5 lug wheels

I understand there is an adaptor available to convert a 4lug to 5.

If, hypotheticaly, I buy this 550 (which I believe to be a Beck):

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-550-Spyder-1955-Porsche-550-Spyder-replica-Spider-convertible_W0QQitemZ300104542642QQihZ020QQcategoryZ6058QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Anyone know if I could bolt on adaptors? Any problems? Do they bolt on? Weld on? How bad is the increase of unsprung weight?

4 lug VW 130's to 5 lug 205's I believe is what your asking. Not hard...CBperformance, has what you need, and drumskins to cover.

Just measure the clearance on the current setup and see if you have any extra space for the adapter.

The backspacing may or may not be the same, so you need to know these numbers and adjust accordingly.

Steve, looked on the CB website --- looks exactly what I'll need.

On a "stock" Beck, is wheel-well spacing a real concern?

David,

I think you will discover that there is very little space in a Spyder wheel well to use a spacer to convert from 4 to 5 lug, or visa versa. Most spacers add at least 1/2" and on my car that would be a disaster in the front. Under heavy braking or hard corners the tires (15" x 185's) will rub on the inside lip of the fender now. I could get away with 1/2" spacers in the back as I have short axles. Long axles could be problematic....

Of course using wheels with more offset could allow the use of spacers but having wheels reworked or made to a specification different than the norm gets expensive in short order....

Jim, thanks! I was afraid of that, alas.

What do you think of this Spyder?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-550-Spyder-1955-Porsche-550-Spyder-replica-Spider-convertible_W0QQitemZ300104542642QQihZ020QQcategoryZ6058QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Well, in response to your question I see a great deal of time and effort has gone into the car. I like the idea of FI, I have it in my garage on a shelf awaiting time to install it....

One thing I don't like is having the FI electronics out in the open so to speak. A lot of dust, oil, road debris, water when it rains or you wash the car, and the like circulates in this area, at least on my car. Also, I tend not to like the ebay presentation model these folks use...too many photos that really don't tell you much other than 10 views of the body from each quarter a few degrees apart.....

In regards to conversion to wide 5's if that is what you want to do, there are rear drums that will accept wide 5's available for about $50 per axle (rear only) Wide 5 disks can be fit on the front for about $500 if you do the work yourself....and those are available in "0 offset" so you don't make the clearance worse on the tire to fender. This car in ebay you linked to appears to have "short axles" in the rear, which gives you a bit more space to play with, however the wide 5 drums might require machining about .625" off the snout of them to fit short axles as I best recall, mine did. I am not certain which wide 5 drums came with a short axle car.....

David,

I have 2005 Beck with CBperformance wide 5 hubs. After 250 mi the
iron core separated from the aluminum hub. CB replaced the hub, no charge. After 1000 mi the hub separated again!! CB replaced the hub
and I have had no problems yet(2500mi)
If you are considering the CB wide 5 hub talk to Rick at CB
Doug Medema (biker2) has had the same problems. Then I talked to Doug,and
he was considering a Neal Hub. CNC also makes one.

Hi, Doug here.

After breaking six sets of CB hubs I changed over to So. Cal. rear disks, solid cast iron one piece design. They are 6 lbs per wheel heavier than the CB units, but they will not break.

CB was wonderful through my whole ordeal and never gave me a hard time. Each time they replaced the hubs with no question or hassle. I dealt with them with a level head and friendly tone and they treated me like gold. Their actions proved to me that they are loyal to their customers. I still remain a loyal customer of theirs and will continue to be for a long time to come, and I highly reccommend them as a supplier.

On another note I have recently seen a series of posts from within the Spyder community blasting a manufacturer. I have always found that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

Doug, Nobody blasts a manufacturer for good service, quick response to questions or concerns, and standing behind their product and reputation even when something doesn't go exactly the way both parties wanted.
When a manufacturer provides exactly the opposite extreme of all of the above, they deserve a good roasting and the unsuspecting public should be forwarned.
I watched your situation the the rear discs. I also observed how CB stood behind you and their product. They deserve the kind things you say about them.

Mark

Biker2, from what i gathered in your posts, anything short of military grade solid hubs wouldn't stand up to the torture you subject to your car. CB should be applauded. By the way, can you come over to Road America in July ( it think) for the Porsche get together? I talked to Carey at Special Editions, he may come up for it and Chuck Beck may be there with his 904

Dustin

Dustin,

My experience with CB was great. They replaed my first set of hubs with only 250 miles on the car. During the first 250 miles I was debugging dirt in the carbs and out of round front rims which caused the front to vibrate any time the speed was over 65 mph. This car was not turtured before the hub separated. No hard cornering, no hard acceleration, so I must disagree about Doug torturing his car which caused his problems. In addition, this is my third set of hubs.

Jim

I was only joking about Biker2 thashing stuff until it detonated. If i remember from back when it happpened, i think he was taking some ribbing then. i was serious about CB though, they should be applauded for their customer service. I have heard nothing but good stuff with them.

Mark, I hear you and agree, but I still maintain a calmer more civilized approach is always better than a rant. Not saying the Manufacturer is absolved of wrong doing, just saying calmer heads usually prevail and something about burning bridges....

James, glad to hear you're still running! Keep us posted. I think Rick was considering more strengthening changes...

Dustin, You are correct about my driving habits!! I can break or blow up anything! In fact a couple of weeks ago I lunched my trans and had to have a complete teardown. Not my fault really, a bearing cage let go and polluted the entire tranny and took out all the synchro's....now it shifts great (better than delivered) and is nice and quiet!

Road America this summer would be a hoot! What are the dates? I'll see if I can wedge it in between familly camping trips and my China excursions...I just got back last week and I'm heading out again on May 6th for another couple of weeks. Dang, just got back to "normal" with my jet lag....

....and I need to get down to see Carey about a soft top.....so I can drive to RA rain or shine!!!

Doug, maybe we can work out a deal on the soft top i have. I seriously doubt i will ever use it. i put it on one time and realized i can't get in the damn thing. also i am putting a helmet fairing on mine that i doubt will come off once its on.

Dustin, let's talk about the top. I definately want it.

Doug call me 414-687-5432

Here is a trick to getting into or out of a Spyder with the top on,
just release the top at the windshield, fold it back, get in or out like you do without the top then close it back up.

My problem is I usually take a running start from behind the rear quarter and leap into the car feet first. When I fold the top back do you think I can hurdle the loops?