mini Deluxe Resto
5/72 Clubman Gt

yep, they are just the plastic innocenti ones...
the wheels sit inside them quite a bit at the moment, so i dont expect any issues with that.

im just so bloody annoyed that bob jane either didn't notice or didn't tell me about the issue

I fail to see how they didn't notice tho... it was blindingly obvious that there was a rub when I spun the wheel around by hand... which I presume they do at some point after they put the wheel back on

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1975 Hairy Lime/White Clubby
Build Thread: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=80657

Is it the same both sides?

Take heart, it was always going to be close with the 5" mags. But yeah they shoulda checked, but then your car would have been stuck in a Bob Jane all week!

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Yep, same both sides...

Lets face it.. they probably got the work experience kid to do the job so he probably thought it was normal...

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1975 Hairy Lime/White Clubby
Build Thread: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=80657

Hmm actually after going and having a look.. moving the tyres out 1 inch might make them stick out past the flares...

guess i'll worry about that another day... will need to wait for another pay check at the very least... bleh

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1975 Hairy Lime/White Clubby
Build Thread: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=80657

One hurdle at a time. Stop the rubbing first then worry about flare coverage!

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1963 Morris 850 Smoke Grey
1963 Morris 850 Shadow Blue
1965 Morris Mini Smooth Van
1966 Morris Mini Van
1969 Morris Mini Deluxe Resto
5/72 Clubman Gt

They'll cover just fine. That combination of contestas, stepped drums and innocenti flares is nearly as old as dirt.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Will these tires still be safe to use?.. with the damage to the side walls?

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1975 Hairy Lime/White Clubby
Build Thread: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=80657

To me the damage loks very minor, the raised lettering hasn't even been worn away, but thats just me and it may be the way it comes across in the image.

To be certain, just drop by the tyre place and have them inspect the damage. They will give the go or no go on the tyre.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.