[DeTomaso] Big caster, big wheels and small problem

[Will Demelo]

After spending alot of money and time on a gr4 conversion, I had my A-arms 
modified by Johnny. I didn't check for clearance after the A-arms came back 
and yes, the tire grabbed by lower flare.
I haven't been that upset in a long time....
Will
----- Original Message ----- 
From: " Charles Engles" <cengles at cox.net>
To: "'boyd casey'" <boyd411 at gmail.com>
Cc: <detomaso at realbig.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 09, 2010 9:57 PM
Subject: [DeTomaso] Big caster, big wheels and small problem


> Dear Boyd,
>
>
>
>
>
>            I was thinking about your recent post where you noted that your
> new Johnny Woods modified front upper a arms would permit a maximum of 
> seven
> degrees positive caster.
>
>
>
>            If you are also running wide front tires, then there can be a
> small fitment problem.   On my late '74 Pantera with five degees positive
> caster that uses 17x9 wide front wheels and appropriately wide tires, I
> noticed that in a stationary position with the wheels turned there was 
> tight
> clearance that I had not noted before.   In that situation, there was only
> about  ¼" clearance between the tires inner edge and the front fender at
> about 2 o'clock on the right tire.   It was tight and it was ok, until I
> finally was in a low speed parking lot situation and must have hit a bump.
> The aftermath showed that the tire must have snagged and twanged the 
> fender
> lip.   It flexed the metal enough that the paint was damaged, although the
> fender was fine.   A trip to my favorite paint and body man fixed the 
> paint
> defect and resulted in some judicious and subtle tweaking of the fender at
> that critical spot.
>
>
>
>           The point of this is that I think positive caster much beyond
> four degrees plus 17x9 wheels and tires will alter the geometry of the 
> front
> wheel such that the tire-fender kiss is much more likely.   Take note 
> after
> you get everything installed and set up to be sure this little issue.
>
>
>
>
>
>                                Warmest regards,  Chuck Engles
>
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