• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
  • When posting a classified ad, you MUST select a prefix from the drop-down next to the subject line. If you don't you will get an error and your ad will not be posted!
Tips
Tips

Wire wheel questions

Share this page

D

dodgedartgt

Freshman Member
Offline
Hi all, first post over here. I have a couple of wire wheel questions hope you can answer. It has been fully 30 years since I last drove on LBC wire wheels.

I am in the process of collecting parts for a "cruiser" Locost 7 build with a "vintage aire" look about it. As such, I'm using the front uprights with splined hubs, rack, rear axle and 14" wire wheels from '66 MGB donor as the basis of the build.

I haven't fully decided yet, but I am thinking I would like the option of running 15" wires in the rear.

Is my (unconfirmed) understanding correct that the Triumphs used the same splined hub size (62mm I think) as the MGB's? Also, I know the older cars had 48 spokes and the newer like TR6 are 72 spoke. Were there 60 spoke wheels somewhere in there that would match my 14"'s? What models and years?

I don't yet know if the MGB axle width (between the tires distance) will allow me to build as wide a frame as I would like. I haven't had a chance to mock it up yet.

Since the Triumphs use the bolt-on splined hub, <span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">IF</span></span> it is the same size as the MG hub, I can always use another rear axle with the same 4 x 4-1/2" bolt pattern and either the 14's or 15's.

Also, I have located a full set of Spitfire bolt-on hubs and knock-offs. I know these have the smaller 3-3/4" bolt circle, but do they have the same diameter splined hubs? I'm sure that if necessary I can modify them to suit my needs.

Who has the answers, please??? Oh, and does anyone have the parts?

Thnx in advance,
Mike Bynum
SW FL
 
For starters, you can check Dayton's website and catalog, just to see if they make the 60-14". Plus, it will give you an idea of what they cost new. I know that they make a 60-15", and they will let me have one "out the door" for $400 (knocking off $20).

I am currently trying to find a used one in either paint or chrome, for my spare tire.

Good luck.
 
TR3BGeorge said:
I am currently trying to find a used one in either paint or chrome, for my spare tire.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Just realized youre in Dallas. When I bought my GT6 it came with 6 wheels, 2 of which are what the brits would call "old and mankey." Theyre 60 spoke, but I believe they may be 13" Id hafta check. I was going to freshen up one for my spare, but for $100-200 wheelsamerica can totally refurbish each wheel. Lemme know if youre interested.
 
UmmYeahOk said:
TR3BGeorge said:
I am currently trying to find a used one in either paint or chrome, for my spare tire.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Just realized youre in Dallas. When I bought my GT6 it came with 6 wheels, 2 of which are what the brits would call "old and mankey." Theyre 60 spoke, but I believe they may be 13" Id hafta check. I was going to freshen up one for my spare, but for $100-200 wheelsamerica can totally refurbish each wheel. Lemme know if youre interested.
Click to expand...

I just checked their web site. They have nothing on there about wire wheels. Are you for sure they work on wires?
 
UmmYeahOk said:
...I was going to freshen up one for my spare, but for $100-200 wheelsamerica can totally refurbish each wheel...
Click to expand...

For about $200 you can new ones from Moss (thru a discounter or when they are on sale).
 
dodgedartgt said:
Is my (unconfirmed) understanding correct that the Triumphs used the same splined hub size (62mm I think) as the MGB's? Also, I know the older cars had 48 spokes and the newer like TR6 are 72 spoke. Were there 60 spoke wheels somewhere in there that would match my 14"'s? What models and years?
Click to expand...
IF I'm reading the data on the MWS (Motor Wheel Service) International web site correctly, all of the 13" and 15" wire wheels used on Triumphs, AND all the 14" wire wheels on MGBs, used the same "42mm Curly" hub, which then tells me that you should be able to use a Triumph (or MGC) 15" wire wheel. Typically, the 60-spoke version has a 4.5" rim width.
 
I have a 13" Spitfire wheel as a spare for my TR4 and it fits on the hub great. I look at it like one of the donuts you get with new cars.
 
The Little British Car Co. has 15" Wire Wheels for $210 plus shipping and handling. They are a Discount Moss distributor located in Detroit.

Little British Car Co. LBBC

I got new wheels directly at Dayton Wire Wheels and paid $165 apiece 3 years ago. I'm not sure if they still have them in stock.
 
UmmYeahOk said:
...That sounds like a better solution. Can you provide me with a site?
Click to expand...

Is this what you would need?:

454-805 $238.95 Painted Wire Wheel - 13" x 4.5", 60 spoke

All Moss wires are here:

https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=70306

From time to time they have sales, sometimes on specific items sometimes a % off if a certain $$ amount is ordered.

These are Dunlop wheels (made in India) which some don't like but which have given me zero problems in 9 years on the road.
 
Back
Top