General MG Chroming Wire Wheels

[PAUL161]

What's the opinion on having the original wire wheels stripped and chromed? My wheels are in perfect shape, but they are getting pretty old. Or, should I just buy new ones? PJ

 

[DrEntropy]

You would need to strip the wheels down to component bits, paint removal and plating, then reassemble... I'd say get some Daytons.

 

[HealeyRick]

I agree with Doc. By the time you took your originals apart, had them chromed, reassembled and trued, you'd spend more than a new set of Daytons. Also steel spokes can become embrittled when chromed. Dayton uses stainless steel spokes to prevent that problem. If I had a set of Borranis, I'd probably get them chromed, but not some standard Dunlops. BTW, I still think some black wires might look stunning against the Regency Red. If you want to save a few bucks, try spray bombing one of your wires black and see if you like the look. OTOH, chrome would also look really sweet against that paint as well.

 

[PAUL161]

Thanks guys, It was just a flash in the pan on my part. When the time comes for replacing the wheels, I'll buy new chrome ones. I actually didn't know how much was involved in chroming wire wheels. The painted wires on the car now look nice as they were re painted before I got the car. From the advice of others, which really makes sense, to leave the original wheels on the car and see what it looks like when all painted and back together. Who knows, I might like it. If I don't, then new chrome wires will take their place. PJ

 

[mikephillips]

Any rework or replacement you'll want to look at the condition of the splines, both the hubs and the wheels if reusing original components. You don't want to put new wheels on used hubs if they are noticably worn. Worn means the splines lean to one side or feel sharp when running a finger lightly over them. When worn and new components are mixed then the load against the splines cannot transfer correctly and the new parts can prematurely wear as the splines try to match against each other.

 

[PAUL161]

My hubs and splines are perfect. Thanks. It's new wheels because the spokes should be replaced with new as re chroming weakens them. The cost is out of sight! It's 5 new 4.5s that will go on the car, better and cheaper! PJ

 

[billspohn]

It's 5 new 4.5s that will go on the car, better and cheaper! PJ

What car do you have? Take the opportunity to upgrade so you can run modern rubber.

MGBs should get either 14x5 or 15x5 or 6. MGA should have 15x5 at least.

 

[PAUL161]

55 MGTF Bill. PJ

Photo when I got the car and before I stripped it down. Please ignore the arrow.

 

[billspohn]

For a TF, 5" should work without looking overly wide......

 

[PAUL161]

Just ordered 5 new wires from a Moss distributor. Problem solved! PJ