MGA MGA Wire Wheels Conv

[GB1]

Is it possible to remove wire wheel hubs from half shafts and mount them on the studs to get wire wheels on a steel wheel vehicle. I know that the offset (how much) will be different and the lugs recess will be different, but has/can it be done???

Thanks Pat

 

[Steve_S]

I believe the splines under the hubs will be different. You may also run into problems with your tires rubbing on the fenders because the axle tube is 2" longer on a steel wheel car.

 

[tony barnhill]

I would think you'd want to change the entire rear end like on an MGB.

 

[GB1]

Thank you gentlemen

I have seen bolt on conversion kits that I beleive use original ww and have some extra halfshaft, so I was wondering if it was possible. I was expecting 1/4 to 1/2 wider track (due to ww offset?) and was just testing the waters to see if anyone had done this and of course save a few bucks.

Thanks
Pat

 

[tony barnhill]

I always believe in doing the job properly & correctly the first time around....where I try to save a few bucks is using quality, OE used parts when possible...that's allowed me to extend the budgets on all my projects more than doing a job 'on the cheap' & then having to redo it! JMHO

 

[GB1]

I agree Tony, this is for my brother who likes chips.

 

[billspohn]

There is a very simple answer to this - no.

That's the bad news.

Want the good news?

You CAN convert to wire wheels with adaptors - from a Triumph. TR-3 through TR-6 used a bolt on adaptor, same bolt pattern. You need the special nuts as well (they fit 7/16" which is the same as the MGA but not MGB which are 1/2")

On TRs they cut all the studs down so that the wheel clears the studs. I have always considered this to be a silly way to do it as it means you have to install new longer studs if you ever want to reverse the conversion. What I always do it have a spacer plate machined up out of alloy that has the same effect.

Here is a pic of a set I did (the hubs are MGB so have had the studs replaced with MGA studs)

 

[GB1]

Wow,

Thank you Bill

 

[Steve_S]

Do keep in mind that the adapters will widen your rear track a bit. IIRC, I believe it's around 3/8" per side, or 3/4" total.