Forum:
hi newcomer here!
just bought a 1993 charade 1.3 auto as an "in between car" whilst looking for another classic of some sort having just sold my mini clubman estate.
spotted the charade because it has only done 14k from new and still feels like new to drive - but the car is lacking in character so whilst iam using it (probably over the winter) i was considering alloy wheels and even uprating and lowering the suspension as it is too soft for me.
having cam belt changed tomoz and then waxoyling it to death as at the moment it is without any rust what so ever
any suggestions on which wheels will fit or cheap parts around anyone?
i did know that they did a gti so wondering about bits of one of them?
cheers
bob
Hi, I have exactly the same
Hi,
I have exactly the same model as yours and the alloy wheels are cr*p! grateful if you could let me have the details if you are successful.
Had the car 4 years and think that it is fantastic.
Could you let me know how much the cambelt change is? I thought that they did not need changing until 70,000 miles.
Cheers
Ian
Thousands of alloys fit! Take
Thousands of alloys fit! Take your pick
Charades takes a very common 4x100 stud pattern, same as many many 4 stud cars. And BMW Mini 15 x 5.5j alloys are a perfect fit as even the centre hub size is exactly the same.
Best not to go bigger than 15" wheels.
Only issue you can have is if the wheels/tyres are too wide, rear arch clearance can be tight. Try and find wheels that are 6" or 6.5" wide max (known as 6J or 6.5J)
http://imageshack.us/g/155/ds
http://imageshack.us/g/155/dsc01155p.jpg/
Some photos of my old GTti, lowered with 15" and 17" alloys. And a original photo showing the factory 14" alloys.
timing belt
the reason for changing the belt is down to age and not mileage as my mechanic suggested best to change for the price of a belt as against what would probably be a right off engine and car due to cost otherwise!
i didn't fancy putting my trust in an 18 year old bit of rubber.
the visual check on the alternator and power steering pump suggested rubber degradation through lack of use and age.
i believe that the two little old lady previous owners had never even been on a motorway so the thought of sudden stress on a belt under what we consider to be normal driving could give the car a belt attack!
will found out what my mechanic has charged me tomoz as one the belts didn't arrive so he did not fit external belts just timing today so i have got to go back for him to fit later wed pm
speak soon
bob
Charade wheels
I think I have some original detomaso charade wheels if anyone is interested.... Just google for an image - let me know and I will dig them out for a pic
Thanks
Andy