Speedline tyre sizes

[NeilGP]

I got a set of Speedlines last year to replace my Metric wheels.
I got them blasted and repowderer coated in silver and got a new set of tyres.

The original were 170/65 R365 and I thought that the I would be OK with 185/65 R14 as there is 20mm clearance between the metric tyres and the rear wheel arch.
But, when I fitted the rear wheels they are RUBBING quite badly against the rear arch, (I reckon arch is 1-2mm INTO the tyre)

What tyre size should I have used?

Have Speedlines got spacers fitted?

Does anyone want to swop my Speedline for some original style wheels (but imperial size)

Refurb Speedline (left) original (right)

[themildbunch]

There are two size of Speedlines. IIRC 5.5J that were used on the GTi and others and 6J width that were for the 16v only that had wider rear arches... Are you sure you haven't got the wider type although these would have usually had 195 tyres on them...

[Kitch]

It's not that 16v's have bigger rear arches (they don't, it's just a spat trim), it's that mk1 models have slightly tighter ones.

If they're rubbing on the outside, you've probably got 6J ones with 195/60R14 tyres.

[NeilGP]

They are the 6J size.
I Suppose I can fit 165/70 R14 on the 6J rims for the rear and hopefully this will have enough clearance.

[MULLEY]

Just pull the rear arches out a bit, then they'll fit

[docchevron]

I wouldn't put 165 section tyres on a 6J rim...
I assume they rub on the outer arch?

[NeilGP]

yes they are rubbing on the outer arch.

Just clicked on a solution. I have replaced the rear wings almost 20years ago but the spacers weren't available so I used long bolts to tie the outer part of the rear wing to the inner wing. All I need to do is extend the bolts on the thread and push the wing out.
Many thanks for the prompting.