The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Quick question which is probably the reverse of what is usually asked. I have a 1500HL which has 5.5 Sprint alloys on 3/8th studs. They are a bit untidy, but rather than fix them up I would like to get hold of a set of original steels and the black 'hubcaps', my question is can I use any 5j steels, or are they specific to the Dolomite (to fit the hub caps that is), so could I use Spitfire, Marina, Wartburg, whatever. Another reason behind this is that my Daughter would like to drive it so I want to make the steering as light as possible, so back to 155 tyres maybe.

The original steel wheels were 4.5J with the exception of the Toledo & 1500TC which had 4J wheels. Spitfire or GT6 wheels can be used but there could be an issue with offset.

I would stick to 175/70's on the alloys myself.

They are lighter and give a slightly better ride. If you have them at 26 psi they have very little extra
steering weight.

165 std height tyres work quite well on standard steels too.

Jonners

You might be able to use 175s on steels. I had 175 tyres one one of my Acclaims. According to one of the Acclaim Gurus, Acclaim steel wheels are 5.5J so I'm not sure if 175s would fit on a Dolly steelie.

Edit: I've just had a look in my Haynes for the Acclaim and the wheels are 4.5J so they will fit.

155/80/13 is standard but I have run 175/70s for years without any problems at all and the improvement in grip and roll control is really noticeable.

Come to that, I used to run my Heralds on 175/70s as well and they're on 4" rims

Steve