Nutcage Mod with 205/60/R16 Car Tire?

[Thrud]

I'm looking at buying the Goodyear Assurance TripleTred car tire in either 205/55/R16 or 205/60/R16 size for my Interstate.  Does the size 60 require removing the fender nutcage?  I understand the size 60 is very close to the stock tire height (tread to rim), whereas the size 55 is slightly smaller in circumference. 

Since I'm installing Progressive 12-inch 440 rear shocks, which are one inch shorter than stock, I don't want to lower my rear end that much more.

Thanks,
Steve

[fudgie]

I'd say yes. My metz 200 was fine 1 up. Soon as 2 up happened, it rubbed. Easier to do it while the tire is off. Cant hurt.

[NITRO]

I agree, just do it all while the wheel is off. I also replaced the oem bolts with carriage bolts run from the inside out.

[Dougs2000IS]

+1 on the carriage bolts run from the inside out. I used SS. A little longer than I needed then sawed them off and filed flush with nut. It looks good.

[sugerbear]

+1 on the carriage bolts run from the inside out. I used SS. A little longer than I needed then sawed them off and filed flush with nut. It looks good.

+1 

[Jess from VA]

http://lifeisaroad.com/stories/2005/08/24/valkyrieRearFenderNutCageMod.html

[jmann]

I currently have a 205-55-16 on the rear and used that size so that I didn't have to do the nut cage mod. RPM's are higher at 70mph than with the 60/65 series tire and since RPM's translate to gas mileage (and gas is almost $4/gal now) I am thinking of going to the 60 or 65 series tire. Question is can I do the nut cage mod without removing the rear fender section? It certainly might be a little cumbersome with the fender still on but with the tire off and a small cutoff wheel to split the cage I am thinking it might not be so bad. Anyone else done it that way?

[Willow]

Question is can I do the nut cage mod without removing the rear fender section?

Easily.

[ptgb]

...Question is can I do the nut cage mod without removing the rear fender section? It certainly might be a little cumbersome with the fender still on but with the tire off and a small cutoff wheel to split the cage I am thinking it might not be so bad. Anyone else done it that way?

That's exactly how I did it a few weeks ago.

Used a Dremel to cut it, then a screw driver to split it, then pliers to pry it back and forth till it broke off. Then used a big grinder to grind the weld/remaining metal smoother to the fender. Touched up the paint with regular automotive black and was good to go.

Did all of it lying on my back on the garage floor with the Valk on a jack/jackstands. Remember to wear safety googles as some crap will fall down on you.

[jmann]

Thanks guys. I thought it would work just wanted real world experience. Did you just reuse the exisiting bolt and an acorn nut on the outside? I had read where some had just grinded down the exisiting bolt head but I'm thinking since I already have the length in hand that getting a carriage bolt would be just as easy.

[ptgb]

Thanks guys. I thought it would work just wanted real world experience. Did you just reuse the exisiting bolt and an acorn nut on the outside? I had read where some had just grinded down the exisiting bolt head but I'm thinking since I already have the length in hand that getting a carriage bolt would be just as easy.

Got carriage bolts and ran them inside out.

[Jess from VA]

When you're under there, eyeball your rear light wiring inside the fender.  Mine had been rubbed little (with bike tire I guess) and pulled loose.  Twas a good time to remedy that as well.