Installing Adapter Hubs for Wire Wheels on a Bugeye

[jbfitz505]

I have now completely restored my 1960 Sprite Mark 1, and am considering installing wire wheels with two-earred knock-off nuts on all four wheels.

Any input about the results, possibly negative, of doing this?

 

[Editor_Reid]

jb, your question is more than welcome here, and I've owned at least eight Bugeyes myself, but this forum is focused on big Healeys. There is another forum within the British Car Forum titled "Spridgets," and you'll find more people with more experience with Sprites there.

By the way, the biggest negative of converting to wire wheels - apart from the cost - is that wire wheels are a pain to clean, and those simple and classic pressed steel wheels with their elegant chrome "AH" hubcaps not only look great, but they require mere moments to clean. Think about it: 240 spokes (four 60-spoke wheels) take time and meticulous attention to get clean, not to mention the hubs and outer wheels, and the cleanliness won't last. The novelty of cleaning spokes, 240 + 240 + 240 + 240, wears off quickly.

Good luck.

 

[CARSINC]

I have now completely restored my 1960 Sprite Mark 1, and am considering installing wire wheels with two-earred knock-off nuts on all four wheels.

Any input about the results, possibly negative, of doing this?

Wire wheels were originally racing wheels and are wider than the steel pizza cutters. If you are interested in converting to wires, I have a complete set up - 5 wires, hubs, disks, rear axles. All you need is the rear axle housing. PM me to discuss price and shipping.

 

[equiprx]

I have now completely restored my 1960 Sprite Mark 1, and am considering installing wire wheels with two-earred knock-off nuts on all four wheels.

Any input about the results, possibly negative, of doing this?

JB,
I don't own a Sprite, but if I did, there are only two options for my taste, Stock Steel or Panasports.

 

[HealeyRick]

Here's an article about the risks of using the wire wheel adapters: > Don’t do this to your Spridget! (How NOT to upgrade your car to wire wheels.) <. If you're going to do it, the best way is as CARSINC suggests, buy all the original pieces including front disc brakes.

 

[nevets]

jb, your question is more than welcome here, and I've owned at least eight Bugeyes myself, but this forum is focused on big Healeys. There is another forum within the British Car Forum titled "Spridgets," and you'll find more people with more experience with Sprites there.

By the way, the biggest negative of converting to wire wheels - apart from the cost - is that wire wheels are a pain to clean, and those simple and classic pressed steel wheels with their elegant chrome "AH" hubcaps not only look great, but they require mere moments to clean. Think about it: 240 spokes (four 60-spoke wheels) take time and meticulous attention to get clean, not to mention the hubs and outer wheels, and the cleanliness won't last. The novelty of cleaning spokes, 240 + 240 + 240 + 240, wears off quickly.

Good luck.

Good points. I actually like pressed steel wheels and hubcaps on a big Healey too...not as sporty as wires, more of a town & country look.