205 1.9 Gti Alloys on Roland Garros

[Snid]

Hi,

I recently acquired a set of original 1.9 Gti Speedlines and had then fitted with new tyres with the intention of fitting them in place of the nasty boy-racer alloys that my 1991 Roland Garros convertible came with.

The first problem I faced was getting the locking wheel-nuts to which I have no key, undone. Having been unsuccessful, I spoke to the mechanic at my local garage who said he thought he could do it. I dropped off the car, wheels and a new set of bolts with him for the swap-over.

When I visited the garage today, however, I was informed that they had succeeded in getting the old wheels off, but that whilst the Speedlines fitted the front, they would not go on over the rear brake drums. Is this because all 1.9 Gtis were fitted with discs all round or are there different size drums fitted? Secondly what should I do to remedy this?

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks,

Snid

[Admin]

Hello

The 1.9 alloys don't fit on the rear of normal 205's. The rear arches on the Gti 1.9 are a different shape to other models and the wheels rub. 1.6 alloys fit fine.

[frank]

they fit ok if you fit them with 185/55/15 tyres as they are suppose to have but you will have to shave the lip of the arch, they do fit over drums as ive had a set on a 205 xs

[Snid]

Hi

Thanks for the advice, they are fitted with 185/55/15 tyres. I must admit I had not considered the fact that they may foul the bodywork, but I can confirm that the rims definitely do not fit over the drums. The drum is a larger diameter than the centre of the wheel.

I believe that this car is one of 150 imported Roland Garros convertibles (in RHD), I wonder if they were originally fitted with larger drums, or if this one has been modified...

What are peoples views on swapping to disc brakes using rear suspension from a 1.9 Gti?

Cheers,

Keith.