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New wheels and tires for Penny

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drooartz

drooartz

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I probably should have started with other parts, but I just couldn't resist. Got 4 new dark grey minilites from Moss and had some new 155/80/13's put on. My flimsy justification is that I want the final wheels and tires as I redo the suspension and convert over to front disk brakes -- to make sure everything fits you see. Yeah, that's it... 😁

Saw these on another Bugeye at a local show this summer and it finalized my decision. They really are helping to get me motivated to start the reassembly and rebuilding work. Took a few minutes today to reinstall the VIN plate in the engine bay and the number plates in each A-pillar. Small things, but still necessary.

Once the Morris is back together and off the lift I'll pull the rear axle and get to work.

IMG_0991.JPG
 
RickF said:
Looks great! Your panel gaps are awesome!
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Paying someone to do the bodywork wasn't cheap, but I have to say that they did an excellent job. The car wasn't too bad, but there was rust to contend with.

Now I'm just paranoid that I'll scratch it while I'm putting it all back together. :eek::smile:

(maybe more along the lines of I'm just really careful)
 
Snicker snicker, you'll have to pick up the pace or those tires will age out before you're done.
 
Bob Claffie said:
Snicker snicker, you'll have to pick up the pace or those tires will age out before you're done.
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That's part of the motivating factors. :thumbsup2:
 
65_BRG_Sprite said:
Agree w drooartz you've got to do that occasionally to keep yourself fired up. Looks very nice!
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I really like them. Can't always be practical, sometimes you need to pull the emotional move to get things going.
 
I've been thinking about going the Minilite route. While Baby Blue's steelies are much better than they used to be since I had them straightened, I can still get a pretty serious vibration when the wheels are out of kilter with each other. I've been contemplating taking B.B. over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to visit my daughter. It's 90 miles door to door, with a large portion at highway speeds. I could imagine dealing with that vibration for two hours wouldn't be a lot of fun.

I was thinking of going up to 14s and running 70 series tires. I mean, if I'm going to go through the expense of replacing the wheels and tires, might as well go big :smile:
 
I'm a big minilite fan. I know they're the obvious choice, but they do look good. Had I all the money, I'd love to do some custom Dunlop style alloy wheels like used on Jags, but that would indeed take all the money.

I stuck with 13's on the Bugeye (with 155 tires).

No matter what size, modern/new wheels are a good thing for peace of mine and smoothness of cruising. :driving:
 
DavidApp said:
Is the wheel vibration from them being balanced on a Hub Centric machine not Stud centric?

David
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It was a case of 50 year old wheels that have seen their share of hard hits. My car began its life in Chicago, Illinois and I imagine it ate more than a few potholes there. The only time it becomes an issue is when the flat spot on two of the wheels are synchronized with each other. It manifests itself with the steering wheel jiggling. It's manageable, but annoying.
 
If you have a SWA Sprite you are limited in the rear how big you can go 155/80/13 is about it. Fenderwells get in the way.
 
Drew, Were you able to get those wheels to fit, they look great BTW, without adding Spacers. My JBW Wheels, the ones that MOSS Sells, needed 1/4" Spacer in the back and 1/8" Spacer in the front to clear the Tie Rod End. Not sure of the offset in my wheels but I did need to change to longer wheels studs purchased from Winners Circle. In the rear I only had 3-4 threads available to tighten and that is not enough thread to ensure you aren't going to lose a wheel/Break a wheel stud.
 
(sorry, been away for a bit)

The wheels are from Moss (Minator), and seem to fit perfectly fine with no spacers. When I change over to discs in the front I may have to file down the tie rod ends a bit for clearance, but don't expect that will be too difficult. Currently still on front drums. Running 155/80/13 tires.

I will be changing the rear backing plates to the later ones as well, so we'll see what's needed if that shifts anything, but I don't expect it will.
 
drooartz said:
When I change over to discs in the front I may have to file down the tie rod ends a bit for clearance, but don't expect that will be too difficult.
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In the vernacular of true LBC enthusiasts: "Cobble to Fit"!! (y)
 
Absolutely, Doc! There's always a bigger hammer...
 
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