Hi I've just fitted my big offset contessa rims and tyres so to my mk1 cooper s to the rear. (No flares).
The inside if the tyre (a032s) rub on the spring and the swing arm. Has anyone had this problem and what can be done to rectify??
Any help would be much appreciated
Mike

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Small hauling is the way to go

Yes. 6mm spacers.

Thanks mate where can I buy them??

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Small hauling is the way to go

Will 5mm spacers from mini sport be adequate??

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Small hauling is the way to go

No idea sorry. I got a pair of spacers with the wheels and can't get the front wheels over the calipers so I don't run them...

Thanks
I ground my calipers and they now fit

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Small hauling is the way to go

Hi Gents, fitting spacers to offset the rims to my knowledge is not legal, best you check with the local RTA State authorities. Grinding the calipers to fit the rims, maybe the rims were not meant to fit, it is a poor practise and not recommended, metal is cast for its inherent strength and not meant to be removed.

On the rear you could use the integral spacer drums, either Moke or Cooper S/Clubby S ones. Machine the spacer off to get the width wanted. Then, it is legal.

[edit] for the front, it has been suggested in the past that thin spacers are legal IF screwed to the wheel or hub. Just sayin'.
My Fiat 124 sport had 6mm spacers screwed on at all 4 corners, ex factory.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

What about the narrowed spaced moke drums

Seems obvious to everyone else but..... is a "high offset" wheel the original aftermarket ROH wheel ?? or the later factory wheel (which has less offset).

Being an S one would think it would already have the "spacered" drum (ie the drum includes the integral cast spacer). Both types of rims fit fine on my S (although I've not used A032s).

The aftermarket wheel fits fine over (my) S discs while the factory item does need the caliper to be slightly shaved (near the bleed valve) - and a spacer - IME.

The aftermarket wheels will need flairs while the factory ones don't (juuuust). My factory wheels do fit under the non flaired arch when using a spacered S drum - I'm pretty sure you couldn't use these wheels without the spacer.

Cheers, Ian

minis & cooper S`s were originally designed to fit 145 tyres,,, 165 tyres usually rub (on the back) with those offset mags
thin spacer is the go for the rear & attach it to the rim/or/drum via a couple screws if you worry about legalities

the wheel nuts hold the wheels on pretty damn good, can`t see a thin spacer causing problems
unless there`s not enough stud length to suit...
sometimes the rules are stoopid

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No offence intended here but--> anyone writing a book about minis 30 years ago may not have experienced such worn or stuffed-with components as we are finding these days.

You should put your heart & soul into everything you do.

I agree the rule is stupid, look at 1/2 the fwd Jap cars- all that holds the front disc rotor (which is in effect, a `spacer') on is the wheel + the wheel bolts.
But, rules is rules...

I guess it does stop people fitting those `universal' slotted spacers and screw-on stud extenders you see hanging in parts shops- now THOSE deserve to be banned.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

The difference is whether it is OEM or not.

If it is OEM, it is fairly safe to consider that someone has done the calculations and design work needed to be sure it not going to cause a problem. The right materials, right length studs and nuts, nothing overloaded, etc.

In the case of grabbing some Chinese made cast alloy spacer things from the local Cheap as Chips... well, you get the picture.

As for those bolt on spacers that change stud patterns and include their own captive studs, they are scary. I hope I'm not even driving alongside something fitted with those!

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Don't listen to what I am saying... just understand what I mean.

I've used the same rims on my mini K van and had the same issue (with the std drums).
I used a spacer made from a machined off std drum, just the front face left. You can use the std retaining screws to secure it to the drum.

I have some original type 5" wide Contessa's on my MK1 S with 165/70 10 tyres and they don't rub. I still have the original S drums on the back.
They also fit the front without having to modify the caliper.
If you expect them to fit without guard extensions its not going to work.
Even the original 4.5" steel wheels with 145/78 10 tyres don't fit under the rear guards completely.

RonR

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68 build Mk1 Cooper S
72 Clubman GT project. Total restoration required