View Full Version : Temporary wheels and tires?
Has anyone used a set of old wheels and tires during the build and go-kart stages? Seems like a good way to avoid installing expensive tires just so they can start to age-out. I found a set of 18" mustang wheels/tires for $200.
robmccon
08-09-2023, 09:08 PM
Terry, did the same exact thing! Didn’t want new tires aging while the build was going on.
i.e.427
08-09-2023, 09:59 PM
Has anyone used a set of old wheels and tires during the build and go-kart stages? Seems like a good way to avoid installing expensive tires just so they can start to age-out. I found a set of 18" mustang wheels/tires for $200.
Every car that goes through the build process here at the i.e.427 Garage get our shop wheels with inexpensive street tire. Tires are good enough to go-cart the car if necessary and if the wheels get scratched during the build process it saves the customer's pretty wheels. We run the pressures up on our shop tires (about 40 PSI). It make the cars easier to maneuver.
Frank
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=188579&d=1691636165
steno
08-10-2023, 10:09 AM
Space saver spares are a dime a dozen.
JohnK
08-10-2023, 10:48 AM
I've seen guys on other forums use plywood for temporary tires/wheels, though with the cost of lumber nowadays not sure how much money that would save. :p I like Steno's idea of tracking down some cheap space-saver spare tires from a junk yard.
188594
Ok John, now I think I've seen everything.
M22_COBRA
08-10-2023, 01:17 PM
I've seen guys on other forums use plywood for temporary tires/wheels, though with the cost of lumber nowadays not sure how much money that would save. :p I like Steno's idea of tracking down some cheap space-saver spare tires from a junk yard.
188594
Burnouts could get interesting :eek: Its a great excuse to roast Mallows!
KippRacing
08-10-2023, 01:43 PM
I looked into getting some of the steel blanks that summit and others have but they're expensive........
JohnK
08-10-2023, 02:00 PM
Burnouts could get interesting :eek: Its a great excuse to roast Mallows!
Thought #1: That would be awesome!
Thought #2: Someone has already done this. Sure enough...
https://youtu.be/TMNXpnAPb48
These will do. They were cheap, tires are decent, and 18" so no clearance issues.
BUT... the 50-series tires make them kind of wagon wheel-ish. :D.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=188607&d=1691704357
scrubs
08-10-2023, 08:30 PM
I think it boils down to being honest with yourself...how long is this build gonna take.
i.e.427
08-10-2023, 08:55 PM
I think it boils down to being honest with yourself...how long is this build gonna take.
........................ and how much damage you're comfortable with looking at for the rest of your life.
Poop happens.
I think it boils down to being honest with yourself...how long is this build gonna take.
........................ and how much damage you're comfortable with looking at for the rest of your life.
Poop happens.
+1 to both points. There's only upside to having an extra set of wheels.
M22_COBRA
08-11-2023, 12:59 PM
At the 8 minute mark I'm like... I hope they throw fuel on it and light em on fire. If you're gonna be a bear, be a grizzly right?
Literally at 9:43...:eek:
188654
Ejzajac
09-01-2025, 05:34 PM
Still struggling to find a set of 18" used Mustang wheels\tires locally at salvage yards/Facebook for an upcoming build.
1. Will 17" Mustang wheels clear the intended Wilwood 12.88 brakes?
2. What about mini spare wheel/tire? There are lots of them available!
Don't want to scratch up new wheels.
Ed
rickyracer
09-01-2025, 10:06 PM
I know the plywood idea sounds comical but surprisingly they work well.
BornWestUSA
09-01-2025, 10:24 PM
Still struggling to find a set of 18" used Mustang wheels\tires locally at salvage yards/Facebook for an upcoming build.
1. Will 17" Mustang wheels clear the intended Wilwood 12.88 brakes?
2. What about mini spare wheel/tire? There are lots of them available!
Don't want to scratch up new wheels.
Ed
I had 17" mustang cobra wheels on mine during build/go cart. They clear the wilwoods no problem.
218325
Ejzajac
09-02-2025, 07:46 AM
Thanks. There are not a lot of 18" used wheels locally.
Has anyone used the 17 or 18" mini spares?
Ed