TR5/TR250 My TR-250 Wheels -- Cast your vote!

[MadRiver]

Howdy all:

I'm still debating what to do about the wheels on my TR-250. Here are my options:

1. Leave the steel wheels and the ROstyle hubcaps. Advantages: original, period kitsch, I have six great hubcaps. Disadvantages: always afraid I'm going to throw one on bumpy DC streets, and the fake lugnuts kind of annoy me.

2. Mini-lite aluminum wheels. Advantages: classic late 1960s look, they were an original option, cheaper than wires, strong. Disadvantages: sometimes I think they look out of place on an English roadster (though sometimes I don't).

3. Perminant wire wheel conversion (i.e., shortening the hub bolts): Advantages: classic good looks (and I *really* love wires). Disadvantages: cost, are wires strong enough for DC streets, can I do the conversion myself, oh and did I mention cost.

4. Wire wheel conversion using a spacer so I can switch back and forth. Advantages: flexibility. Disadvantages: not sure if spacers are a good idea, cost and did I mention cost.

I would love to hear everyone's thoughts. Thanks!

 

[michalotti_tr]

I would vote #4 - leave your options open!

 

[TR4nut]

I have a set of old wires and intend to use option 4 at some time. I don't see the spacers as being a safety risk as long as they are designed well for the lug spacing and provide enough spacing - may change my mind after I actually try this! I seem to recall that 6 mm / .25" spacers are enough and that isn't adding much to the wheel track.

 

[martx-5]

Otion #4...If I didn't already have the short studs on the TR3, I'd put the spacers in. I'm even contemplating putting the longer studs in. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

 

[Tosh]

#3 or #4.

Thanks for asking.

Them 250's be seriously gorgeous with wires. You'd best be choosin' the ones with the most spokes and most practical width.
Cost? Consider it an investment in a long term relationship.
Do it right, do it once.
Never regretted keeping wires on my BGT even though they are fitted with weenie width tires. The side view of that car and wire wheels makes up for the inherent weight and concentricity shortcomings. Tosh

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Option # 4 as well. I have been asking myself the very same question for my 250. Have all three sets of wheels. If you think about it, what's the difference with the spacer underneath the wire wheel adapter. Brake drum is a spacer as well. Just make sure all the lug studs are good & tight.

 

[kodanja]

WIRE WHEELS ALL THE WAY!!!!

https://www.technicalillustrationsllc.com/TR6.html

 

[RobT]

I personally like Option #2 - the minilights. Alternatively you could go with Option #5 (not listed) - knock-off minilights (see Attached pic).

I have these on my own TR250. They look cool, and are not as troublesome as wires. But whatever you choose, your TR250 will always look great!

 

[vettedog72]

Rob's #5 is the best.

 

[Alan_Myers]

Hi,

I'm voting for #2, too (check out Superlites, great prices and great looking wheels... the US importer advertises here on BCF). Strictly personal preference of course, but I have always really liked the classic 8-spoke mini-lite style wheel on the Michelotti-bodied TRs in particular.

No one has mentioned performance. Mini-lite style wheels are lighter than any of your other options and reducing unsprung weight will improve the handling of your car. Wire wheels, nice as they look, are heavier than what you have now with steel wheels. This is because of the adapter hubs, primarily. Chromed wire wheels are even heavier. Note that knock-off mini-lites, also great looking, sort of nulify the weight savings of the wheel by adding back in the hub adapter.

Then there are the cleaning concerns... wires take some work. Steel is relatively easy, but can rust. Alloy mini-lite style seem the perfect solution, IMHO.

Regarding strength, mini-lite style would likely be the strongest of the bunch, steel is probably second, and with wire wheels, it depends. 60 spoke wheels were probably the original option for your car, and might be a concern in time. 72 spoke/TR6 would be stronger. There are also "center-laced", 70 spoke I think, that are even stronger, but tend to be more expensive.

Good luck with your decision!

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

 

[John_Mc]

I'm going to side with the Option #4 crowd. The more I look at Kodanja's pics, the more convinced I am that the wire wheels are the ultimate way to go, for appearances anyway. I do like the minilites, though. I'm sorry to say I'm not a fan of the Rostyles.

 

[bobh]

6" Superlites. Minimal weight & upkeep/cleaning. Strong. Easy to replace if damaged, not as rare as the caps. The extra 1/2" adds a little muscle to a classic body and wheel combination. Great value for the money. They come with the polish lip (ala panasport) includes lugs, caps and metal valve stems. Aluminum wheels generally require less weight to balance and never need to be trued. And the final reason... Minilite style wheels look great on dark colored cars. The contrast between the bright silver and dark body is exceptionally pleasing to the eye. IMHO
PS: The first modification I made to my TR6 was to install a set of 6" KN Minators with 215/65/15 tires. I got a very good deal on a used set of KNs. Otherwise I would have gone with the Superlites.

 

[Andy Blackley]

Wire wheels. Dayton 72 spoke. I got them on my TR250 and I love them. Mine have the painted finish which (after only one season I'll admit) is durable and smooth, so it cleans very easily.
Not a great pic, but here I am: https://www.britishcarforum.com/ubbthreads/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/2065/cat/500/ppuser/2246

 

[Guest]

Money no object #5 otherwise it has to be wires.

 

[kodanja]

I admit for performance the superlites are the way to go!
I had them on my 73' GT6....they were great!

Now im just a weekend driver so I went with the 72 spoke Daytons. I had no problem converting from standard to knock off's.
My preference is for the looks and style. They are fairly easy to clean providing you have the wire wheel brush.
So far I havent had any problems with them (knock wood!)

but the season is young
(just paid up my AAA)

whatever you go with will be the best for you...

https://www.technicalillustrationsllc.com/TR6.html

 

[Guest]

I may be wrong but I think that there is a law that requires all TR250's to wear 72-spoke stainless wire wheels. Correct me if I am wrong.....


Bill

 

[Andy Blackley]

TR6BILL: You may be wrong. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Of course it is a matter of taste. IMHO the Michelotti design looks best with something more subtle and classic. My concession to flash was to use eared knock-offs. I couldn't resist!
My understanding is that few if any cars were ever equiped with chrome wires (except Jags and other luxury models) back in the day. So sticking with painted wheels is tip of the hat to originality. Then again 72 spoke wheels were not supplied by the factory either. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[vrod]

You might want to check out the eagles beak American racing magnesium wheels under tr250 parts on ebay. They were an original optional wheel and would offer that period look to your clasic tr250. I have them on mine, and everyone seems to like them.

 

[Andrew Mace]

I guess so far I'm the only one who would vote for original steel wheels and "pseudo ROStyle" wheel covers, huh? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif To me, they're just so...SIXTIES!

 

[73nabisco]

my vote is for a 5-spoke mag thatis the real thing which mirrors your ROstyle. Paint drums/ calipers black and that would be one bad ride. Just my personal opinion, the original look is awesome too.