GT6 mk3 standard wheels

[Gully]

I'm running 175/70 tyres on 5J Minilites on my GT6 - no interference or sidewall 'rolling' issues.

Gully

[Nick Jones]

The oval hole steel wheels come in three* different widths.

 

4.5J are the common ones as they were the factory-fit on MkIV Spitfires, most 1500 spitfires and most GT6 Mk3.  Also fitted on the Dolomite SE model - possibly different offset.

5J are much less common as they were only factory fit on late 1500 Spitfire (not sure from what year or whether standard/optional extra).  Work well on all models.

5.5J are possibly slightly more common than 5J, but care is needed.  They are available in at least two different offsets as, as well as being so-called "optional extras" on Spitfires and GT6s (anyone know whether that is fact or myth?), they were also used on Formula Fords.  This means that some of the ones out there have too much poke (stick out too far) for comfortable use on Spitfires and GT6s.  Or rather, they work beautifully on the narrow-track rears of the rotoflex GT6s and short-shaft Spitfires, but cause arch rubbing issues at the front with 175/70 tyres.  Also worth noting that the 5.5" wheels, being very sought-after, tend to have had long hard lives and are frequently dinked, bent, distorted or damaged/worn at the fixing holes - inspect carefully!

*(6.0J Possibly a complete myth, but I have heard claims several times over the years that these do exist in small numbers.  Never seen any other than ones that have been banded.  More likely the result of miss-measurement of 5.5s?)

As for tyre choice; 175/70 is a bit big for 4.5". 5" is better, 5.5 or 6" ideal.

Pics show Spitfire and GT6 with narrow track rear end fitted with 5.5J rear wheels (larger offset version I think) and 5J fronts.  All with 175/70 tyres.  They have 4.5J fitted with 155 tyre as "space-saver" spare.

Nick

[Keith Nock]

I Had a very late spitfire 1500 (approximately 400 from end of production) which was factory fitted with 5j wheels. I  owned it for 25 years and it had 21000 miles when I bought just after its first MOT

regards keith