quote:
Originally posted by Bosswrench:
Hi Dominic. You can keep the stock look if you'd like and widen the tires too, by finding a pair of 8" rear Campagnolos to run in the front along with the same size wheels in the rear. 245-50 x 15" tires are maximum width an unflared Pantera can use, while 275-55 x15s in back will fit 8" wheels and still allow good handling. Campy magnesium wheels will often crack over time but can be saved by annealing in Mom's kitchen oven at 275F for about 3 hrs followed by VERY slow cooling. I wrap hot wheels in a wool blanket and put them back in the hot-but-turned-off oven overnight. Minor chips and small cracks can be TIG-welded and blended, then repainted. Note- this relaxes 40 years of internal stresses but also turns the protective paint tan.
Another unobtrusive mod is to remove the four spring spacers from the suspension; these were used to raise the headlights to some arbitrary height without regard for handling. Seldom checked by police on a Pantera today; realign all 4 wheels before driving very much.
Replace ALL rubber in the car for safety! Age and modern gas will cause all OEM rubber products in contact with fuel to harden and crack. Also replace all rubber brake lines; the vendors stock exact replica lines but dash-3 Aeroquip braided-stainless-over-teflon are better and safer from any standpoint. Paint them if you wish to be 'stock-appearing' from 5 ft away. And don't forget the rubber valve stems! Ancient OEMs can crack from the pressure of a dirty look! There are many other possibilities- most of which can be done at home. Do NOT throw anything away- parts can be re-purposed later. Have fun!
Thanks all good tips. I like the tire idea. So 245-50 15 will fit on front without and rubbing issues ? I will have to see what brands still make those sizes.
Dominic
