Styling alloy wheels - Panda 169 2007, and Stance+

[hazhumph1]

So, April rolled around this year, and I bought my grans old Fiat Panda. Its a 2007 model. I am thinking about future plans for the car being some new wheels (yo!) Anyway, its currently sitting on 13'' Steelies. (155/80/13) the wheels I have in mind to change to is the Fiat 500 rims, but they are 16'' - 3 inches bigger. Would anyone recommend this or is it worth just sticking with current rims for now. + if the wheel size is bigger, will the speedo need recalibrating because the wheels are bigger? - I have attached the rims I am talking about and the ones that are currently fitted. As far as I am aware they are both 4x98, which is the bolt pattern so they could fit fine? - i am completely new to 'modifying' wheels.

2) On a completely unrelated note, I was thinking about getting some Stance+ coil overs just to lower the car (but just enough so the tyres don't scrape and I can get over speedhumps sensibly) would anyone recommend these/are they any good? Again, attached pic of the coil overs themselves.

thanks in advance, fellow fiat owners.

hazhumph

 

[rmjbn1]

Hi and welcome Top car, hope you enjoy it. Check the rear axle isn't too rusty.

I can't offer much advice, but I'd suggest before you buy anything do some research on offset, tyre widths and profiles, and rolling radius to understand what you're doing.

For example, the 13" steels have a BIGGER overall circumference than the 14" alloys fitted to the 169 Panda due to the tyre profile.

Generally best to stay close to factory options. Have a look here: https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/wheels-help.508288/#post-4746095

Also worth considering insurance implications of fitting non standard sizes.

15" rims were fitted to the 100hp Pandas, anything bigger and you'll need low profile tyres, expensive and you might not like the ride. Has been done though: https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/17-inch-wheels.498294/

Good place to start would be visit the Panda mk3 section and search 'wheels', lots of previous threads on the subject.

This might be close to what you want to achieve: https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/wheels.428751/#post-4100309

 

[koalar]

16" is too big in my opinion

The profile on tyre will be so small it going to knock your fillings out, part of the suspension is the tyres

It does depend on tyre brand, pressures, state of the suspension, but as a guide


13" best comfort, highest profile
14" best compromise between comfort and handling
15" sporty lowest profile, worst ride

For me, I prefer the comfort so 13" steel is my preferred choice


On the inside the ET should be stamped

Some of the 500 wheels are a very close match

Keep the ET close to the tyre width you want to fit, the steering will feel nicer, a couple of mm isn't going to make too much of a noticeable difference

ET41 155
ET38 165
ET32 185
ET30 195


Fiat panda 100hp
6.5J x 15 ET30 195/45 R15
5.5J x 14 ET32 185/55 R14
Spare
4.00B x 15 ET 35 125/70 R15

Fiat panda 4x4
5.5J x 14 165/70 R14
Spare
4.00B x 14 135/80 R14

Climbing
5.5J x 14 185/65 R14
5.5J x 14 165/70 R14
Spare
4.00B x 14 135/80 R14

Cross
5.5J x 14 185/65 R14
Spare
4.00B x 14 135/80 R14

6J x 15 175/65 R15
Spare
4.00B x15 125/80 R15

Emotion
5Jx14 165/65 R14
Spare
4.50B x 13 135/80 13

Active. Actual, dynamic
5B x 13 ET41 155/80 R13
5J x 14 ET38 165/60 R14
Spare
4.50B x 13 135/80 13

 

[hazhumph1]

Thanks for all suggestions.

 

[koalar]

Part of the rear suspension is the bump stops

Be aware the Stance+ coil overs can not be used with the stock rear bump stops, as far as I know

I stand to be corrected on this, as it only what someone else has said

Normally lowing the suspension on stiffer springs ruins the ride

I hit the front exhaust down pipe hard several times and my cars weren't lowered

Also hit a high curb opening the door

It's not something I would consider doing, but it's up to you, it's your car to do with as you see fit

Just way up the pros and cons, find out how much extra the insurance is

 

[Dan at Adrian Flux]

Hi.
If you have any issues with insurance at all for a change of wheels then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.

 

[koalar]

Just for fun

When they raced these cars back around 2007 they were on Mitchelin race tyres, which equal 178mm wide and R14, I believe the rim width was 6"

 

[rmjbn1]

Active. Actual, dynamic
5B x 13 ET41 155/80 R13
5J x 14 ET38 165/60 R14
Spare
4.50B x 13 135/80 13

My 13" steel rims are stamped ET35, on 2004 1.2 Dynamic

 

[koalar]

Let me double check what size tyres ?

Maybe I made a typo

 

[rmjbn1]

155/80 R13
I've two sets of 13" steel rims, 8 wheels in total, second set came of a 2007 car, they're all ET35

 

[Pepandaros]

mine too ET35 155/80 R13 on both the 1.1 2009 and 1.2 2011.

 

[koalar]

Yep my mistake, I taken the size out of a 141 panda manual

5B X 13'' ET35 is the correct size

Good spot @rmjbn1

 

[rmjbn1]

No worries @koalar, thought it seemed odd

I'm a bit confused by B and J rims

I understand they're different in section, different shoulders.

Are steel rims usually B and alloys J?

Is it something we need to be aware of when ordering tyres?

I'd usually get my local tyre place to order what I need. But the shocking cost of tyres is making me consider my options. My preferred Toyos have gone from about £30 to £90! And I need a full set of boots this year.

 

[koalar]

Yes

It's illegal to fit a tyre which is designed for one profile on to a rim of a different profile

They do fit, but dangerous, there I picture on the web of damage somewhere see if I can find it again

So you can't fit a J tyre to a B rim

Just to confuse matters there are some tyre that designed to fit both such as the Eibach snow tyres


B were originally bike, so smaller sizes


I always assumed 155 or less were B but never checked

 

[hazhumph1]

Hi and welcome Top car, hope you enjoy it. Check the rear axle isn't too rusty.

I can't offer much advice, but I'd suggest before you buy anything do some research on offset, tyre widths and profiles, and rolling radius to understand what you're doing.

For example, the 13" steels have a BIGGER overall circumference than the 14" alloys fitted to the 169 Panda due to the tyre profile.

Generally best to stay close to factory options. Have a look here: https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/wheels-help.508288/#post-4746095

Also worth considering insurance implications of fitting non standard sizes.

15" rims were fitted to the 100hp Pandas, anything bigger and you'll need low profile tyres, expensive and you might not like the ride. Has been done though: https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/17-inch-wheels.498294/

Good place to start would be visit the Panda mk3 section and search 'wheels', lots of previous threads on the subject.

This might be close to what you want to achieve: https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/wheels.428751/#post-4100309

passed mot with some advisorys,

general corrosion,
rear springs corroded
axle corroded.

those are the only ones, and for a 17 year old car isnt too bad. ive seen worse lists of advisories.-

 

[rmjbn1]

Good stuff

If you're planning on keeping the car, it might be an idea to give that rear axle some tlc before it gets too bad.

Springs are cheap and easy to replace, but the axle isn't!

They usually rust through on the spring pans. Smearing some grease or old engine oil is better than nothing, Lanoguard or Dinitrol are good.

If you have axle stands and a decent jack helps with access - remove two lower shocker bolts and the springs fall out.

Also check condition of engine sump pan, coolant return pipe in front of engine, mud trap behind front springs and rear sills for rust.