MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
After converting my 64 to bolt on wheels because my wires and hubs were trashed, I found 4 decent steelies and painted them etc to make them look really nice.
Problem was they are about impossible to get the shake out of them,
So, I got a set of VTO Retro 4s in 15 inch, tires are 185-65-15
Compare and tell me what you think... getting used to it but almost feel like the "bling" of the new wheels overpowers the car.
I like the look of the steel wheels because you don't see it much, simple look. I also dig the VTO wheels, also cool because it's not common. Sharp car!
Man, that is a beautiful car! I must admit I prefer the looks of the steelies.
I think the VTOs are great looking, but the steelies look better suited to your car.
I like the steel wheels too. 4 arm rims just look too much like the modern Japanese cars where guys are trying to show off their red calipers :)
I like the new look you can allways kick the old shoes on for shows , Old rims " irectile disfunction" new rims "pocket full of viagara "
Old rims - I have a classic sports car!
New rims - I have a classic sports car - but I wish I had a new one!
Wheels and tires now for sale on the trader forum, awesome but a little too flashy for me and not about to take a can of spray paint to a new set of VTOs.
Steelies look great, but cars are supposed to be driven - so I'd certainly go with function over form. Round wheels are a good thing....and they look great too!
I also like the steel ones, but the new ones are nice. I'd love to put the steelies on my B but it's probably too late a model to look right... a '73. Love the clean look of your car w/o the overriders etc. Very nice.
My B came from the factory with steel wheels and that's the way it will stay.
I love them and they are so much esier to care for. I have wires on my TF
and that's enough wire wheels.
George Herschell
I also like the steelies but function over fashion right? The VTOs also look sharp...
I like red calipers!
Steel wheels look good, but I'm a fan of the VTO styles.
You can't go wrong with the stock look though. I know I absolutely love the interior of my '67 for example.
Steelies look better.
But so do wires.
And both can have issues which limits your driving.
When I bought my Sprite they had old school mags. (rare) Swapped them out for steelies and caps!
I like my Roestyles on my GT, but I know at least one is wonky. Someday I'll do VTO myself just because I drive it so much.
................so how much for the steelies? B)-
OMG, you gonna sell the new VTO wheels you just bought from me, for a set of steelies you can't get to balance :S
I like the steelie look too, but they are mostly junk, it's pretty hard to get a set that will balance, and thats why you told me you ordered alloy wheels to begin with, sorta confused at your decision of looks preference over function. I'm not picking on you, I get it, early MGB, pull handle and all that, but these cars are made to drive, I've never that big of fan of the purist look, not really my style, I respect it, just don't want it for my cars.
Hap, you take trade-ins? The Classic 8s would probably look better...
my personal preference would be Classic 8s in 14 not 15 inch
Both versions look fine, but I believe that gray spoke VTO's would look better.
To balance my old steelies, I hammered them back into round, mounted the tires, then balanced, then dismounted, then painted and finally remounted the tires and rebalanced. I can go +95mph with little difficulty. With a good front end rebuild, Peter Caldwell shocks, blue64 is rock solid at all speeds with original wheels and 175/14 tires. hth
Heard good things. I've never done business with them.
http://www.stocktonwheel.com/
I like the steel wheels better. The VTO wheels makes it look like a modern chrome bumper MGB and for some reason it just does not look right. I also disagree that the steel wheel are junk. My opinion! It is your MGB and whatever wheels you like that is all that matters. Ray
Ray,
Oh I didn't say steel wheels were junk, i said mine were not servicable...
If someone was making reproduction steels, perhaps in 5.5 inch I would buy a set in a heartbeat.
Jay
I see you are in Denver, have you talked to Paul at Sportscar Craftsmen? He may be able to help you out with your wheel issue.
In my opinion, the car should be used and driven. If the steelies will keep you from doing that, then I would keep the VTO's on them. If it bothers you for 'shows' and events like the Glenwood or Conclave, get a second set of tires and put the steel wheels on for the show. But PLEASE do whatever you need to so you will drive the car when it stops snowing out here! this is too great of an MG area to not use it.
Berto!
Hey Robert I believe we have met at Pauls shop at least once. Yes you know on the steelies the car is definately drivable but it does have a vibe at highway speeds that was making me crazy because I like my stuff to be mechanically perfect. That said, if new reproduction steels were available I would buy them in a heartbeat but they are not. So,,,,,,,, probably letting go of the VTOs if they sell and driving the car on the steelies for now.
Yes,,, this car has a motor in it built by Dave Headly that is way stout and a Rivergate 5 speed conversion so I actually drive the car a lot. I want to do the Glendale Rally this year but in past years there has always been some conflict with either my weird schedule because I am an ATC guy, or my drill schedule with the Air National Guard. Hopefully the planets will align and I can do some group drives with the MG club etc. this year. guess I should start attending meeting huh?
Seriously good deal for someone in the Denver area,,, the new wheels with new tires ( 1 mile on them ) ready to bolt on I'll let the package go for $800.
Jay
Steelies are a FULL 4" wide and the VTO's are 6". Much easier to get good tires for the 15" wheels too. With the steelies you are relegated to 165-14's and tire selections are very limited. IMO "YUCK". If you drive it like you stole it, it's a no brainer. The steelies do look good on a pull handle but the handling is inferior as is the strength of the wheel. I have Superlites on my GT and love them.
Jeeze, now I feel bad I said I liked the look of the steelies better.
I want to put steelies on my 65B. Do they have the same balancing problem as the Rostyles? Did you try having them balanced by the lugs rather than the center hole?