I own a much modified 1985 1.6 Laser and the previous owner fitted the car with 7 spoke 14" RS Alloys. I suspect that these originated on a Sierra or Escort as they are not dished, as on a Capri 280/2.8i special. I've been told by mechanics that the threads are too short on the wheel bolts and that I should replace the wheels. Does anyone know what alloys and which size are most suitable - 4 spoke, as on Mark's Laser or pepperpots? If I go for pepperpots, can these be taken from a MKII Fiesta XR2 or MKII Orion?
Alloy wheels
-
Noel Reeve
Re: Alloy wheels
Whatever you decide to do, be aware that you cannot use the Fiesta / Orion pepperpots on a Capri. These are for front wheel drive cars, and the offset between hub and wheel rims is different from more 'traditional' rear wheel drive Capris. If you fit them you will find the handling a little odd and they will also sit too far inboard and will not fill the arches properly. If you get proper Capri pepperpots they are dirt cheap anyway, but beware, their size (7Jx13) is unique and finding new tyres to fit that size of rim (usually 205/60 H13s) is increasingly difficult. None of the major tyre manufacturers (ie Goodyear, Pirelli etc.) do that size anymore, so you have to get 'mid range' or budget brands. Fulda do some nice directional 205/60s though!
-
Gavin Adamson
Alloy Wheels
If you are happy with the alloys you have, would not be cheaper to replace the studs with longer ones? It can be a tricky job but if sprayed with lots of WD40 and left overnight they will come out. Remember to put a nut on the stud when knocking it out.
-
Andy
Alloy Wheels
If you're not too far from North Kent read on. One option is to buy my Capri 4 spokes from a 2.0 Laser! I have a full set with one slightly peeling but you could use that as the spare. Tyres aren't particularly legal but I need to get shot so if you'd rather fit something that was actually meant to go on the car let me know and you can have all 5 for say, £30. I have a 2.0S with a full set anyway, these are from a Laser that I had to scrap a while back but kept the wheels.