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Problem with spoke rims On BN6

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BN6_2197 said:
Guys, thank you very much for all the rim suggestions, but what do you think about my theory that I have brake drums for steel wheels in the front instead of drums for spoke rims as I stated a few replies before? Volker
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Good luck with that; I have long been under the impression that only the rear drums were different between disc & wire wheels.

But hey, I've been wrong before!

I do however, have a gorgeous set (5) disc wheels, restored and powder coated...

... c'mon, <span style="font-style: italic">somebody</span> buy these off me, before I have to cart them to Florida!
 
I talked with a friend of mine: he suggested to put 72 spoke rims on the car with 185 wheels? What do you think about that instead of going back to 48 spoke rims? My Friend told me that there are 72 spoke rims available with a rim offset that solves my problem.
 
I like mine (with 175x15 tires, no longer available)
IMG_1505-1.jpg


my wheels are 5" Dayton with front disk brakes.
 
72-spoke wheels are MUCH stronger than 48-spoke. I don't know why they even used 48-spoke wheels on the 6-cyl cars (cost, I suspect). The later cars came with 60-spoke wheels. My BJ8 had the original 60-spoke wheels and 185/70X15 tires when I bought it. I put new tires on, same size, and started breaking spokes, so I got 6-inch, 72-spoke chrome Daytons--no problem with broken spokes. I now think 6-inch rims are a bit too wide, just because they stick out of the wheel well too much. 5.5" or 5" rims with 175 tires would be about right for appearance, but as noted 175-width tires are essentially unavailable. The 185s are getting hard to find, too; the best option being Vredestein. One Healey owner has 185 (not 70-series) on, I believe, 5" rims and is very happy with them. They are taller and 'narrower' than the lower-profile 70-series and closer to original tires (although the 185/70 Vreds are close to original diameter). I will seriously consider that option when I'm due for new wheels and tires. 5.5" is available, too, but only from Dunlop which had a bad reputation but I hear they've gotten better. There are some differences in the hub between Dayton and Dunlop (I think the Dunlop is closer to original).


If you like to corner reasonably hard, you'll want/need 72-spoke wheels.
 
Unless you intend to throw the car sideways on gymkhana courses with sticky radials, the stock painted 48 spoke rims will be just fine.
 
BN6_2197 said:
I talked with a friend of mine: he suggested to put 72 spoke rims on the car with 185 wheels? What do you think about that instead of going back to 48 spoke rims? My Friend told me that there are 72 spoke rims available with a rim offset that solves my problem.
Click to expand...

I have 5" wide, 72-spoke Dayton wheels on my BN4. Until this year I had 185/70-15 tires, but they became too old, and the 185/70 tires are becoming hard to find and expensive. I replaced them with 195/5-15 Bridgestone tires and they fit fine. My front suspension has been lowered ~3/4" and no problem. They stick like glue.
 
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