[DeTomaso] Rubbing inner fender wells

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 8/16/13 12:31:24 PM, steve at snclocks.com writes:

> It has 245/45 Michelins mounted on the front.  I note that the tires rub 
> the
> inner fenders during a tight turn.  For those of you with 15 X 8 Campys -
> does anyone know what the maximum width one can go on without inner fender
> rub?  Does one get inner-fender rub with 225 width tires?
> 
Its well known a 245-50 x anything with 8.9" wide treads on 8" Campys will 
rub the inner fenders in several places, mostly in hard turns while braking 
or while fully loaded. My info is only for CAmpy wheels; if your wheels set 
inboard even further, you can try spacers to move the treads outboard, but 
be very careful of catching the outside lip of the fender in turns- even if 
rounded off as per the TSBs. Some owners ignore the rubbing with few ill 
effects.
The simple fix for the noise it makes is to note the places where 
paint/undercoat is rubbed off, tape a piece of 1/2" pipe on top of the rub spots and 
wham the pipe hard several times with a big hammer. This puts a neat shallow 
dent in the critical area. A quick spritz with spray paint finishes the 
job. The gain in traction from 50% wider front tires and the reduction in 
understeer is well worth this 10 minute mod. 
I suppose that narrower treads may not rub inside but at what exact point 
that happens will likely be specific to some cars & not others. I note the 
stock 185-70x 15" tires had 5.8" wide treads and 225-50 x 15s have 7.9" wide 
treads.   Good luck- J Deryke