The Dark Side: V8, V6 & 4 Cylinder Engine Conversions and related radical modifications (brakes, transmission, suspension, drivetrain) for MGB, MGA, Midget and all other MG models. Purists beware!
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 them, but it completely changes the vibe of the car. I still like the datsun wheels on my car, but lately I've kinda been getting the urge to get a new set of painted wires to go back to a more vintage look. I'll bet those new wheels give the car a better "feel" compared to the steelies or the wires.
Jay, the look will soften in time I think. The center spokes will mellow a bit while the rims will stay nice and shiny. You could always paint the spokes a slightly darker color as well. Anyway, you won't have to worry about it for a while, I hear you're getting more snow today so no MGing for a while.
We have a few club members that are fond of the original steel wheels. My dad likes the wires on his '63, so he replaced all the hubs & sprang for chrome wires.
What you did will take some getting used to on an ol' pull handle. Probably shouldn't even ask over on the purists forum. :)
I really would love to have a set of steel rims on my car but would require more rubber than original now. I like the 'dated' appearance of the originals. You couldn't tell by looking at my car though.
-BMc.
Wow, I left a complete set of '63 steelies and caps in the attic of a house that I sold....gosh, must've been 1975. Wonder if they're still there? I really like the look.
If you like the steel wheels but want them wider or are having problems with them not running true, check with Stockton Wheel. They can repair them &/or put the centers in wider hoops. They can even put the 14" centers in 15" hoops.
Steel wheels have a...flare to them, that makes the B look somewhat classic, much better than chrome wires. For my taste.
I also like the Le mans style wheels now manufacture by VTO (soon to be a dealer)Those wheels were high tech at the time.
The spokes on the originals had a little blade much like a fan. The purpose was to bring cool air in to cool the brakes on the 24 hr race. I like them as they are Silver just like the originals. I think the black came in when the wheels got dirty with brake dust.
Here is a picture of a real sleeper. Some of you may recognized. Picture was taken at the VIR race track.
Jay,
In regards to the shakey steel wheels. I've never owned steel MG wheels with caps... but can these be balanced on a modern wheel balancer, or do they need to be balanced on a hub centric bubble balancer?
When I first bought my car, I wasn't thinking and had the wires balanced at a local tire shop. Nearly a half pound of weight was put on each wheel. I bought an old bubble balancer and they took 1.5 ounces (roughly) on each wheel. It went from vibrating like a mad man to a smooth as glass ride.
How much weight are on those steel wheels right now?
-Chris