New De Dion tubes and 13" wheels

[JohnMoody]

Does anyone know if new (current stock) De Dion tubes need to be ground down to clear 13" wheels?  I did have to grind down the one on my Superlight to clear the Apollo 13x8 wheel.

If I order a new tube in the future I would like to avoid a major problem with things not working out. I would order the S3 Race tube because it is stronger, but don't want to end up regretting it.

[SK400]

I think it should be good and will work. I recently bought and installed a race De Dion tube (only has an extra reinforcement bracket) and no issues. I have a minus 2.5 degree rear camber which may help a bit in full disclosure. I have Apollo 13” rims and other 13” rims.  I would not put any rim balance weights on the first 2 inches from the inner face of the rim thought.  Worse comes to worse, you can lightly file one of the corners and it should work. 

[boosthera]

 

On 12/13/2025 at 5:39 PM, JohnMoody said:

Does anyone know if new (current stock) De Dion tubes need to be ground down to clear 13" wheels?  I did have to grind down the one on my Superlight to clear the Apollo 13x8 wheel.

If I order a new tube in the future I would like to avoid a major problem with things not working out. I would order the S3 Race tube because it is stronger, but don't want to end up regretting it.

You’re not alone some of the newer De Dion tubes, especially the S3 Race, can still be tight with 13x8 wheels depending on offset. I’ve seen people still needing light grinding, so it’s worth checking with the supplier before ordering.

[JohnMoody]

Thanks all.

After getting the wheels I found that a fair amount of additional grinding was required compared to the Mike Barnby R500 Mag8 wheels.

I also marked keep out location for wheel weights and dropped them off for tire mounting.

 

After a careful inspection of my De Dion tube, I discovered that it is the uprated 94 spec and looks perfect at all weld points.