ARmy Rumour SErvice

**BWsamwatt** · 16-04-2011, 13:02

Originally Posted by putteesinmyhands

I think he's planning to swap tyred wheels for tyred wheels, all corners.

From a "is it physically possible?" point of view, he needs to check that he still has plenty of clearance at all angles of steering at all movements of suspension and that the bolt holes on the rims exactly match the bolt holes/studs on the hub.

From a legal point of view, he's on a non-starter. His speedo will be showing the wrong speed - underestimating is illegal - The Motor Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2001, Schedule 3, Item 19, Requirement 2: "For all true speeds up to the design speed of the vehicle, the true speed shall not exceed the indicated speed." Add to that, he's modifying his vehicle so he should inform DVLA and his insurers - and both will probably say "NO!".

It will be a full swap of 4 wheels for 4 wheels.
Thanks for pointing out the speedo drama, I think I'll just rely on my G10 black taxis!

**bigjimdangley** · 16-04-2011, 21:28

Originally Posted by BWsamwatt

It will be a full swap of 4 wheels for 4 wheels.
Thanks for pointing out the speedo drama, I think I'll just rely on my G10 black taxis!

Your speedo wont be that far out a couple of MPH at most. Watchout for tyre scrub or wheel arch fouling and you'll be reet!

**theoriginalphantom** · 16-04-2011, 21:32

get down the nearest scrappy and get a set of part worn tyres - 'round this was you are looking at £20 a go including balancing. My neighbour went recently and managed to pick up several unused ones that had been spares tyres in crash damaged motors.

**BWsamwatt** · 16-04-2011, 22:41

Originally Posted by theoriginalphantom

get down the nearest scrappy and get a set of part worn tyres - 'round this was you are looking at £20 a go including balancing. My neighbour went recently and managed to pick up several unused ones that had been spares tyres in crash damaged motors.

Good plan batman. I'd imagine a good few Astra's have been written off!

**putteesinmyhands** · 16-04-2011, 23:06

Toppers has the right idea, scrappies will have heaps of unused ex-spares.

Any driver with his head screwed on will tell you to avoid part-worn because you don't know how often the previous owner bounced them up kerbs. Having said that, who has any qualms about going to MT and signing out a wagon that you know for certain has been driven by several squaddies, none of whom will have treated it as if it were their own?

Getting back to the speedo issue. I've found an online tyre diameter calculator: TYRESAVE: Tyre Size Calculator According to the tyre sizes you've given, you could probably get away with your swap as the overall diameters aren't greatly different - but if you get pulled up or have a crash, you run the risk of fines and penalty points if someone considers that you've modified your car. A good starting point would be to contact your insurance company and ask them if changing the wheels would affect your policy. If you can, ask by e-mail so that you have documented proof of their reply.

**putteesinmyhands** · 16-04-2011, 23:16

There's another easy way to check whether your swap is valid: Opel Astra Tyres &#8226 Recommended Tyres Sizes &#8226 Oponeo.co.uk

...because who's to know whether a previous owner has already fitted bigger wheels?

Let us know how you get on.

**BWsamwatt** · 16-04-2011, 23:23

Originally Posted by putteesinmyhands

There's another easy way to check whether your swap is valid: Opel Astra Tyres &#8226 Recommended Tyres Sizes &#8226 Oponeo.co.uk

...because who's to know whether a previous owner has already fitted bigger wheels?

Let us know how you get on.

Just tried the calculator, it's given me vastly different sizes for the wheels I know to be stock! I'm going to attempt to change the wheels over in the morning and go to the scrappies first thing Monday!
Arrse has shown it's helpful side, thanks guys!

**vampireuk** · 17-04-2011, 11:40

Pop into your local LAD and find the EME, if he is still rather young he will no doubt reinvent the wheel for you, granted it may actually be square afterwards.