13" wheels - do I need to remove part of the de dion tube?

[glasgow]

2002, SV, original De dion tube. New 13 wheels are "VERY" close to the tube. the clearance between the rear wheel and the tube only allows 3-4 paper sheet thickness (according to Mr Google this is a 0.2mm space).

The wheels doesn't touch the tube when the car on the axle stand. But when the car is moving, is it likely that everything stays the same or there may be a very slight movement and I better cut off a few millimeters of the tube. If so, how many mm should I cut.

(I do understand the weight balance has to be about an inch away from the inner rim of the wheels)

Thank you

Ahmed

[ECR]

Nothing should move, but any flex in the wheel or hub may cause slight contact. I'd knock the corner off the de dion tube with an angle grinder to be sure ... 

[Shaun_E]

It's bit disconcerting to have to take an angle grinder to the de-dion but that is what you have to do. Take more off than you think you need to - it's surprising how much a wheel flexes!

[Jonathan Kay]

... it's surprising how much a wheel flexes!

About how much does the metal rim of a wheel on a 7 move?

Thanks

Jonathan

[Shaun_E]

I've never measured the movement but, having taken some material off my de-dion to leave a lot more than the 0.2mm gap above, I still got scratches on the inner rims. I don't know if it's wheel flexing, some movement in the bearings or something else but I would suggest creating a static gap of at least 1mm - maybe 2mm would be safer. This was for Cateham 8 spoke 13" rims. I now use Image 2 piece and not had the issue since.

[Jonathan Kay]

Thanks

Jonathan

[MereCat]

See wheels / tyres thread for my comments...apologies posted wrongly earlier. Don't know how to link it. In short trim the dedion ears if it's what I suspect it is....

[JosephClarke]

I will check the gap on mine this weekend and measure it, as mine has gone from 14" to 13" wheels.