hey all...
I'm in the process of purchasing a CMC standard flared speedster which currently has 4-lug 15" centerline wheels. So, I've been doing extensive preliminary research about the vehicle good and bad. Most of questions I've managed to find the answers thanks to this site! However, I can't seem to find a straight answer on the following and I hope that some of you can help me out. The enclosed pics show the black speedster that I'll be purchasing soon and the silver one is for wheel reference.
First, I would like to replace the current wheels with the same 17" chrome wheels that Kirk from VS offers on his speedsters (the pic of the silver one) but I need to find out how to convert the current 4-lug set up to a 5-lug before doing so. I've done massive amounts of research on the forum regarding the topic which range from using bolt-on adapters to switching out entire hub/axels? I understand that there's so many options as well as sizes used for such a conversion. I really prefer not to use any bolt-on adapters as I read that they were not recommended and dangerous. Also am considering changing the fronts to disc and leave the rears as hubs. Since I may be having a mechanic do the work, I would like to keep costs down for this upgrade as purchasing this used vehicle already is a major purchase. Not to mention, I figure that the wheels itself will cost over a grand to purchase not including shipping.
Second, can I purchase these wheels elsewhere or does Kirk offer them separately? And what are the 17" wheel specs (rim and tire size, offset). Please note that the wheels on the standard flare is different from the fully flare that Kirk has.
Third, can anyone recommend a trustworthy and affordable mechanic in the SF bay area preferrably in the east bay (oakland, san leandro, antioch, concord)?
And last, the speedster I'm interested in seems to have a fixed hinge for the convertible top rather than the rotating dog leg that most cars have. Is this a simple mod to swap and where can I get the hardware?
Thanks as always in advance for your suggestions and advice.
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