2600 wheels

[D&SW]

really a continuation of the discussion that derailed a "2600 Header" thread....

I guess I'll speak for several of us that are still looking, no, begging for a solution to the "skinnny tire" situation. Somewhere on this distraught planet someone must have figured out a solution to fitting wider tires/wheels to the 2600 or at least a more available and driving-friendly tire than the 165R400. The cars have been around since the early 60's right?

Or am I just being too hopeful for a magic bullet?

David

[67alloy]

I have a set of "Zat" wheels that were manufactured by Tom Zat at Alfa Heaven back in the day. If and when I ever get around to making a track car I will use them. They are standard 2600 wheel centers that have been cut out and re-welded to 15 x 6 rims. The quality of the welds are very good and they allow for a relatively stock look.

[2600]

I've been down that road and ran face first into the dreaded 'Liability Exposure". Apparently the manufacturers are terrified of litigation.
However, having said that, I did have a fabricated wheel given to me from a young gent. in Portland. 15 x 6", steel, heavy and fairly "Hot Rod-ish". It cleared the brake caliper on the front, but fouled the rear drum. He had a "67 2600 Sprint and said they cleared the rear caliper "With a little sanding"! Being a bit squeemish about "Sanding" brake parts, I'm afraid I didn't even try to fit the wheel on my '66 Sprint. I still have the wheel in the back shed and could drag it out, if need be. The shame of it is, that I know, in my heart, that there is a proper, manufactured, "Mag" wheel out there, Somewhere, just waiting to be found. The bolt pattern is the same as the old full size Fords and Dodge cars. The problem is the "Offset" and rim width, particularlly for the rear of the Sprint, because of the 1/4 "skirting"..............
The beat goes on!
Cheers, Adrian

[D&SW]

is there any difference between the Sprint and the Spider rear setup?

[2600]

HI D&SW, Obviously the body shape, ie: the rear wheel arch is different. The only differences apparent in re. the rear axle itself, are three differing ratios
8/41 : 9/43 : 10/41. and of course the early drum braked model, as opposed to the later disc braked type. I don't know if it's correct, but someone told me that the disc brake setup can be adapted to the early axle housing. I have no proof of this! Cheers, Adrian

[D&SW]

thanks Adrian.....

my 2600 is a 64 with disc brakes, front and rear. This discussion of tires and wheels is of immense interest to me since the old cliche of tires being the only thing standing between you and disaster is so true.....

David

[2600]

David,
I really know about this of which you speak. If you didn't know, I was racing my Sprint and put her end for end five times as a result of inadequate braking ability. Apparently you cannot effect rapid deceleration of 27 cwt. with 4 bicycle tyres, ....So if you come up with a wheel that works, say 6" x 16" please, let us know.
Cheers, Adrian

[D&SW]

2600 sprint with alternative wheels on EBAY now....http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Alfa-...34005765QQrdZ1

not my cup of tea style-wise, but apparently work in some measure....

wonder what specs they are? Does anyone know this car?


David

[2600]

Pretty car,. Ugly wheels. BBS is a respected wheel manufacturer. Perhaps they (BBS) did this size wheel in another, more acceptable, style. I'll call the vendor and post his reply
Adrian

[dretceterini]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2600 David, I really know about this of which you speak. If you didn't know, I was racing my Sprint and put her end for end five times as a result of inadequate braking ability. Apparently you cannot effect rapid deceleration of 27 cwt. with 4 bicycle tyres, ....So if you come up with a wheel that works, say 6" x 16" please, let us know. Cheers, Adrian

[67alloy]

Adrian, I would agree. I like the car, color and all, but it shows what a good set of wheels/tires can do for a proper stance. One could make a cottage industry setting decent cars right with minor suspension and wheel changes, and profit considerably. The red 2600 on Ebay is not the green cars match (IMHO) but looks 100% better in STANCE. These are the further perils of fitting wheels to the Sprint.

Also, as a side note, it does seem that the scammers have finally breached the 2000/2600 world. I could be wrong, and if so apologize, but this one smells very fishy.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ALFA-...QQcmdZViewItem

Perhaps we should be flattered??

My own Ebay identity was recently hijacked. I wonder if smokeyboycats even knows he has a 2000 Cast Iron for sale. Proceed with caution, gentlemen.

[2600]

I called the vendor, he says the wheels are from a Ford Grand Marquis, approx 1997. They are fitted with spacers so they clear the spring perch and the rear inner valance. He further states the car has drums in the rear, and says the wheels fit O.K. He did not disclose whether turning was nescessary to get clearance. Now there has to be another style available?
The vendor is straight forward and highly motivated, if someone out there wants one, give it a look!
Cheers, Adrian

[2600]

Perhaps Jay should put in a little comment at this stage RE: the red 2000 Spider, purported to have been his, at some stage!
Adrian

[K_Dijkhuizen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by D&SW Somewhere on this distraught planet someone must have figured out a solution to fitting wider tires/wheels to the 2600 or at least a more available and driving-friendly tire than the 165R400... David

[2600]

Hi Klaas,
That would be practical if we lived in Brazil, but since you're in the Netherlands, and I'm in Canada, and I have never seen the Brazilian Alfa, an easier answer is definitely the Ford route. Failing that, I have a set of wire wheel hubs and "Knock-offs" from a 1900 that will allow me to fit 16" spoked wheels. Not a competition wheel, but an attractive street alternative.
Cheers, Adrian