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To Wire Wheel or not to Wire Wheel

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fad64b

fad64b

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My 56 TR3 has steel wheels on it, with at least one bent. I am thinking how much I like the looks of wire wheels and how easy on a TR3 it is to make that change.. Is there a difference between Dayton Wheels and the wire wheels sold at Moss?? does anyone have any experience in this area?? What pit falls am I not considering??

Thanks
 
If you are going to go with wires, buy the best. Dayton. Get them in stainless steel and with as many spokes as available.
I have said this before, any Triumph with wires at a car show is the first to be noticed. I had wires on my TR3 years ago and loved the look. To me, it makes the car.
 
I agree with Bill. Wires make a car. Get the Daytons. I was pricing them last night, but just can't quite pull the trigger for a Spitfire. I once almost bought a 1959 TR3 that had the 48 spoke wheels and I adored it. I didn't buy it because it didn't have OD. Sure wish i had.
 
I bought 60 spoke wires from Moss some 20+ years ago for my TR3A. I put a lot of miles on my TR3 and I drive it fairly hard, but I don't abuse it. I replaced three wheels that got out of true, probablly from hitting RR tracks at speed, because getting them trued cost almost as much as buying new. I finally replaced the wires with knock off alloys which have stayed straight but some of the splined center bolts like to loosen. If you drive your car, I would agree with Bill: Get stainless, 60 spokes or more.
 
A BIG YES to Dayton 60 spoke wire wheel!
DSC05840.jpg
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif DAYTONS!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif
 
Ask before you buy any wire wheel if they have been "trued". For a long time, repro wire wheels were being made off-shore and when they got here, many TR owners complained without any success or recourse because they were out of round. I remember one of the big three TR parts suppliers advertising that the ones they were importing had been "trued" when they got here.

Originally, wire wheels on TRs and other cars had painted spokes. But people liked them shiny, so the wheel manufacturers chromed the wires. The chrome fuses into the steel with time and causes chrome embrittlement of the steel wires. This weakens the steel wires and they break. Don't buy chromed wires. If you like shiny, make sure they are stainless steel which have been buffed to a nice shine.

When I bought my car in 1958, everyone was complaining about the problems with wire wheels. They were old technology. They would always go square. They had been around for 40 years with no improvements. Steel wheels were "modern technology" and cheaper. That's why I bought my TR3A with steel wheels and they are still on the car. See for yourself.

Don Elliott, Original Owner, 1958 TR3A

https://www.britishcarforum.com/ubbthreads/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1919/ppuser/4127
 
Go wires. I bought a chrome wire(not Dayton)several years ago. They were presented to me as "good as Dayton" and manufactured in England. Within 400 miles, the chrome was chipping at the spoke bases. I returned them in exchange for Dayton 60 spokes. Excellent wheels.
Personally, I wouldn't go for more than 60's because of the trouble in cleaning. Currently, I give one thorough cleaning a year and follow up with spray foams.
 
If you are concerned about weight and handling keep in mind that wires are heavier than steel. They increase the amount of unsprung weight. If you want bling you can't beat wires.
 
Hi,

If you want wire wheels, I say go for wire wheels! They do look great on these old cars (and even some of the newer ones).

The reason I don't use them personally is weight, cost and strength. I prefer an alloy wheel, but that's just me and my cars.

If you do go with wire wheels, I'd say definitely step up to 60 spokes minimum for strength. The original 48 spoke used on TR2-4 are just too weak for regular use and abuse. (70 or 72 spoke would be even better and stronger, but might only be avail. in sizes too wide for TR3.)

Also, I second the point about considering only stainless steel wires, if going for the highly polished look. Most TRs were supplied with silver painted (Argent) wire wheels, but they were offered in chrome and body color paint finishes, too. So, none is any more "original" or "correct" than the other, go with what you like.

Wires are also a little fussier to keep clean, but the extra TLC doesn't really seem to bother most LBC owners.
 
I have 60 spoke Dunlop chrome wires on the 4A and I get a lot of compliments.

The price is about the same for the Dunlops (Made in India) offered by Moss and Daytons (guess where they are made?) offered by TRF. The latter have a great reputation. Also, I think TRF has a special on the conversion kit (hubs, knockoffs, etc.), but eBay has them, too.

Of course, 48 spokes are appropriate for a 3, but I've seen a lot of 60 spokers on 3s out and about.

Take a look at the Hendrix Wire Wheel website. They sell wheels and tires and have tips on proper usage and maintenance, which I found to be helpful. NFI. British Wire Wheel may have the same info so its your choice.

You'll want a 4 lb lead hammer. It won't tear up the knockoffs and has the requisite mass for removal and installation.

Forum member Bob Muzio authored a great article on detailing tips and tricks--including a wire wheel primer--in the summer 2006 issue of British Motoring from Moss Motors.

My previous LBC experience (or lack thereof) was with steel wheels and I thought wires would be a hassle, but I have enjoyed dealing with them.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Now, I have seen a set of wires on a TR6 that I absolutely hated. Don't know the brand but they were chromed wires with what looked like about 104 spokes. Looked really bling.

Stick with the Dayton SS. Very classy.

Now remember, the wheels are only a part of the expense. You, of course, have to change the hubs and fasteners. It adds up real quick.

TRF is having a sale. Other vendors may as well. Make sure that all components are as good as the Dayton wheels.

Then, you are gonna want new tires. And a spare.

Dig deep. They are knock-outs! Oh, and I always prefer the spinners instead of the octagonal center nut.
 
Don't get a wire wheel for your spare till you try to fit one in your TR3 spare wheel well. It may not fit or you may want to use it with a narrower tire so it will fit in.
 
Here's three good reasons why. They go well with any color as you can see. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

mini-blw06%20101.jpg


mini-blw06%20102.jpg


mini-blw06%20103.jpg
 
Were the 2 greens on #3 a factory option? It looks 'odd' to me...

That said #1 is really pretty.
 
Don't get 48's as they had a rep for problems under hard use. Get Dayton's as they are the best. I just put Dayton 60's w/ new spline adaptors on my 3 and it looks great. They are heavier but give better brake cooling and that's why they were used in racing.
The wires fit in the spare wheel compartment fine it's the tire size that matters.
 
Alan, I believe that the two tones were an option. I've seen some black and white with red interiors and this greenie is a regular at our Cape Cod Club events. Note that the doors are dark as well as the header and hood areas.

The black one in the first picture is my favorite. The car is a frame off resto and is detailed to the max. The black with the tan leather interior is just beautiful!

But that little cream/yellow number 2 is no slouch either, especially with the top down.
 
That's black?
I thought it was green!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Note to self: Visit optician asap.
 
Yeah, it's deceiving because it shines so much it looks green and black. Here's another view to prove it not your eyes.

If this doesn't sell him on the wires, nothing will. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif


mini-blw06%20130.jpg
 
Very pretty. Me likee.
Got to drive one a few weeks ago. A lot different from the TR6 thats for sure.
 
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