Author Topic: My HPE....now a rolling recommission  (Read 157398 times)

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Offline Nigel

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Re: My HPE....now a rolling recommission
« Reply #360 on: October 15, 2026, 10:21:56 PM »
I did Mark, but I'm cheap and couldn't justify 500 squids or thereabouts.

The spacers came from precision autoparts via ebay, however any search
for hubcentric spacers for a Fiat 500 will give results.

I think the rear looks better with the added track, but bear in mind that the factory
designed it like that for better road behaviour although simple me doesn't notice.

More important is the quest for decent wheel bolts. I complained bitterly to precision
about the bolts they supplied with the spacers. They were wobbly when screwed loose
into the hub, i.e. the threads were poorly cut, I did not use them, and got
a partial refund. They continued to refuse to acknowledge the bad bolts, even saying it was me
being daft! (That may be true, but not about bad threads)

So, I ordered 8 bolts from trs-uk, and the difference was outstanding,
these having a nice solid fit with virtually no sideways movement.

Whatever size spacers you choose (mine are 15mm), you must increase
the length of the bolt to ensure you have, as a minimum, 12mm threading
into the hub, and preferably slightly more.
Rightly or not I use anti-seize grease
on all my wheel bolts and this will give you a witness mark when sizing.

A small downside is that you'll probably have to accept a smaller hex on the bolts.
Luckily, I have a reversable socket with 17 and 19, extremely useful.
Perhaps
at some point I'll change the front bolts to match.

Nigel
« Last Edit: October 15, 2026, 10:29:07 PM by Nigel »
1983 2.0 Carb HPE [ex Aus] Grigio Finanza.
2007 Mazda6 2.3 [current daily, highly recommended]
The past:
1997 Uno Turbo [stolen, never found]
1980 2.0 HPE White in South Africa [hope it survives!]
1968 124 Sport
1976 1.6 Coupe Lancia Blu [PFG 76R] [probably deceased]

Offline Ferrit

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Re: My HPE....now a rolling recommission
« Reply #361 on: October 15, 2026, 10:58:28 PM »
I didnt notice the difference front to back until you mentioned it.  Thanks for the info Nigel
Lancia Beta Coupe 2000 SA import, now project
VW Caravelle t5.1 was project
Pig 3008 EV

Offline lancialulu

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Re: My HPE....now a rolling recommission
« Reply #362 on: Today at 08:15:49 AM »
I would be concerned using spacers that did not replicate the hub spigot. The spigot it there to centralise the wheel and without it the wheel will move around and loosen the bolts. Not something to worry about for a show car but I would not use them if wanting to use the car in anger. Just my 5p worth….

Offline Ferrit

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Re: My HPE....now a rolling recommission
« Reply #363 on: Today at 10:29:25 AM »
I think most replicate the spigot.  It dont think it would last two minutes without. 

I worked for a local builder near Bath in my youth.  I was driving his old transit van with a trailer loaded with the moist stuff you render pebble-dash walls with, very overloaded.  On Keynsham High Street I felt a big jolt and a wheel went past me at speed, where he had done exactly what you warned about.  I unhooked the trailer, put his business card on the top and ran  :)
Lancia Beta Coupe 2000 SA import, now project
VW Caravelle t5.1 was project
Pig 3008 EV