13 inch wheel clearance

[p.mole1]

I have my 13 inch wheels fitted and I could hear slight rubbing? It turns out they are catching the De Dion tube, only just. I think it my just be the alloy shim but there is not much room. How much clearance is considered acceptable, before I attack my freshly powered coated De Dion tube. They would clear if I fitted a 1 mm shim, interestingly if I corner hard I can hear them rub

[SLR No.77]

Often the steel plate part of the dedion tube where the ears mount can rub on the inside of the wheels.

Firstly check it's not wheel weights that are catching, these can easily be relocated slightly. If it's not the wheel weights it's easy to grind away a little of the steel plate, I've used a stone in a dremel in the past, a grinder would be easier but you usually only need to take minimal off. It's usually one of the corners of the mounting plate.

I'd grind back the dedion tube rather than using any sort of wheel spacer. Aim for at least a 3mm gap, even with good wheel bearings there can be flex when cornering.

Stu.

[p.mole1]

Hi thanks, most of what was catching seemed to be the aluminium shim, but I filed a chamfer on the edge of the tube 

[Andrew Gilbert]

common issue, I attacked mine with a grinder, took about 2 to 3mm off the rear of the ears, wheels fitted perfectly after that.

[Geoff Brown]

If 8"  wheels then what you have is fairly common. As stated here about 2-3mm ground off the rear of the tube will suffice but be sure not to intrude upon the weld or not leave even a small land. 

When you have taken down the material you will find through use that the tube will still be scratched & the inside of the rim lightly scored due to road grit ingress.

[p.mole1]

Thanks, I have 7 inch wheels so it was only just catching. I  filed a mild chamfer and I now have loads of clearance.