Space between the wheel and the wheel studs on a 1968 shelby

Oregon Shelby · Sep 8, 2022

I currently have 10 spoke wheels on my 1968 shelby and want to switch over to wheels and shelby hub caps that came with my car 20 years ago. I installed the bare wheels as seen from the pictures below for the front tires. Question. Should there be that much play from the wheel holes to the studs? From the picture the wheel is simply laying on the studs for taking a picture only. What I don't know is if that is normal to see that much space? Should that gap be smaller by chance?

I will certainly lift the rim to ensure that the correct lug nuts go on these wheels, but am more curious if there is simply too much space. I don't want to ruin my wheels or studs on this car and its been many years since I have changed these wheels.

Also should the front cap be resting around the wheel or should the wheel be touching that enter cap as seen from the picture I provided. I am guessing that the weight of the car will be on the studs only? Appears I can easily fit a flat head screwdriver all the way around that center cap to the inner part of the wheel.

Thought I would ask the experts before I do something I shouldn't.

Really appreciate any support or feedback

thank you Brian-

mrmustang · Sep 10, 2022

Those rims have been hogged out for one reason or another and are not typical of how they left the factory. I do not suggest using them, but finding another set.

Oregon Shelby · Sep 10, 2022

Thanks Mrmustang. Ya my car arrived with the shelby hubcaps and was hoping to install them back to make this car as original as possible. I will go back to the 10 spokes until I find a used pair of rims. The holes to me physically look to wide compared to the stud. Again I am not an expert on wheels and studs and just wanted a quick opinion is all. Really appreciate the feedback though.

Brian-