So today is dry. I think lets get the wheels changed over at last and see how it looks.

So i get all the new (well they're new to me) wheels out (oz ultraleggeras) and the bolts and new locking nuts. Copperslip everything. For once i think i'll be prepared so as i don't have to get copperslip over all my tools as i copperslip as i go along. Y

Get the old wheels off and go to put new wheels on

And just as is the way with everything with me and this car, the bolts are too long!

I call up performance alloys and they say that is what Oz would supply with their fitting kit for the 306gti!

So i check again. And of course it starts p**sing it down. And then i manage the bash my head on corner of garage

So with the Cyclones the length of thread presented to the hub is 18mm (i.e the bit visible from the other side of the wheel) but with the Oz wheels it's 23mm.

So i call up PerformanceAlloys again and they said they can order up bolts 5mm shorter but they haven't sold those bolts in M12 1.25 for ages.

I'm guessing a big part of it is that the Oz bolts are tapered and the Cyclone bolts are flat washer.

Think i'll try and get to a motorfactors before it gets too late and see what they have in stock. But i thought i'd ask here before i go off buying stuff that won't fit.

To cap it off i bought MacGards which will be too long too now! But that's what the Halfords system said. Karma kicked me in the arse for then buying off ebay because they were 13quid cheaper.

Imagine me trying to fit an intercooler or supercharger! Nevermind my planned worth on the suspension and steering rack! I'm betting have 16mm ball joints when what i've got coming is 18mm or vice versa

So can somebody please confirm that i'm not going mad or doing something stupid and that 18mm presented is correct and with a taper bolt i'm wanting somthing like 19/20 mm thread M12 x 1.25

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Turned 40 and in true cliched fashion buying one of the cars of my teenage dreams!

Luke almost as much trouble as women

Maybe I don't have cyclones!!

MisterGTR has attached the following image:

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Turned 40 and in true cliched fashion buying one of the cars of my teenage dreams!

Luke - Here's the original wheel nut

MisterGTR has attached the following image:

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Turned 40 and in true cliched fashion buying one of the cars of my teenage dreams!

This is how much thread is presented to hub With oz wheels about 23 mm with the Pug wheels it's about 18mm. What threw me was the fact that PA said they'd not sold that length ie 5 mm shorter for ages.

MisterGTR has attached the following image:

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Turned 40 and in true cliched fashion buying one of the cars of my teenage dreams!

yes, they should be flat faced like the photo above

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306 rallye reproduction decals (full sets/individual decals) | 306 b-pillar textured vinyl weatherstrips
306 slam panel esso stickers | 306 yellow / orange / pension fund red side door badges
gti6 inlet manifold badges | 306 rear boot badges (p2/p3)
winner of Extraction of toys from prams with outstanding vigour award 2009 [source: gti6 owners club]

So i went to check if McGard sold a locking bolt with 22mm thread (they call it shank) length and they do, however it's in 17mm hex size
http://www.mcgard.com/index.php/automotive-2/wheel-locks/index.php?option=com_hikashop&ctrl=product&task=show&cid=1182&name=chrome-bolt-style-cone-seat-wheel-lock-set-m12-x-1-25-thread-size-set-of-4-locks-and-1-key&Itemid=0&category_pathway=0

which means having to get a 17mm plastic wheel remover thingy too (to avoid damaging the wheels).

In the words of Coldplay "nobody said it would easy"

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Turned 40 and in true cliched fashion buying one of the cars of my teenage dreams!

Okay where is the best place to order the wheels bolts from? As i'll need to get 17mm hex bolts in M12 x 1.25 with 22mm thread/shank?

A minor upside of this debacle/comedy show is that i've realised i'll need to carry different bolts, sockets and 1/2 wrench in the car in case i have a puncture.

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Turned 40 and in true cliched fashion buying one of the cars of my teenage dreams!

Well bugger me sideways I have the wrong bolts on! This sh"*(ng car!

There's about 15 years between us, but i swear you're my twin!! (i have to laugh because otherwise i'd just give up!)

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Turned 40 and in true cliched fashion buying one of the cars of my teenage dreams!

You can fit some 195/50/15 rubber on super cheap if you're using the car on track too,it'll change the final ratio ever so slightly but will improve handing a little as you'll have less side wall.

And tell me about it mate, every time you post a thread up something else goes wrong with my bloody car.

Ta

BTW - i only just read your edit to you first post. Thanks fot the offer. Very generous. But i should be sorted now. But lets wait and see.......this weekend....hopefully......

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Turned 40 and in true cliched fashion buying one of the cars of my teenage dreams!

I probably should....i'm probably doing more damage that good to this car :

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Turned 40 and in true cliched fashion buying one of the cars of my teenage dreams!

Yeah the thread length is 5mm too long, but according to PA if you were to order new Oz Ultraleggeras in ET16 this is the kit you'd get (along with spigots). I gave them the details of my wheels before i ordered the fitting kit.

Just hunting on ebay for the right nuts (no doubt i'll end up with a mixture of 19mm wheel bolts and 17mm locking bolt) and came across this.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALLOY-WHEEL-FITTING-ALIGNMENT-TOOL-M12-X-1-25-12MM-THREAD-LUG-NUT-BOLT-2E-/360511699922?pt=UK_Cars_Parts_Vehicles_Wheels_tyres_Trim_Nuts_ET&hash=item53f02bfbd2

I'll add it to the list of things i didn't know that existed prior to buying the 6. I won't be buying as they'll no doubt damage the wheels (or i would using them.) Everyday is definitely a school day with this car!

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Turned 40 and in true cliched fashion buying one of the cars of my teenage dreams!