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Wire wheels - rebuilding

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I was going to post this in the TR section, but then thought it would get a wider audience here.

A friend of mine has wire wheels on his car. The centers are worn, so it clunks badly. We've tried the usual cures - new hubs and reversing them, but it's bugging him to the point where he's talking about buying new wheels. It seems a shame, because other than this little issue, they are in great condition.

My question is does anyone rebuild these things? And if so, what's the cost compared to buying new?
 
Hello Alana,

when I came to replacing worn wheels my enquiries on the same subject came to buy new, particularly if they are chromed rims.

Unless it is a very rare wheel that no new replacement is available I would say buy new. The one thing that I found out was that my new wheels were suitable for tubeless use also as the spokes were sealed at the rim.

Alec
 
A little story hear. I was working for a foreign car repair shop back in the mid '70's when I guy brought in his MG and said that the brakes were making alot of noise, and the car didn't stop well at all. Well, went on quick ride, and I came back to the shop (quickly, but cautiously) and told the customer there was nothing wrong with the brakes...The splines on the wire wheels were stripped!! The brakes stopped the rotor from turning, but the wheels just kept spinning. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/sick.gif

I would say get new wire wheels and new adaptors. You don't need problems with stripped splines causing no brakes, or wheels flying off. Besides, it might cost more to have the wires redone then getting new. There's a place that does wire wheel work, I'll see if I can find the link. Maybe it is cheaper to replace the hub...But definetly figure on new adaptors.

Edit: Here is the guys I was thinking about... Give them a call and see what they say. They also have some good info on their site.
 
When the splines are shot, they're shot. This is a "bite th' bullet" circumstance. Just grease the new ones well and TIGHTEN the spinners down... They should never wear out again if the spinners are tight.
 
Wire wheels can be rebuilt, but replacing the hubs and spokes, added to labor, will exceed the cost of new wheels.

The other issue is that the old worn wheel hubs have more than likely worn the splined hubs as well. I would recommend NOT putting new wheels on old worn hubs. The wheel hubs will eventually be damaged.

Replacing wheels and hubs together is expensive. However it is not only the proper way to do the job, but it is also a once per lifetime repair providing the new wheels are taken care of. My MGB wheels had 300,000+ miles on them wheel I replaced them with a different size (for performance) and the splines are still perfect! Be sure to replace bearings and seals while it's apart.
 
I concur with all said above. Rebuilding old wheels, especially with replacing the hubs, is definatly going to cost more than new (and safer) ones.
And if the splines are worn to the point of a constant clunk, you definatly need new adapters with the new wheels. Putting new wheels on the old adapters will cause the new splines in the hubs to wear very fast.
Just be thankful you don't own an MG! those adapters are part of the axle shaft in the rear, and the hubs in the front. Not just bolt-ons like the TRs
 
Steve_S said:
Wire wheels can be rebuilt, but replacing the hubs and spokes, added to labor, will exceed the cost of new wheels.

The other issue is that the old worn wheel hubs have more than likely worn the splined hubs as well. I would recommend NOT putting new wheels on old worn hubs. The wheel hubs will eventually be damaged.

Replacing wheels and hubs together is expensive. However it is not only the proper way to do the job, but it is also a once per lifetime repair providing the new wheels are taken care of. My MGB wheels had 300,000+ miles on them wheel I replaced them with a different size (for performance) and the splines are still perfect! Be sure to replace bearings and seals while it's apart.
Click to expand...

Can't believe I get to say this!

"I thought I said that." /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

If he's got new hubs, the wheels need to be new as well. Then all will last as long as he chooses to drive the car.
 
We ain't tryin' to be poopers here, just th' facts.

BTDT.
 
No biggie. I'm surprised that it's cheaper to buy new wheels than to have new hubs put in. I never found that to be the case with bicycles, and I figured these were just bigger versions of the same. A business opportunity perchance?
 
Too much initial outlay, not enough of an audience, methinks. Tho with the 'net that may not be so true.

Hmmm...
 
I dunno - I figure if you can lace in new ones for about $150 you'd do ok given new wheels are $250+
 
I meant as a business opp.... IF you could offer it for $150 per, after finding and buying the tack 'n tackle. And there's always a shipping fee, too.
 
Sorry, I missed the part about already having new hubs.

As for cost of rebuilding, bicycle wheels use inexpensive spokes. Go to the Moss catalog and you will notice spokes cost between 5 and 12 dollars each, as opposed to 20 cents to a buck or two for bicycle spokes. Multiply that times 60-72 spokes and you will see why it's more cost effective to buy new!

The only reason to rebuild in this case is if he's after originality. The appearance of the new rims will not be exact duplicates of the originals. However they are close enough for most people.
 
alana said:
I was going to post this in the TR section, but then thought it would get a wider audience here.

A friend of mine has wire wheels on his car. The centers are worn, so it clunks badly. We've tried the usual cures - new hubs and reversing them, but it's bugging him to the point where he's talking about buying new wheels. It seems a shame, because other than this little issue, they are in great condition.

My question is does anyone rebuild these things? And if so, what's the cost compared to buying new?
Click to expand...

Fosters Wheel Service. Very good service

https://www.fosterwheel.com/
 
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