23 replies to this topic

[Ol timer]

Anyone picked up a set of these wheels ? After a review. Also will they fit on a 1972 mini archless with drum brakes all round . I was thinking of fitting 165s on them

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[absx2]

I was hoping to see some in the flesh at Castle Combe but there wasn`t any for sale or on any cars.

On paper they sound good, have the correct approvals and are a full 6kg lighter than S steel wheels and yes I do believe it`s a noticeable difference.

BUT they are not S replicas as the rim profile although in thicker alloy could have been better and the holes look like tear drops which is the first giveaway.

So personally i`m still on the fence but wouldn`t mind a set for my mk3 and having bought new s wheels in the past I know the only chance of having wheels that are actually round and true is to use alloys.

You will most likely have to space the rear drums by 3/4" as the offset is for disc brakes hence why all minis post 1984 with discs had s type rear drums.

The old LP918 reverse rim looks the business and was made for Cooper 997/998 and drum brake cars so has a deep dish that won`t stick out past the body.

If you plan on fitting 7.5" discs in the future keep with the s type rims

[burchy35]

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I have a set in my van which is arch less and has front discs, also on 145 tyres.
Nice set of wheels,

[Ol timer]

Thanks for the reply. Didnt really want to go down the spacer route. Just wanted plug and play. Will have to think

[absx2]

I have a set in my van which is arch less and has front discs, also on 145 tyres.
Nice set of wheels,

 

 Do the wheels use standard nuts and have hard inserts, it`s hard to tell on the website

[burchy35]

I have used the standard nuts, and they dont interfere with the hub caps. I am using standard drums on the back.

[timmy850]

You’d need the factory drums with the built in spacer front and back to fit those wheels as the offset is +35mm

I did see these recently which I’m assuming are also from JBW. They have an offset of +16mm which is the same as the old reverse wheels. They would fit with flat drums front and back

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Edited by timmy850, 29 August 2021 - 08:31 PM.

[absx2]

I have used the standard nuts, and they dont interfere with the hub caps. I am using standard drums on the back.

 

Thanks for that

The back tyres must be very close to the radius arm and rear shock. Being alloy they might have a little more clearance but you have to factor in tyre distortion in use.

 

Reverse rims

A question that comes up frequently is about the differences between Cooper S rims and reverse rims.

Well, here is the answer!

The Cooper S used a 9 hole ventilated rim.
The standard factory fitment to the 'S' was 3.5" wide.
An optional 4.5" wide rim was offered.
The 'S' brakes had the wheel mounting face set further out than the drum brakes.
Therefore, the wheel had to be more 'inset' than the drum type wheel in order to remain under the bodywork.
'S' rims do not fit drum brake cars without using spacers.
Reverse rims were introduced to allow the use of the 4.5" rim on drum brakes.
These were more 'offset' than the 'S' type to fit on drum brakes.
Reverse rims extend beyond the body when fitted to an 'S'.
Reverse rims were available with 9 hole or standard centres.
997 & 998 Coopers were never fitted with ventilated wheels by the factory.

Below is a diagram showing approximate backface dimensions of the 4.5" wheels.
This is measured from the inside edge of the rim to the mounting face of the wheel

Edited by absx2, 30 August 2021 - 06:59 AM.

[Ol timer]

Best I look for some reverse rims . Seems that's the way to go on drums all round without wheel arches

[Steve220]

Cooper S rims do fit over drums without a spacer... My van has been running them for years.

[timmy850]

Cooper S rims do fit over drums without a spacer... My van has been running them for years.

But do you have the drums with the built in spacer or the flat drums?

[absx2]

Cooper S rims do fit over drums without a spacer... My van has been running them for years.

 

You have got that very wrong I`m afraid as the 4.5" s wheel absolutely will not fit on the rear of a mini with standard drums  http://www.minispare...|Back to search

 

Just for clarity I have the images to prove it and as you can clearly see the wheel won`t even turn.

That`s my daily mk3 with loads of oil and grease be no rust :)

 

 

Edited by absx2, 30 August 2021 - 10:08 AM.

[absx2]

This is one for the people who don`t like arches. The reverse rims on drums will look the same as image 1

Cooper S wheels and discs

 

 

Cooper s discs with reverse rims

Edited by absx2, 30 August 2021 - 10:13 AM.

[Ol timer]

Seems that unless I get the old Dunlop reverse rims I won't have much choice but to use spacers then..

[timmy850]

No you don’t need “spacers” , you get Cooper S style drums with a built in spacer + the longer wheel studs

http://www.minispare...|Back to search

Edited by timmy850, 30 August 2021 - 11:43 AM.