Wheel Offset Measuring Tool

[blykins]

I saw Chuck and Joe use one on Horsepower TV today...it's a pretty neat setup...They said it was from a company called the Wheel Works? but I can't seem to find it anywhere....anyone have any leads on this?

[blykins]

Again, if anyone has any leads, please let me know....fantastic piece for calculating correct offset.

It had two pieces that fit inside the tire and spread it to the right width...then you slide that piece over another and place it on the lugs and lock it down....then you could move the tire in and out to suit your preference...then you just look at the scale that's on it and see what the backspacing is...

[Mr.Fixit]

I made one with a few pieces of 1" angle iron, but it didn't hold a tire. It just allowed me to figure out how much room the wheelwell had, then look at tire sizes to see what would fit. Basically, an adjustable T-square that would bolt to the studs. The kind on TV, you need to allready have the tires that you think will fit, easy for a tire shop, not for me.

[speed220mph]

A tape measure and 2x4 works about as good as anything. All you need to know is wheel width, make the measurement and do the math. Question is do you want backspacing or wheel offset?

Backspacing is measured with the wheel on the floor facing up. Measure from the floor up to the mounting surface of the wheel. More backspacing decreases tread and less increases tread.

Offset is the distance the center of the rim is in or out from the spider mounting surface. So, if the wheel is centered on the wheel, offset is zero. If the rim is move OUT one inch (tread increases double offset change, or two inches), offset is minus one inch according to SAE standards.

To measure offset, lay the wheel on its back with or without the tire mounted, measure from the floor to the mounting surface and record this #. Turn over the wheel and make the same measurement. If they are the same, offset is zero. If they aren't the same, add the two numbers and divide by two. This will give you the center measurement of the wheel. Subtract either of your previous measurements and you've got the offset. If the inside measurement is smaller than the outside, offset is negative and vice versa.

All it takes is a little math. It's always helpful to make a little sketch on which to record your numbers and keep track of where you are in the process.

Simple . . . right.

[blykins]

Well I've done it that way....and am pretty convinced of my math...but this way seems a lot easier. I have the rear tires I wanna use....and the backspace that SV recommends with their cars isn't perfect I don't think....makes the tire/wheel stick out past the fender well. Can't have that.

[plissken]

Found'em

http://www.vpdsoftwheels.com/mountmate.html

Kind of expensive, how about making one out of wood to do a one time job?

[blykins]

Wow, someone found them....I've looked all over the place for them....I think I wore Google out.....Thanks!

[blykins]

Ok, $500....? Little too unreasonable.....guess I'll break out the 2x4 and tape measure and have faith in my math....hehehe