A "wheel" dilemma

I just finished my front and rear disc brake conversion. All went well and I'm working on E-brake cables to the Caddy rear calipers. I put my tires and wheels back on last week to move the Jeep and noticed my ancient aluminum slots almost rub the calipers. I used Jeep 6 bolts front disc and Caddilac rear. Since my wheels are late 60's era slots they were not made for disc. I don't think they actually rubbed when I moved the Jeep but they have to be extremely close. My concern is getting a rock or something between the wheel and caliper and breaking something. I would hate to tear up one of my wheels since they are like new condition, other than the rock gouge in one of the beads. Now I must decide to try them and hope for the best or purchase new wheels. It never seems to end......

 

I had this discussion with a mechanic a few days ago. I just changed rims and the new rim/tire bead just touched my tie rod end because of the high steer. I asked him what he thought of only a quarter inch clearance, using a 1/4" spacer. He said he sees a lot of modern vehicles without enough room to put a finger between the tire and front end parts.In my case I added the spacer and it's fine. In your case the only thing I see is everything that gets in the rim will be deposited on the caliper as the wheel goes around, mud, ice etc. I've seen lots of posts on forums where people have ground clearance on calipers for rim clearance, so their's must be really close too. If it was mine I'd at least try it.

 

Good points, I've even considered putting my wheels in a lathe and turning out a little clearance. I also like the look of the ION 171 wheel. I've never heard of ION wheels until I started thinking about new wheels but I do like the look and at 80 buck each they are reasonable. I just hate breaking vintage stuff because once its' gone, that's it.