[DeTomaso] Anyone using 245/40/17 Front Tires

[Charles Engles]

Dear Perry,

          I have two 7000 series late Pantera L cars with stock fenders.
One car runs 255-40-17 front tires with about a 3 degree positive caster.
The other one runs 245-40-17 front tires and runs about 3 ½ to 4 degrees
positive caster.  Both tire sizes rub the inner fender at full steering
crank in parking lot situations.  This is inconsequential. 

          The 255 tires required a little bit of extra gentle massaging of
the front fender lip for no tire-metal contact.   The 245 tires  with the
high positive caster looked good, but close.  Unfortunately, close was too
close and a little paint repair followed by some extra gentle massaging of
that fender lip provided the necessary clearance.   I believe (sorry Maddog)
that the extra positive caster over the common stock setting produces a
little different front suspension geometry that puts the front mid-arch
fender lip rather too close for driving purposes without some special
attention.   In my opinion (sorry Maddog), this is not likely to be
necessary if the low positive stock caster setting is used

.an ounce of
prevention is worth a few hundred dollars at the paint and body shop.


                     Warmest regards, Chuck Engles


-----Original Message-----
From: detomaso-bounces at realbig.com [mailto:detomaso-bounces at realbig.com] On
Behalf Of Mike Thomas
Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2009 9:42 AM
To: 'Perry Lindsey'; detomaso at realbig.com
Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] Anyone using 245/40/17 Front Tires

I've had both Pirelli P-Zero 245/40x17 and now Khumo Ecsta XS 245/40x17
fronts.  The Pirellis would rub the inside rear of the wheel well when
cranked hard over to either side, but no problems other than that.  The
Khumos barely rub at all.

6328 already had the front fenders rolled (I believe they did this at the
factory to later cars).

Mike Thomas
Panteras Northwest
Yellow '74 6328

-----Original Message-----
From: detomaso-bounces at realbig.com [mailto:detomaso-bounces at realbig.com] On
Behalf Of Perry Lindsey
Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 5:47 PM
To: detomaso at realbig.com
Subject: [DeTomaso] Anyone using 245/40/17 Front Tires

I would like to hear from those who are running 245/40/17 tires on the front
of your unflared narrow bodied Pantera's. I know it is common to use a
235/40/17 tire, but the tire I want to use does not come in that size. If
you are using the 245, did you have to roll the front fender lips? Was there
any contact anywhere that required trimming or other persuations (hammering)
to make the tires fit? My car is lowered, and I am concerned about rubbing.
Please share your experiences. Thanks in advance.
 
                                 Perry Lindsey


      
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