lschmidt
Member
Posts: 133
Loc: Wisconsin
Reg: 10-10-04
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07-18-12 07:11 AM - Post#2249398
I installed a dropped spindle and brake kit from TCI five years ago on my 55. I was running stock type steel wheels. I recently purchased a set of after market aluminum wheels and they won't fit because the lug bolt circle is about 40 thousnths too big. I tried the new wheels on the stock rear and on a couple of other GM cars I own and the new whels fit fine. I called TCI and they no longer sell this kit. Has anyone run into this? I would like to find a factory rotor to replace the ones I have.
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 acardon
"9th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 9458
Loc: DFW TEXAS
Reg: 03-25-05
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07-18-12 07:59 AM - Post#2249424
In response to lschmidt
If the stock wheel fits, a Chevy aftermarket wheel should. Are you sure it's the bolt patern and not the center hub diameter that doesn't let it go on?
Don
66 Corvair (driving)
57 2dr HT (restoring)
56 2dr HT (waiting to be restored)
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lschmidt
Member
Posts: 133
Loc: Wisconsin
Reg: 10-10-04
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07-18-12 09:07 AM - Post#2249464
In response to acardon
Thanks for the reply. The stock wheel fits because it has more play in the bolt holes. The lug nuts on the new wheels fit into the holes on the wheels and have tighter tolerances. I checked the hub and is not a problem. I measured the studs with a caliper and they definitely are drilled with a slightly larger bolt circle.
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 6-bangertim
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1868
Age: 55
Loc: El Cajon, Calif.
Reg: 11-30-08
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07-18-12 10:12 AM - Post#2249492
In response to lschmidt
I'm thinking that the new wheels were made to METRIC specs and don't quite fit over the 7/16 studs - are the lug nuts 3/4" on the rotors?
If the new wheels use tapered seats for the lugs, you might drill them out with a 29/64 drill. With SQUARE seats, you might have to send them back and get another set drilled to a early Chevelle rotor.
Another option might be to replace the 7/16 studs with later metric studs. "Borrow" a new rotor and compare it to your '55 rotors.
I'd talk to the wheel mfg. FIRST - could be they shipped the WRONG wheels for the car. 
Good Luck, Tim
Too Poor to Restore...My Nifty 150!
Proud owner of MISS NOVEMBER - 2011 Tri-Five Calender
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lschmidt
Member
Posts: 133
Loc: Wisconsin
Reg: 10-10-04
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07-18-12 12:52 PM - Post#2249557
In response to 6-bangertim
There is nothing wrong with the wheels. The rear wheels went on the stock 55 axle perfectly. I tried them on a 69 camaro, 70 chevelle and on the original 55 front drum brakes and no problem. I measured between the lugs on these rotors and compaired them with the others and they are drilled about .040 too far apart.
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 Rick_L
Honored Member
Posts: 24736
Loc: Katy, Tx, USA
Reg: 07-06-00
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07-18-12 04:40 PM - Post#2249630
In response to lschmidt
A couple of things you need to know.
1. The rotors for those spindles are modified and you can't buy replacements at the auto supply. I don't know what rotors they start with or what the mods are. (I could guess but if I'm wrong we'd all be confused and no good would be served.)
2. Used to be that TCI and Earle Williams both sold this product. TCI has sold the product to Williams or otherwise discontinued it, and Earle Williams is the sole source for it.
I'm sure that Earle can assist you with your problems, but I doubt he's going to warranty a TCI sale.
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lschmidt
Member
Posts: 133
Loc: Wisconsin
Reg: 10-10-04
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07-20-12 05:00 AM - Post#2250171
In response to Rick_L
I talked to TCI and they told me they had discontinued this product and to call Earle Williams. So I called Earle and he said he could send me some new rotors and caliper brackets but it would be about $400. I am still weighing my options and might get the rotors redrilled.
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