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Wire Wheels

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Merlin the MG

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I got a '67 b roadster and a set of 5 rusty wire wheels. Anyone got any ideas for restoring (relatively cheaply) them? I live on the big island of Hawai'i so proper facilities are hard to come by without hopping islands. So, any do-it-yourself thoughts would be helpful. (I'm not looking for showroom shine, just daily driver doable.)

Joey
 
First, Welcome to the Forum !!

Rusty wire wheels are not worth the hassle. Save yourself some time and money and buy yourself a new set of wire rims. They are about $600 new. Or if you have the money get a set of knock-off minilite replicas that are about $1000 a set.

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[ 02-06-2004: Message edited by: David Kiehna ]</p>
 
I had a set like that, I sandblasted them with a very fine sand, 70 grit, and painted them. Looked awesome.
Rob
 
Merlin, Sandblasting is relatively easy and cheap but before you sandblast them, check the run out and trueness (whether they are round and dont wobble. If they are not true and in round, dont waste the time and money to correct that; get a new set since adjustment will be more expense and might not work without breaking spokes. Your choices are painted wires or chrome wires but the chrome ones are a lot more expensive than $600. Aloha, Spent a great year living on Kuaui, Jack
 
Sorry to hijack your wire wheel posting, but I'm in the same situation. I was considering replacing the wire wheels but thought it would be a good idea to put on new hubs and get new knockoffs for the 69 CGT? Any thoughts from the long time MGers?

Thanks.
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by MGGator:
I was considering replacing the wire wheels but thought it would be a good idea to put on new hubs and get new knockoffs for the 69 CGT? Any thoughts from the long time MGers?<hr></blockquote>

If the splines and threads are not rusted or worn, there is no reason to replace the hubs. Same for the knockoffs, unless they just look bad.
 
Thanks guys. Um, I'm only 17 and don't really have the money to throw at a new set, so I think I'll try blast, sand, scrub, and paint. If it turns out shotty, maybe I'll consider new ones. 'nother question. what kind of paint would be durable enough for the job. Your comments are massively appreciated.

Joey
 
You can get wheel paint in an aerosol can at most auto accessory stores like auto zone. A steel or mag wheel color would look authentic and would provide a durable coat if you do proper sanding and preparation. Jack
 
Be sure to check your splines for wear. If they are fine, go the sand and shoot method. Do you have smooth Hammerite in grey on the islands? It doesn't need a primer. Let it set up some.
 
Hello Merlin, It's great to see a young LBC enthusiast. I wish you the best. I got bit with the bug at age 18 and am now 45.

I have found that Moss motors (p/n 220-560, $12.95) and Eastwood (p/n 10004z, $9.99) both sell arisol paint to match the original silver/gray color of the MGB wire wheels. I found that one can was enough to do all five wheels. I did prime first. The paint is a little pricy, but the color was spot on and they have held up well.
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Thanks, Joel. Pueblo, CO, eh? I used to live near Trinidad. Thanks for the advice, I'll check on those promptly. And, yes, I did check the splines and spokes and such and the wheels are good, but just a bit ugly. Thanks again.
 
I cleaned and painted my wires with the Moss Silver wire painted noted above. Pricey for a rattle can, but I love the color. It is silver with a nice pearlesent (SP?) color to it. Very nice and not as garish as some silvers.
 
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