neww member with wire wheel questions

[Derek K]

Hi, I'm a new member to this site and it's great. Wish I 'd found it a long time ago.

I'm putting 15" spoke wire wheels from a MGA on my 1962 Lotus 7 I'm rebuilding and have a few questions:
1. what colour is the closest to the original Dunlop?
2. I started sand blasting them but it's taking forever and can't get everything. What are your thoughts on getting them dipped? (I know there is a residue left on them and they have to be super cleaned before painting)
3. I live in the Toronto Ontario area (the GTA) Does anyone know of a good tuner for them in this area. Some spokes sound out of tune.

I'm posting this on the Triumph MG and Austin Healey forums 'cause not many Lotus owners have spokes.

Thanx
Derek K

 

[PAUL161]

Did you post this on the Lotus forum? I don't see it there. PJ

 

[DrEntropy]

Rustoleum used to have a silver that closely approximated the original Dunloop colour. Not sure it's still available.

No Elite owners have signed up here, to my knowledge. Those would be the only other Lotus cars with wires... CABC wanted LIGHTER wheels.

 

[Derek K]

Thanx guys
As you say it was a very few Lotus cars that had wire wheels, just the Elite, Six, Eleven etc. The rare ones. Not concerned with show car quailty, just something close. I'll check out the Rustoleum.
regards
Derek K

 

[rick_ingram]

Duplicolour also made a colour named "Hammered Silver" which was intended for Ford truck wheels and bumpers that is VERY close to the colour used on MG wires and Rostyle wheels.

 

[DrEntropy]

I've a NOS Dunlop Elite wheel here in the shed.

 

[Derek K]

Thanx Rick
I'll check out the Duplicolour "Hammered Silver" as well.
DrEntropy
I see you have a '66 Alfa Romeo GT among others. I used to have a '69 Spider but the ex got it. Love to drive it and loved the cigarette lighter. You may know what they say on Top Gear, "You're not a true anorak if you haven't owned an Alpha"
regards
Derek K

 

[DrEntropy]

Yup. In spite of my myself, I've had three GTV's and now roll around in a rusted out Spider. They're like cats, AFAIC. They find me and I bring 'em home. :smirk:

 

[Derek K]

Found a local tuner, Toronto area, so thanx anyone who was going to respond.
DrEntropy
If I win the lottery another '68 - '69 spider is on my list.
Derek

 

[JPSmit]

Found a local tuner, Toronto area, so thanx anyone who was going to respond.
DrEntropy
If I win the lottery another '68 - '69 spider is on my list.
Derek

Who'd you get Derek? I am in TO and wasn't aware of anyone. (PS drove past Newmarket today on my way to Barrie - did you see me wave?

 

[DrEntropy]

:lol:

Wave more VIGOROUSLY, JP!!!

 

[Derek K]

JPS
Must have missed you waving 'cause I was in the shop with the tuner.
A guy who used to have a company named Spoke 'n True. Found him and lo, he works but a few blocks from here in Newmarket (not on cars).
He doesn't realy want to do truing any more and he's bought a farm outside the city, which takes up his spare time. But still lives in Toronto. He also said he doesn't want to do any in the winter time. But he will advise on how to check and when/how to fix or to just buy a new one.
Just talked to him once so I'll see if he would consult with other about their problems. Keep you posted.
Derek K