Frame-spacing / drop-out issue on Peugeot Clubman

[Hip Priest]

But the wheel seems straight without 'em?

Anyway, I've done a bit of research on Sheldon Brown's site. He says that the aluminium teeth on the acorn nut of a modern QR skewer are too soft for us on a steel frame with horizontal dropouts. Therefore my next 'fix' will be to re-fit the old QR skewer from the original wheel. Fingers crossed!

 

[Canrider]

The rear spacing appear to me to be closer to 126mm, which would be expected for a 80s bike. You'll be fine wedging a 130mm hub in there.
I don't see any problem with clamping the QR further back in the dropout after taking out those plastic spacers, provided the brakes can be adjusted to match the new wheel position. Try the old, presumably steel-toothed QR and see how it goes.

 

[Hip Priest]

The rear spacing appear to me to be closer to 126mm, which would be expected for a 80s bike. You'll be fine wedging a 130mm hub in there.
I don't see any problem with clamping the QR further back in the dropout after taking out those plastic spacers, provided the brakes can be adjusted to match the new wheel position. Try the old, presumably steel-toothed QR and see how it goes.

Yes, I'd come to the same conclusion re: the 126mm spacing. Everyone seems to think a 4mm difference is fine for steel though, so that's relief.

The plan when I get in is to clean up the dropouts, re-fit the spacers and install the old QR skewer. Then all being well I can get to work sorting the skipping chain problem!

 

[Canrider]

I wouldn't bother with the spacers (YMMV), just make sure the wheel is straight in the dropouts when you tighten the QR.

 

[Hip Priest]

Thanks man.

I'll report back.

 

[DWiggy]

On my old Raleigh my rear wheel just about held in, the frame had to be sprung out to accommodate the wider modern wheel. I had to use washers to help and have the QR really tight to hold it in place, also the axil was at the bottom of the drop out as per your pic's.
I couldn't get the wheel right back because of the derailleur hanger so the axil was pushed back to the hanger.
Never had any problem with it coming loose.

 

[fossyant]

Some QR's aren't great, so well worth changing to a better one.

 

[Hip Priest]

It works! I cleaned up the dropouts, re-inserted the spacers and used the original QR skewer (with steel teeth on the nut) to secure the wheel. Then I realised the skipping chain was caused by a stiff link, so I fixed that and 'hey presto' it all runs smoothly.

Rode it round the block (1-2 miles) as a test ride, but I'm going to give it a full commute tomorrow. All being well I can get shot of the f-ing thing!

Cheers to all of you for your help and advice.