9 replies to this topic

[Gaz66]

Do original 10" magnesium minilites ever come up for sale and if so what are they going for?
I dont recall ever seeing any...ever!

[croc7]

A friend had an original set that he had re-furbished at the cost of $400.  And that was 10 years ago!

[mab01uk]

They do come up for sale but price is very dependent on condition and whether they are for actual use or just for display purposes on an original spec show or 'museum' car.

The problem with original magnesium Minilites is that although very light in weight they can degrade/corrode badly over time and are then difficult to restore and ensure they are still safe to use unless you have them crack tested. Many are used just for display on show cars as a result.

 

Mk1 forum thread on restoration below of a set of genuine Minilite magnesium wheels but you may have to register to view the thread and photos:-

Magnesium Minilite resto

http://mk1-forum.net...php?f=3&t=32067

Edited by mab01uk, 22 February 2022 - 08:27 AM.

[Gaz66]

Does anyone make new magnesium wheels these days?

[beardylondon]

http://minilite.co.u...s.htm#magnesium

[Gaz66]

Made in special batches....I wonder what constitutes a batch.
Do any other companies make magnesium wheels? I'm sure I read somewhere once that revolution made them but could have imagined it.

[beardylondon]

Best to contact them. I have no idea about other companies, but they are the go to, if you want authentic, correct Minilite look, not repro, they are the people to ask.

[mab01uk]

Interestingly the early gearbox castings for 1959 Minis were made of magnesium alloy and are now rare and sought after by those restoring early Minis.

https://1959miniregi...ions-gearboxes/

 

In the first 12 months of 1959 there were 4 different gearboxes used, 2A3707, 2A3708, 22A77 and 22A104.

https://1959miniregi...arbox_research/

 

 

Edited by mab01uk, 22 February 2022 - 04:38 PM.

[yeti21586]

Not sure what thats go to do with Magnesium wheels?

 

Interestingly the early gearbox castings for 1959 Minis were made of magnesium alloy and are now rare and sought after by those restoring early Minis.

https://1959miniregi...ions-gearboxes/

 

In the first 12 months of 1959 there were 4 different gearboxes used, 2A3707, 2A3708, 22A77 and 22A104.

https://1959miniregi...arbox_research/

[mab01uk]

 

Not sure what thats go to do with Magnesium wheels?

 

Interestingly the early gearbox castings for 1959 Minis were made of magnesium alloy and are now rare and sought after by those restoring early Minis.

https://1959miniregi...ions-gearboxes/

 

In the first 12 months of 1959 there were 4 different gearboxes used, 2A3707, 2A3708, 22A77 and 22A104.

https://1959miniregi...arbox_research/

 

 

The common factor is magnesium alloy was used in both Minilite wheels and very early Mini gearboxes....not many Mini enthusiasts are aware of the early Mini gearbox connection......you might already know or not be interested in that fact but others on TMF might be.

 

My earlier post #3 has some info to do with Magnesium wheels only, that may also be of interest.....or not as the case may be.

Edited by mab01uk, 23 February 2022 - 07:29 PM.