I've been giving some thought to a few gentle modifications even though I haven't got the car yet but it was timely that the Sticky Mods thread was updated as it has given my brain a bump start. I would like to fit new alloys and I was thinking about these Wolfrace wheels. The tyres look a bit iffy from a fuel and noise perspective so I'll have to se what other rubber is available. Wheelbase Alloy Wheels & Tyres How do you get the insurance company to accept that these wheels are ok on the Copen as the manufacturer only specifies one rim size and obviously this isn't it. Also, what will the different offset mean in terms of ride comfort and tyre wear. Another mod I saw in my quest to find a Copen is this neat DRL installation. Does anyone know what's involved in wiring these up ? I'm an absolute idiot when it comes to auto electrics so it would have to be Janet & John speak ! Daihatsu Copen 0.66 Vivid 2dr
For tyres, it looks very limited in the Copen's standard size. From looking around on here though, 175 50 R15 and 185 40 R15 fit fine and possibly 195 40 too although that seems close. Your insurance probably isn't going to ask about width or offset, just radius, appearance and whether they're OEM. You might be able to avoid paying extra since they do look fairly similar, if you play up the price and shipping costs of original wheels, I'm going to try that myself shortly. How the offset affects it is going to depend what it is, those are available with a bunch of offsets
Thanks Vin. I just re-read your original post on alloys and the link to the calculator and understood the calculator tool this time (possibly because it didn't work properly on the iPad and I'm now on the PC). I'm now enlightened about the offset and the distributor has confirmed that they will fit the Copen so once we get into the summer and I'm happy the car is mechanically up to the job, I'll set about fettling the bodywork and wheels.
You're being a busy lad, Rob, and you haven't even taken delivery of your car yet!! I fitted DRLs last year (well, I found an auto-electrician who fitted them cos I'd only have made a complete pig's ear of the entire thing!) and the thread is here: A pair of bright eyes! They are mounted on the plastic bracket running behind the grille and the RING ones I fitted are plenty bright enough. Have fun with all that planning!
Jules, It was either that or do the hoovering. As we're both retired, I have to plan ahead so I can smuggle the toys in. I grant you, she may notice the Copen on the drive but she may not notice as it gently improves with age..... particularly when she heads off for her annual girlie holiday
