4 replies to this topic

[mk=john]

Hi

I am restoring my 1960 mini, and it has the very early rivited type 10" steel wheels. The outer rim is riveted to the inner part of the wheel. They are in VGC (no excessive rust) etc. I was advised my some people not to use them, as in the early 1960's these wheels were subjected to racing and rallying causing rivets to fail.

However, this particular car has only been used around town and the car is highly original. I have driven the car all the way from Cirencester to Milton Keynes with no problems before i took the car apart to be restored.

Has anyone here experienced, or know of any safety issues when using these wheels, as opposed to the later welded type?

Thanks
John

[dklawson]

It looks like you are getting more comments based on first hand experience on your thread over at The Early Mini Forum. Colin's comments echo what I had always heard... however my comments can only be regarded as hearsay.

I appreciate your desire for originality. However items like the wheels and tires also represent safety issues. If you go for originality you may be better trailering your car to events rather than driving it regularly. If you find those bias ply tires, make sure they are NEW, and NOT new-old-stock. Tires have a finite life and even brand new looking antiques would be extremely dangerous to use. Were you in the U.S. I would direct you to Coker Tire whose entire business is based on making new tires in old styles, and sizes from vintage molds for vintage cars.

[TopCatCustom]

Can't you get them welded together behind the wheel leaving the rivets in place? That way you wouldn't be able to see the welds but would be just as secure as any other welded wheel (i.e. 99% of steel wheels)

[Cooperman]

In 1964 I borrowed a 1960 850 Mini Countryman (woodie estate) whilst I did some work on my own Mini. It had those really early wheels and I was just driving along in it when one of the front wheels sheared off and bounced away into a field. Luckily it did not hit anyone or anything. I fitted the spare, but the bottom ball joint had ground itself away on the road surface and that failed a few miles further on.
The guy who owned it immediately got a set of the stronger wheels. Those early wheels were very unsafe.

[minidaves]

show wheels only, just get a welded early set of rims and fit 5.20-10 cross plys and it will be great to drive around. then fit the others when showing the car off if you must
#
dave