Rear wheel conversion to 15” car tyre

[CairAndros]

hello, I have plans to make a 15” steel rim wheel for my type 3 , I have a California wirewheel rear swing arm.
I have noticed that the space between the final drive and the swing arm is only 125mm(5”), it is no problem to squeeze the deflated tyre trough this space but the rim will be a problem.
I am using a classic Saab 99 or 96 rim( the 99 has a 5” wide rim and the 96 has a 4” rim)
Has anyone any experience what is the best option.
I think of using a 165/80x15” tyre that will fit with no problem inside the swingarm( with 7,5mm free space)
Henk

[Weg]

Henk, I've attached the pictures you sent me, hoping someone can identify what the problem is.

[CairAndros]

Thanks for posting the pictures I tried it but the file is to big.
It is now converted with a 15” rim that is 5jot wide(5”), but I can’t get it past the final drive and swing arm axle side.
I think a 15” rim with 4jot (4”) wide rim will do the job, please any advice

[Richard and Pat]

Hi Henk,
For some added help I reposted your questions on Facebook Triking Sportscar Owners club page. There are some answers.

[Alanla]

A 165 tyre is the absolute widest it is practical and safe to use in your size swingarm, even then it will be subject to the particular manufacture of that tyre as we have found some manufacturers 165 tyres have fat sidewalls which will be very close to the swing arm. We mostly fit and recommend a maximum width 155 tyre for your type of installation but as Ian said 125 also works fine, actually so does a 135 and 145 but the 145s haven't been available for some time. The wheel rim offset relative to the hub is absolutely critical for safety and to retain sufficient clearance, that's why our modular wheel is designed as it is. Again some wheel rims dependent on the rim shape design can be too wide and foul the swingarm even if the tyre well is a std width dimension. You can fit the later (usually post 2002 model bikes) swing arm which is wider and will accommodate up to a 185 tyre but we have found for general road driving anything wider than the 165 offers no advantage in fact in certain road conditions can even be detrimental.

[CairAndros]

thanks Alan for your reply, it is certainly what i was thinking of after redesigning the conversion.
I have also noticed that the width of the tyre does no good for this type of swingarm, again i will go for a the 145R 15"tyre and use a 3Jot wide rim.
Henk

[CairAndros]

Here a short update on the rear wheel conversion.
The Triking is running beautiful and is nice and steady on the road(the motorcycle tyre felt a bit swaying)
Cornering is giving a solid and good roadholding feel.
All in all a success
Greetings Henk
P.S. thanks for the advice on the forum, it was a great help