WIRE WHEEL QUESTION

[alfa33047]

I have a matching set of TR-6 wheels that I want to put on my TR-3. I took the wheels to my local powder coater and had them sand blasted and coated. When I went to pick up my wheels after they were finished I noticed that they had removed the rubber bands that are on the inside of the rim that covers the spokes. They said that when they removed the bands that they had to cut them off so I now do not have any bands. I have heard that I can cover the inside of the rim with electrical tape to protect my inner tubes from being cut by the ends of the spokes.. I also heard that I could silicone these holes to both protect the tubes but also they would seal the spokes so that you could run tubeless. I could use some advice before I go any further? Thanks Bill C. Mesa, AZ

 

[WedgeWorks]

I had a MGB-GT with wire wheels that eventually the rubber liner on the inside of the rims came apart. All it is for is to keep the tube from rubbing on the spoke mounts. I used black duct tape on the inisde and went around once on each side to cover the full width of the area. Never had a problem in the 5 years I owned the car. Make sure when they install the new tube that the valve stem is as close to perfectly aligned as possible. If the tube slides back and forth it can cause a leak at the stem area. That was the one issue with using duct tape versus the rubber. Rubber to rubber (inner tube to rubber liner) wont move back and forth. With duct tape this can happen or stress the valve stem area. Good luck!

 

[TR3driver]

I've also used duct tape, worked fine for me. I made sure there were no spoke ends protruding first (which you should always do) and put 3-4 layers of it on just to be sure.

 

[hondo402000]

you can also use that rubber streachy electrical tape that adheres to it self. also do your self a favor and silicon the spoke ends, the ones that attach to the splined hub, it will keep grease from comming out and getting slung onto the spokes and the wheels will stay clean

 

[prb51]

also do your self a favor and silicon the spoke ends, the ones that attach to the splined hub,

Def do this as it keeps the grease on the splines and water out

 

[MGTF1250Dave]

Aloha Bill,

Good advice by others. I have used the duct tape myself with out a problem, but if you are concerned I think you can get the rubber bits from the usual suppliers of LBC parts.

If the vlave stem hole in the wheel is larger than the tube's valve stem use a valve stem gommet so that it fits tightly. I usually get them at an off road or four wheeling tire shop. Usually they give me a few for free or maybe charge me $1.

 

[Twosheds]

I spent lots of time on the telephone with British Wire Wheel asking about this. BWW strongly urged me to use PVC tape, not electrical tape nor, especially nor, duct tape.

Don't kill the messenger here, Randall, I'm merely repeating BWW.

They say to use PVC tape available at Home Depot or equivalent. BWW sells the tape if you can't find it. They stress NOT to stretch the tape and to give 3 - 4 layers over the nipples.

 

[TR3driver]

Don't kill the messenger here, Randall, I'm merely repeating BWW.

No worries, John, there's always room for differing opinions. And BWW certainly has more experience with wire wheels than I do.