6 replies to this topic

[JackF]

Can anyone shed some light on the paint code for the gold wheels used on the BMC works wheels? That classic gold.

If such a paint code doesnt exist, is there any modern equivalents?

[Cooperman]

From memory they were 1960's Jaguar Sand Gold.

[JackF]

Thanks Cooperman, it gives me an avenue to explore!

Been a while since I last posted on here, should have know it would be you with the knowledge

[GraemeC]

I thought the gold colouring was as a result of an Alodine or Dow7 plating process on the magnesium Minilights?

Edited by GraemeC, 26 April 2020 - 08:48 PM.

[JackF]

Thanks GraemeC, feasible

[Minigman]

I thought the early steel wheeled works rally minis were like a primer brown sort of colour. Curious to know what that might have been?

[Cooperman]

lf you bought a spare wheel from  BMC dealer in the 1960's it came painted in a dark brown colour. Most people painted them the same colour as the wheels fitted to their car, but I recall buying several for my 1964 rally Cooper and I never painted them. It was not unusual for me to have maybe 3 brown wheels and one cream wheel fitted with one of each colour in the boot. Tyres were usually either Dunlopr SP3 or Dunlop Weathermaster in the 145 x 10 size.

It is worth noting that although these days almost everyone restoring or competing in a classic Mini fits alloy wheels, usually Minilie or a copy thereof, in the late 1960's not many owners bought, or could afford to buy, alloy wheels. the BMC 4.5 x 10 was popular and for the 850 & the 998 Cooper, the reverse-rim 4.5 x 10 was popular.

The early Minilites were made from magnesuim, but these were expensive and if a car caught fire they really did burn. Then Minilites cast from aluminium alloy were made and these were cheaper and safer; also less prone to fatigue, apparently.