Wheel adaptors

Bargey · 29-11-2014, 06:11 PM

Hi all,

I was told it was hard to get rims for Fiesta because of the stud pattern??

The local tyre dealer said that you can use adaptors (and told me not to use the "S" word Spacer) that will go from 108's to 100's and that they are about $100 a pair. Apparently it will increase the rim choice 10 fold.

So:

Has anyone used adaptors?
Is there problem with using them?
Are rims really that hard to find for Fiesta?
I see one member bought Sparco rims in from the US, is that were I will have to shop?
And I have seen another member change out the hubs for Mazda 2 hubs.
I'd love to see any rims that you have changed to, and find out where they came from.

Cheers

Bargey

99AUXR · 29-11-2014, 06:14 PM

Wheel adapters and spacers are illegal? Well they are classed the same thing here in NZ.

nstg8a · 29-11-2014, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99AUXR

Wheel adapters and spacers are illegal? Well they are classed the same thing here in NZ.

Adapters bolt on, spacers slip on. Both illegal in every state of Australia.

Having said that, I've used them plenty, never had an issue.

Your insurance company will have an issue if you have an accident and they deemed to be at fault. Bear that in mind.

Bargey · 29-11-2014, 07:27 PM

OK thanks, the tyre dealer told me they were legal??

**sierra63** · 29-11-2014, 07:50 PM

I have also had tyre dealers saying that certain tyres would be fine, even if they were under the load rating required for my vehicle. When this was said, I stopped the conversation, and left....

If the dealer is confident, get him to put it in writing on company letter head, and see if he squirms........

Bargey · 29-11-2014, 09:57 PM

Not that I was doubting you guys, but while looking it up on various sites prior to posting the thread, some folks said they were legal in WA.

Found the official answer in a section of ADR 24 -Tyre and Rim Selection

4.2.2 Wheel Attachment

Wheel spacers (or adaptors for dual wheel conversions) between the wheel mounting face and the road wheel must not be used unless fitted as original equipment by the vehicle manufacturer.
Modifications to disc brake callipers, hubs and suspension and steering components to enable the fitting of replacement wheels must not be undertaken.

The search for a suitable rim continues.......

JC · 30-11-2014, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bargey

Not that I was doubting you guys, but while looking it up on various sites prior to posting the thread, some folks said they were legal in WA.

Found the official answer in a section of ADR 24 -Tyre and Rim Selection

4.2.2 Wheel Attachment

Wheel spacers (or adaptors for dual wheel conversions) between the wheel mounting face and the road wheel must not be used unless fitted as original equipment by the vehicle manufacturer.
Modifications to disc brake callipers, hubs and suspension and steering components to enable the fitting of replacement wheels must not be undertaken.

The search for a suitable rim continues.......

Apparently some Porsche models use wheel hub adapters to space the rear track while using the same rims front and rear. Not to many manufacturers would do this though. Spacers are illegal, but if you are going to get some, get the one with the hub centric rings so they take the weight of the wheels.

Pursya · 30-11-2014, 06:08 PM

Let's get back to the original statement.
"Rims are hard to get for Fiesta".
I seriously doubt this. Simply European and Thai patterns are different. But both patterns appear throughout Ford and other makers cars. The Thai ones are the same as Mazda for a start. Same production line after all.
I would determine your stud pattern then search for rims. Adapters should not be, and seriously should not even be considered, for your own safety.

Bargey · 30-11-2014, 07:49 PM

Thanks Pursya,

I should have done this to start with....measure the studs!!

Turns out mine are 100's which vastly increases the rim selection.

Between the tyre guy saying there is a limited selection for Fiesta's because of the 108 stud pattern, and a post on this site where one member changed his hubs to Mazda 2 hubs (108 to 100's) I thought the stud patterns would be all the same at 108 for all Fiesta's.

Cheers.

nstg8a · 30-11-2014, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pursya

Adapters should not be, and seriously should not even be considered, for your own safety.

Legality aside, there is no issue with quality adapters.

I'm sure places like herrods wouldn't risk there reputation by selling inherently dangerous items.

Pursya · 30-11-2014, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nstg8a

Legality aside, there is no issue with quality adapters.

I'm sure places like herrods wouldn't risk there reputation by selling inherently dangerous items.

Sorry mate. I'm an old fart so I have seen plenty of mods gone wrong.
For me it's a simple formula of safety first. Adapters reduce the built in, ADR legislated, safety level.
No excuses. Safety over aesthetics any day.

nstg8a · 30-11-2014, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pursya

Sorry mate. I'm an old fart so I have seen plenty of mods gone wrong.
For me it's a simple formula of safety first. Adapters reduce the built in, ADR legislated, safety level.
No excuses. Safety over aesthetics any day.

I'm not exactly a teenager lol.

I've also seen lots of mods go wrong, 9/10 it's operator or installation error, not product failure when quality parts are used.

99AUXR · 30-11-2014, 08:52 PM

Nothing wrong with properly designed spacers. Does increase load on hub but have never seen it become an issue.

Pursya · 30-11-2014, 10:06 PM

So much easier to actually source the correct wheels for the stud pattern.
Do not understand why you guys even contemplate going down this spacer path when it simply is not required.
Extra cost for not one bit of upside.

99AUXR · 01-12-2014, 07:21 AM

Stance

nstg8a · 01-12-2014, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pursya

So much easier to actually source the correct wheels for the stud pattern.
Do not understand why you guys even contemplate going down this spacer path when it simply is not required.
Extra cost for not one bit of upside.

Very handy when you want to run post au rims on a pre au falcon.

bigshotdan · 11-12-2014, 11:09 AM

For whatever reason, German and Thai Fiestas have different stud patterns. The former are all 108, the latter 100. Makes life rather difficult if you're not 100% sure what you have. I was selling my ST rims and had someone with a WT model do a test fit, after being assured by Ford that it was 4x108. Of course, it didn't fit...