Hub Centric rings for the spacers?

[chrisofna]

Got spacers from EZAccessory, only problem is they don't center! I thought they centered with the lugs? Do I need a hub-centric ring just for the freaking spacers?

[Roboskittle]

Technically yes....Dont know how that would work though.

[chrisofna]

I'm so sick of buying crap that should fit that doesn't dude, this whole build has been one screw-up after another because of either a machinist can't do his job right or a shop says one thing and pretty much lies about how their product works.

This current screw-up means I'm gonna end up running 14s in the front 12s in the rear.

[anomoly40]

That's how us gangsters roll...

I run 1/4 spacers in the rear. I'm using capri rims so I pop out the center and use a small screwdriver to align it before I tighten the lug nuts/bolts. I use my feet to put pressure on the rim to hold the spacer. Putting studs in makes life easier.

[TominMO]

That's how us gangsters roll...

I run 1/4 spacers in the rear. I'm using capri rims so I pop out the center and use a small screwdriver to align it before I tighten the lug nuts/bolts. I use my feet to put pressure on the rim to hold the spacer. Putting studs in makes life easier.

I have rear spacers too. I have the lug studs instead of the bolts, and it is more convenient. I hold my spacers in place with a couple of small pieces of duct tape. You do not need centering rings at all.

Bear in mind that you will probably need different lug bolts than the stock ones for some wheels, unless you switch to studs. The tapered part of the stock lug bolt is very short, and that's the part that contacts the wheel. On aluminum wheels, with deeper tapered areas for the nut or stud, the wheel will probably vibrate at hwy speeds when using stock lug bolts, until you use the proper, deeper lug bolt or switch to studs. I got lug bolts that work from Advance Auto, which I am now using on my Aspire, since I switched the Festy to studs.

Here's a thread on the studs: http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/sh...ght=wheel+stud

[chrisofna]

I have studs on my car.

[TominMO]

I have studs on my car.

That's the same setup I have: I just stuck some duct tape to the spacer and drum to center it, tho it's probably not really necessary.

[fastivaca]

I'm running the same spacers on my car too. What I do is get the wheels in place and run the bolts in finger tight. I reach through the wheel with my fingers and center the spacer by feel. I haven't had any issues... yet.

A tip for those running 1/4" spacers and still using lug bolts. I discovered that BMW lug bolts have the same seat angle as the Festiva and are 1/4" longer that our standard lug bolts. Standard lug bolts don't have enough thread in the drum/rotor with the spacers.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

[TominMO]

Good tip on the BMW lug bolts.

[blkfordsedan]

Where do you get the studs for the conversion? Can you get them at a McParts store, or do you have to get them off the internet or Ebay?

I think I'll go that route to mount my 323 wheels and get 1/4" spacers for the back.
I think I'll just use RTV to stick them to the drums and hold them in place. The 323 wheel fit pretty tight on the center hole & center themselves.

[anomoly40]

Autozone has them but they're like $5. Try looking up 12x1.5 studs. I think that's the size. Do a search in here to double check me.

[Maxtiva]

Autozone has them but they're like $5. Try looking up 12x1.5 studs. I think that's the size. Do a search in here to double check me.

This is the correct size and I think I use 1.5"

[DriverOne]

Question! If the BMW lugs work, would they be a better choice than lug studs and nuts if a spacer is installed, or is it a personal choice? Also, I know I may not need spacers for the front wheels, but I'd like my tires to be equally distant from the fenders all the way around. Do the front axles actually stick out farther than the rear, or would spacers all the way around keep the equal distance front to rear?

[Aaronbrook37]

Question! If the BMW lugs work, would they be a better choice than lug studs and nuts if a spacer is installed, or is it a personal choice? Also, I know I may not need spacers for the front wheels, but I'd like my tires to be equally distant from the fenders all the way around. Do the front axles actually stick out farther than the rear, or would spacers all the way around keep the equal distance front to rear?

Personal choice... I'd recommend the studs/nuts if you frequently take your wheels off for any reason. For example... if you do your tire rotations yourself or switch tires for racing/winter/drag. I know for certain I'm not the only member on here who gets frustrated trying to put wheels back on with lug bolts. It's quite the nuisance compared to other cars.

As for the tire-track issue, the spacers aren't thick enough to really cause a noticeable difference. For example, you won't end up with that "Dub" VW look with the fat and tucked rear tires. If you were really paranoid about it, I suppose you could pay double and run front spacers... but there isn't really much reason to. It's not worth trying to fix something that isn't broken when that fix itself could cause issues. For example, the front spacer could very well cause clearance issues with your fender depending on your setup.

[Aaronbrook37]

Where do you get the studs for the conversion? Can you get them at a McParts store, or do you have to get them off the internet or Ebay?

I think I'll go that route to mount my 323 wheels and get 1/4" spacers for the back.
I think I'll just use RTV to stick them to the drums and hold them in place. The 323 wheel fit pretty tight on the center hole & center themselves.

Here's where mine are coming from... I have yet to receive them, so if you're in no rush to get them, wait until I can confirm it's a good seller/product. http://www.bildon.com/catalog/result...ds/Nuts&Nav=10

I ordered 17 45mm racing wheel studs and 17 conical seat wheel nuts. Never hurts to have a spare in case you muck it up putting on your last one. It also gives me one to use for pictures. Note that they are open-style nuts in case of surplus threads.

I'm probably going to try and find a car with OEM 17mm lugs in a junkyard, and steal the tire iron so I can carry that one around in my car. Which reminds me... gotta hunt down a Miata spare tire and see if it'll fit into the stock spare well.