International Lancia Forums

Hello -

I have a set of 5.5" x 13" Campagnolos I am planning on refinishing this year.
Any advice on the proper color and anything specific to do or avoid in the process?
In addition, I would like some feedback on the proper tires for this wheel.
I am told a 185 80/13 is the right size. Pirelli? Michelin? Dunlop?
Thanks Fulvisti!

Sam

For what car, Sam?
For the 1.2 and 1.3 Fulvia coupes, the right size is 165 / 80 R 13. At present I use the Michelin E3B ones. I am however going back to the standard steel wheels with the 145/80R14 tires.
Another very good 165/80R13 tire is the Goodyear 4 seasons tire.

Hi Huib-

It is for my Series One Coupe.
Also, what about the best available tire for the standard 14" wheel now that the a45/14 Michelin X is no longer made? I don't know if the Goodyear you mention iis available stateside(US)
I uses a 165/14 Vredestein on another Coupe I had and it seemed to be pretty good.
I like the steel wheels but want to use my beautiful Campys once they are refinished>
Thanks, Huib.

ps Once its done, I will send you a photo for the Fulvia Register.

As far as I know the only summer tire in 145R14 is from Bridgestone. It is standard on one of the Audi A2 versions for some European countries, for as long as it lasts as people don't want to buy cars with narrow tires it seems. Very strange. On wet roads the narrow tires are a lot better than wide tires and on dry roads friction only depends on the friction coefficient of the material and the weight of the car. The contact patch area does not show up in any of the equations.

In winter I use the 145R14 winter tires from Continental.

Thanks Huib-

You are the best source I know for this kind of info.
Can't understand why no one makes a 145 width anymore.
Wider is not necessarily bettter!
I know the Fulvia Coupes' suspension/handling is made for that original Michelin X tire.
Being a Euro Bridgestone I'll bet I can't get it here!
I don't drive the car here in the winter(Chicago), so I am looking forward to finally and using the car all Spring-Summer and Fall 2007.
Probably go with the Vredesteins on the Steel wheels and just see what I can find for the Campagnolos.

Ciao!
Sam

Just had four Bridgestone B631 145/80 R14s fitted to my S1 steel wheels - they are available - try www.mytyres.co.uk - there are links to worldwide sites - they may not list that size but an email will get a response.

Campys: Be very careful how you restore these!!!!! They are mag alloy and cannot be treated like ordinary Aluminium wheels. If you do it right they will be fine but corrosion and internal gases are an issue.
Best bet is gently rub them down and keep the Zinc Chromate/Strontium Chromate primer intact. If you do a full strip down then make sure you do not use chemicals - rather bead blast them (frozen wheat/plastic bead not hard sand!). Next put them in an oven 190 deg C for at least 4 hrs and slow cool over night (annealing). Try to get them crack tested. Do oven again if you have to machine them or have them welded (TIG). Keep them clear of moisture once bare metal!

Next dip them in a manganese bath (DOW system) or use special 2 pack etch primer. Next use something like the Rockhard system of epoxy chromate primers. See: http://www.indestructible.co.uk/ and http://www.colonialcoatings.com/Paintin ... khard.html

Finally apply topcoat !

Other useful Campy restoration links:

http://realbig.com/detomaso/1999-11/852.html

http://www.panteraplace.com/page41.htm

Hello-

Thank you for your detailed description!! Very helpful!!
I will ask my local shop, who has a wheel service, how they intend to treat the wheels!
I was wondering if and how they should be tested for cracks.
I don't intend on any full speed course racing, but do intend on rallying in the car.
The cost is approx $185.00 per wheel, which seems fair, if it covers all you describe.
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!

Sam

Hi Sam

Try Toyo. Way better (i.m.h.o.) than the Vredesteins that I used to have. And for ralleying, try Toyo Trampio's. Suit well on your Campies, are road-legal and offer tremendous grib even in the wet.

Bart

Hi Bart-

Thanks for the info.
I'll look into the Toyos for the Campy rims.
But, I may not have a better alternative for the standard steel wheels than the 165/14 Vredesteins.
There just is not much out there.
Can't understand why the original 145/14 size is not made by ANYBODY!

Best Regards,

Sam

The 145/14 size is made by Bridgestone.

Type: B 381 Ecopia 145/80 R14 76T

Should be available from http://www.tires-easy.com/

See page 60 of http://www.bridgestone.co.uk/English/Gl ... tabook.pdf