New Minilite Rims Pics! –fitting, fender lip & polishing

Author Topic: New Minilite Rims Pics! –fitting, fender lip & polishing  (Read 1807 times)

Offline autoxcuda

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New Minilite Rims Pics! –fitting, fender lip & polishing
« on: January 04, 2010 - 07:43:17 AM »
I got a set of Minilite copy rims made by Optima at a swap meet a couple years ago for my 68 Barracuda. They are 15x9 with 4 1/8” backspace, -0.9” offset. I wanted to run them with my 245/50/15 tires that were previously on my 15x8 rallyes with 4.5 backspacing, and 0.0” offset. Obviously this was going to put the tire out closer to the fenders and I was close right now.

So I lipped the front fenders. I did this because in the future I will be running 275/40/17 on 17x9 rims as funds allow. I knew from others experience I had to move the front lower edge of the fender back. I installed a spare 245/50/15 on the new rims to mock them up.

The idea is to have the rod supporting the inside to fold against and get a contour. I had hand dolly also supporting the rod. And the key was small hammer blows and having patience. It ended up being pretty much a straight line because I didn’t put a couple relief cuts in it. Oh well, I feel I could reverse this if I had to.

I think I could have got away with about ¾” less this much cut back.

E-body's should have more room than my 68 Baracuda. But as the front tires get wider the E-bodies also will hit at the front lower fender lip.


« Last Edit: January 04, 2010 - 08:06:44 AM by autoxcuda »
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Offline autoxcuda

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Re: New Minilite Rims Pics! –fitting, fendr lip & polishing
« Reply #1 on: January 04, 2010 - 07:46:33 AM »
In the rear:

The tires were pushed out about 1”. I think if I bottom out the rear I might rub. But my other concern was if I’m at the track and the car leans over will I rub.

I found a loading ramp embankment that allowed me to compress the heck out of one side and get the rear end at a major angle. I got 3" compressed compared to ride height. And I still could fit my knuckles between the tire and the fender lip and outer double wall portion of the wheelhouse.

Ended up giving the car a cool new look.
« Last Edit: January 04, 2010 - 07:53:20 AM by autoxcuda »
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Sat: Mopar Cruise-In

Offline autoxcuda

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Re: New Minilite Rims Pics! –fitting, fendr lip & polishing
« Reply #2 on: January 04, 2010 - 07:52:45 AM »
I cleaned up the rims with this really cool brillo flapper wheel. The flaps have grit on one the sides of them. What really worked well and fast was putting the rim on a swivel shop chair and adjusted the height of the rims with blocks to meet that sanding wheel. I even added a block to the back of the grinding motor to get the angled surfaces.

The rims originally had polished center. But I wanted a cast look so I bought some Rustoleum textured Dark Pewter spray paint

« Last Edit: January 04, 2010 - 07:57:59 AM by autoxcuda »
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Offline cudazappa

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Re: New Minilite Rims Pics! –fitting, fender lip & polishing
« Reply #3 on: January 04, 2010 - 08:03:47 AM »
That look is really sweet steve!  :2thumbs:
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Offline autoxcuda

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Re: New Minilite Rims Pics! –fitting, fender lip & polishing
« Reply #4 on: January 04, 2010 - 08:09:31 AM »
That look is really sweet steve!  :2thumbs:

Thanks.

I posted the polishing stuff, cause I think that could be applied to any aluminum rim. For me, I was looking to recreate a brushed or machined finish. When I sanded by hand it didn't look as uniform as when I used this wheel and had the rim on a turn-table (swivel chair).
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Special 30th Anniversary Event!
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Thrus: Mopar Track Day at Willow Springs Raceway
Fri: Caravan & Cruise
Sat: Mopar Cruise-In

Offline Bullitt-

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Re: New Minilite Rims Pics! –fitting, fender lip & polishing
« Reply #5 on: January 04, 2010 - 09:11:52 AM »
Nice Job atx   :thumbsup: Love those Minilites .... I've used my car as a lathe to get the brushed look.
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline brads70

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Re: New Minilite Rims Pics! –fitting, fender lip & polishing
« Reply #6 on: January 08, 2010 - 11:13:52 AM »
I love that style of rim! Good job! :2thumbs:
Brad
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Offline Jim

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Re: New Minilite Rims Pics! –fitting, fender lip & polishing
« Reply #7 on: January 08, 2010 - 12:28:58 PM »
I've used my car as a lathe to get the brushed look.

Yep. I mounted an old set of American Racing 200-S on my Explorer. Jacked up the rear, put it in low, and polished using croakus (sp?) cloth, fine sand paper, and finally steel wool to freshen them up.
-Jim
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