Wider wheels/tyres on an English

[Daniel]

Hi Chris,

yes you are right and I just recognized my mistake in the post. Sorry for any confusion.

The minisport copies are not reverse rims but a copy of the late Cooper S wheels (LP883).
As far as I know they were fitted on the Mk3 Cooper versions.
I have both original wheels here (LP918 and LP883) and they are indeed like your subscription.

Daniel

[Wally2]

Hi Daniel,
Thanks for that, I thought I was going nuts! So if the extra width is on the inside would spacers be required if LP883's are fitted? Presumable reverse rim wheels are not now available new from anywhere?
Chris

[Daniel]

Chris,

If you have the wide brake drums (like they were fitted with disc brakes) the LP883 will fit.

Daniel

[Wally2]

Hi Daniel,
I have the 'spacer' drums on the rear (approx. 20mm thick) but not on the front.
Cheers
Chris

[Wally2]

Hi All,
Think I have the answer!!
Reverse rims
A question that comes up frequently is about the differences between Cooper S rims and reverse rims.

Well, here is the answer!

The Cooper S used a 9 hole ventilated rim.
The standard factory fitment to the 'S' was 3.5" wide.
An optional 4.5" wide rim was offered.
The 'S' brakes had the wheel mounting face set further out than the drum brakes.
Therefore, the wheel had to be more 'inset' than the drum type wheel in order to remain under the bodywork.
'S' rims do not fit drum brake cars without using spacers.
Reverse rims were introduced to allow the use of the 4.5" rim on drum brakes.
These were more 'offset' than the 'S' type to fit on drum brakes.
Reverse rims extend beyond the body when fitted to an 'S'.
Reverse rims were available with 9 hole or standard centres.
997 & 998 Coopers were never fitted with ventilated wheels by the factory.

Below is a diagram showing approximate backface dimensions of the 4.5" wheels.
This is measured from the inside edge of the rim to the mounting face of the wheel.

Cannot seem to get the diagram to appear here so look at this link
http://www.dsnclassics.co.uk/tech-tips/ ... erse-rims/

Chris

[Daniel]

Hi Daniel,
I have the 'spacer' drums on the rear (approx. 20mm thick) but not on the front.
Cheers
Chris

I´m not sure if the rims will fit on front drum brakes. Anyone tried this already?

Daniel

[Wally2]

Hi Daniel,
No I dont think they will, not without spacers, thats why the reverse rims were added so that you can fit 4.5" wheels onto the drum brakes, just difficult finding any!
Chris

[Daniel]

Chris,

always thought the reverse rims LP918 are easier to find than the LP883.
I was looking a long time for the LP883 until Minisport offered the repro ones and I bought them for my Moke.
I gave two of the LP918 to a friend some time ago and have one complete set left (but not for sale).
There are some of them offered in the German Mini forum from time to time.

Daniel

[Wally2]

There are some good looking reverse rims on e-bay but they are in Cornwall and the seller wont send, they are collection only! Its too far to go and collect, would proberbly cost more in fuel than to buy them! Will have to keep looking.
Chris

[Wally2]

Gave up with the reverse rims and bought some great looking Minator wheels and tyres from John Bastin as advertised in the latest 'Moking' mag. They were a great price and John kindly parcelled them up (not an easy task!) and I arranged collection and delivery for under £20!
Will post some pics when the gallery is back up and running.
Chris

[Wally2]

May need some rubbery bits on the front to keep the spray down and the MOT man happy!

May just get away with it at the back!

Maybe should have gone for 4.5's instead of 5's, never mind there are on now and look great.
Chris

[grantourer]

Hi Chris. Talk to Teardrop ( Paul ) he uses some brush stuff from trucks, works well.

[Wally2]

Arrrrh yes I remember seeing them when we did the CBBC thing together.
I've just missed a set of proper rubber guards on e-bay, they went for twice what I bid, but I do have an idea using something I have in the garage! More later.
Chris

[Tim]

You could either use that rubber fender extension stuff that the 4wd guys use to hide their wide wheels, or you could make your own set of rubber flares like the Australian Mokes had. Some of the guys on the Australian forum have made their own from flat rubber, with galvanised steel plates to give them their shape.

Tim

[Wally2]

Hi Tim,
I've seen the Auzy ones on one of their web sites, with instructions and diagrams! Must try and find it again as I cannot remember where I found it! I have made a prototype using an ally extrusion and rubber section as used as a draft excluder for garage doors, will put pics on when I've got it right.
Chris