BritishV8 said:
Johnny said:
I'm a little astonished that Mr. Schenck would keep the original wheels...
Randy_Gay said:
Don't you wonder how he keeps those 48 spokers out of the trash bin?
Better photos are needed to show it, but I understand he's welded steel plates in behind the spokes to reinforce the wheels, and also he's got hidden lugs holding the wheels on (so he isn't relying on the original splines. That's shown in the third-to-last scanned sketch, but it's not very readable.) Obviously, all that's a compromise of easy serviceability in favor of keeping the old-school look. What a look!
As a V8 Modified Austin Healey owner myself
https://ntahc.org/modifiedhealeys/Photos/1Moran/FullStoryAll1.html
and the web master of the Modified AH Registry web site -
https://ntahc.org/modifiedhealeys , also being retired and having an RV, I have had the opportunity to meet many Modified Healey owners and see and drive their cars.
I have ridden in and driven Tom's car. Although not noted in the article, he has a 1937 3-speed LaSalle top-loader transmission. Except for the newer paint job, Tom's car is exactly as it was when he first modified it nearly 50 years ago. It is a masterpiece of 50's retro-technology. Tom's car is probably one of the earliest of the V8 Modified Healeys.
Here is Tom's web page on the Modified AH web site. Take a look at it.
https://ntahc.org/modifiedhealeys/Photos/84Schnerk/Schnerk1.htm
As mentioned, Tom does indeed have 52 spoke, not 48 spoke wheels.
Here is a close up picture of the additional spokes( 1/8" x 3" wide steel plates) welded between the wheel rim and the hub. As also noted (not shown here) he has Grade 8 bolts through holes in the wheel hub and splined hub.
https://ntahc.org/op/TomsWheel1.jpg
Over the past 50 years, Tom's driveline has put down so much torque that his frame has actually twisted. Note the top if the windsheld is not parallel with the rear cockipit surround and the rear bumper.
https://ntahc.org/modifiedhealeys/Photos/84Schnerk/Schnerk5.jpg
Tom is a great guy and while you may not agree with his modifications, he is indeed a ground breaker.
Tim -
https://ntahc.org/op/Tom&Tim.jpg