Scott Donnelly wrote,
>I am running 195x60x14 tires on VBs minilite replica wheels and
>visually, the distance between the top of the front tire and the inner
>fender lip (approx 4 1/2 - 5") appears too
>large and gives the impression that the front of the car is too high or
>the rear is too low.
My Series V, with stock wire wheels, but Michelin XZX's (which are a little
lower profile that original), has a 4" gap. I can easily stick my fist in
there. It has been this way for the 20 years I have owned it. Even sat
this way after I completely rebuilt the front end and let everything settle
before tightening up the A-arm bushings. I guess with the 60's profile
tires there would have been a little less gap.
I have seen earlier Alpines with less gap. I actually have wondered if it
was intentional at some point for them to try to level the rear fins. Just
a thought. Or maybe it's just older springs sagging more. But then the
difference in years now is getting pretty minimal.
Tigers too have less gap because of the extra weight, and, according to
Rick, the Tiger springs give the same net resistance as the Alpine springs,
resulting in a lower position. (I forget which two things they changed on
the Tiger springs, but according to Rick, one stiffened the springs and one
weakened the springs resulting in about the same thing as the Alpine).
There are a couple of ways to lower the front end if you want. You can put
in spring insulators from Capris. They are thinner. You can take the
insulators out entirely. The ride will be a bit more harsh - but I've not
had first hand experience. Or you can get the springs cut. I do not know
how that works when the ends of the springs will not taper to a finish like
they do now.
Jay
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