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NEW WIRE WHEELS

gcoll

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I am in the market for new wire wheels. Can anyone recommend one brand over another DAYTON or DUNLOP? or another brand. My car is a driver not a show car, I am partial to the original painted version versus the crome, any pro's or con's between the two. Does one last any longer than the other or provide better handling characteristics. 48, 60, 72, spokes What do you think, any input would be very much appreciated. thanks
BJ8
 
What is the model of your car? I'd stick with 60 spoke on most other than a 100/4 then 48 spoke.
 
For me, nothing made my car handle better then when I installed a set of 72" Dayton chrome/stainless wires. I go against the grain of most and also hand a set of 205 Dunlop's mounted on them. The road handling is far superior then any other combination I've tried. It's not quite what my '57 100-6 vintage racer has in the cornering dept., but it's the best you'll get on a true street car without destroying the ride quality. At the time, 10+ years ago Dunlop was having build quality issues and Dayton was the better choice.

If you like to drive hard and don't mind sacrificing a little bit of originality, go big.

https://youtu.be/B4D9irNRp6o
 
Hey gcoll,
I personally like staying true to what came from the factory re number of spokes for a BJ8 so 60 would be correct. But a lot of guys like Doug have put on 72 spoke wheels and they look great as well. I have read that the quality on the new Dunlop painted wheels is excellent versus what was made several years ago so if you want painted, would save some money going with the Dunlops. I have purchased both Dunlop and Dayton chrome and will go with the Dayton chrome over the Dunlop. I believe the Dunlops are still made in India under license to Dunlop in the UK. Those are Dayton chrome 48 spoke on my 100M.
Regards,
Mike
 
I have Daytons I think. Made in India. One arrived out of round but Moss replaced it. No problems at all. Painted 60 spoke. Now over 8 years old.
 
According to Dayton, their wheels are made in the US. I have 72-spoke chrome ones. When I bought mine years ago, Dunlop was having quality issues.

I think the number of spokes is an item of personal preference as long as you don't have fewer than original. With a BJ8, you should have at least 60 spokes.

I think chrome is easier to clean than painted, but if you prefer painted, that's also your choice.
 
Moss sells Dunlops made in India. Most folks say Daytons are superior, but as others said above, Dunlop's problems were resolved years ago.

gcoll, if you like painted, then stick with them. They cost a lot less and you will not notice any difference in handling. The 60 spokes would be original, and again, cost less than 72 spoke wheels. The 72s will last longer, but if you do not drive aggressively, the 60s will hold up just fine. If you want 185 or wider tires, then go with the 72s and get the 5" wide wheels.
 
My Daytons were made in Dayton, Ohio.

I'm more like Dougie, in that I went big; I have a thing for wheels with a *lip* so I chose a center-laced pattern (from the AC Cobra).

IMG_7621.jpg


IMG_7623.jpg
 
For me, nothing made my car handle better then when I installed a set of 72" Dayton chrome/stainless wires.

:iagree:

En a bit wider than stock width a cool set of 185 X 70 X 15 tyres on em :driving:
 
Painted 60 spoke rims from Dunlop are a fine choice these days.The parts are made in India , but the wheels are put together in England. Getting all put together right and balanced perfect is the trick. Moss sell the Dunlops and they are in your state. They keep them in stock. I can help you with the rest if you need. Wheelguy
 
Talk to Hendrix Wire Wheels in NC. They aren't that far from you, and they are extremely knowledgable. Good luck!
 
I have in my collection a set of 15" x 5.5" 72 spoke wheels. Will they suit my stock 61 BT7? If so, what size of tire would be suggested?
 
I ordered my 60 spoke Daytons and tires from Hendrix Wire Wheel. He knows his Healey and provides a great service. Its the only way to go.
 
5.5 inch is a TR6 rim as sort. It will fit a Healey with 195/65/15 tires. And yes... Allen Hendrix IS wheelguy.. Taa Daaa.....
 
Painted 60 spoke rims from Dunlop are a fine choice these days.The parts are made in India , but the wheels are put together in England.

You mean that english paint keeps em from bendin and breakin now~~~--Keoke-- :laugh:
 
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