Need wheel bearing advice please

[Bayless]

As I posted a couple of weeks ago, we are finally starting to build the '67 Sprite.:glee: I disassembled the front hubs Friday and found probably original ball bearings that really don't feel too bad. Also I seem to recall some complaints about new replacements but I can't seem to find them anymore. My question is, are the rollers from Moss as good as they claim or should I try to restore the originals? Thanks.

 

[Rut]

If the originals clean up and pass inspection I would reuse them. The inside radius of the new bearings tends to not match the radius on the spindles very well.
Rut

 

[Bayless]

Thanks Rut. That's what I thought I remembered from the discussion. The Moss catalog now claims they have the right radius though. Does anyone have recent experience?

 

[Joe Schlosser]

I am not sure who Moss uses for the supplier for their tapered roller bearing kit (I bought direct from Timkin), however upgrading to a taper roller bearing set IMHO is the way to go. The Angular roller bearings are OK but using the taper roller bearings with proper shimming provides a stronger hub assembly. Remember your spindle is 60 years old and can use all the help it can get.
I used taper bearings on my FP car with 8" slicks with no problem. It is a little more time to set everything up but it is worth the effort.
If you have concerns about Moss I can dig through the paperwork and get the Timkin numbers.

 

[Bayless]

Thanks Joe. I just finally talked with my local LBC mechanic/restorer in whom I have great confidence. He said he did a Midget a couple of months ago with the Moss kip and it worked perfectly. That does seem like a much stronger solution. I think between your and his advice, that is how I will go.