<VV> Early wheel backspace

[Bryan Blackwell]

I mentioned in a previous post we are shopping for some wheels for our  
wagon project.  One dimension is backspace, that is the distance from  
the inner edge of the wheel to the face that fits against the drum.   
Problem is, if there is a tire on the wheel that bulges past the edge,  
how does one measure this without making a straightedge of just the  
right length?

Well, you can't, really.  The solution was to be found at the hardware  
store.  I got some 1/16th thick by 1 1/4 wide flat stock that had 3/8"  
holes punched every inch.  Cutting two 12" pieces and using a couple  
bolts and nuts finger tight gave me an adjustable straightedge that  
goes from 12" to 22", sufficient for any wheels I'm likely to measure.

Now that I had a tool for the job, I was able to measure some wheels  
that I bought cheap to test fit on the wagon.  Size is 15 x 6.5, and  
they fit well on the rear.  On the front, there's just barely  
clearance to the tie rod end, I could slip an index card between the  
wheel and tie rod, but that was about it.  Backspace measures 5 1/8",  
which I'd definitely consider the maximum for a stock early.

Finally, I'm trying out the attachment feature on VV.  If I set this  
up right, there will be a link somewhere below to a photo of the  
adjustable straightedge described above, and the 15" wheel next to a  
stock wheel and tire which illustrates the plus sizing concept of  
using a larger diameter wheel and lower profile tire.

--Bryan

Bryan Blackwell bryan at skiblack.com
http://autoxer.skiblack.com/
   Corvairs: '62 700 Wagon, '64 Greenbrier, '65 Corsa, '66 Corsa
   '69 Road Runner, '09 Ford F-150, '99 Neon R/T
"Why do something if you're not going to obsess about it?"

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