Restore original wire wheels or buy new?

[Phantome46]

I am currently restoring my mk3 BJ8 and wanted to ask for some advice? Should I keep my original wire wheels and have them restored and re chromed or just sell on and buy new?

thanks

 

[DerekJ]

Definitely not re-chromed. Leaving aside the question as to whether a Healey should have chrome wheels at all, the problem is that chroming weakens the steel. Most 'chrome' wires have stainless steel spokes.

How old are the wheels? They will not be original.

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

I am currently restoring my mk3 BJ8 and wanted to ask for some advice? Should I keep my original wire wheels and have them restored and re chromed or just sell on and buy new?

thanks

A good question for a shop like Hendrix Wire Wheel Services. IMHO, It's cheaper to buy a new wheel that to try and restore an old one. A used wheel will have the splines worn somewhat and then you have the worn splines on the hubs. Best to go new all around (but I don't think you wanted to hear that). Once you put a new wheel on an old hub it'll be worn in about a 100 miles.

 

[bighealeysource]

I agree that it would not make sense to rebuild your old wire wheels with all the inherent problems of 40+ year old original wheels. With you being in UK, know you can buy new ones from MOSS Motors UK and other vendors like AH Spares in UK. I have had chrome and painted and although the chrome wheels look great IMHO, they require a lot of work to keep them looking that way.

 

[Phantome46]

Thanks for the feedback. So new wheels and splines will be needed also?

 

[John Turney]

Thanks for the feedback. So new wheels and splines will be needed also?

That's what I did and once you feel the difference in how well they fit together, I think you will agree. On my old ones, there would be about a 1/2" of play at the outside of the tire. Now, virtually none.

 

[DerekJ]

Phantome,

You didn't mention what condition your wheels are in. Are there any loose spokes, is there any play in the splines? Jack the car up and waggle the wheels. Check to ensure that the spin off has not advanced so far that it is actually touching the spokes. Do you need to replace them at all? What kind of driving are you intending to do? If you get new wheels you should get new splines, although I know plenty of people who haven't.

 

[kkaa]

I wouldnt ditch them. Theres some really classic healeys with painted wheels and these would be excellent for that