16 replies to this topic

[Ichbineinmini]

Have been very kindly given a free set of Exacton wheels, on delivery of wheels the mechanic says:

 

Wheels received, the stud holes have been mangled a bit from fitting the incorrect wheel nuts.

 

There is at least one mangled hole on each wheel.

 

The wheel nuts will tighten, whether they stay tight is a different matter & for how long.

 

He is saying not to use them, does the panel agree?! 

 

 

 

 

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[cal844]

That needs new inserts and holes dressed, personally I'd put that money to a new to you set of wheels

[nicklouse]

As the Mini does not use hub-centric fitting you are either spending a few hundred pounds getting those repaired or buying new wheels.

[lippo]

 I wouldn't use them in that condition. Too risky.

[Spider]

Just to add another voice here, I wouldn't be fitting them.

You can have them repaired.

[colinf1]

I'd press out the inserts and see what condition the holes are in - see if all the damage is on the insert rather than the wheel casting. At least that way you can properly measure the insert to get replacements.

[68+86auto]

They need to be repaired.

[Steam]

Do you have so little faith in your mechanic's opinion that you have to ask?

[bpirie1000]

Replace wheel inserts and things will be good.. but certainly not a home dinner, unless you have a laith or a mill to make the studd size correct and holes central...

[nicklouse]

The Exactions never had inserts.

[DeadSquare]

If it was an irreplaceable wheel from a historic vehicle, it might be worth paying for the time to set it up under a milling machine, but to do four, or five, just isn't worth it, but if you keep asking, you might find someone who knows somebody who has a machine already set up for 4"

 

I have a friend with set of the very early Cosmic wheels, a couple of which are damaged, so he only fits them at concours d'elegace

 

There are probably 4 sets of wheels (and 2 engines) for all the Minis that are left, so if you have your heart set on Exacton, go on ebay and keep looking.

[Ethel]

I wonder if you could rig something up with a hub (for a trailer?) as a guide for a counter bore, or even a hole saw (then ream) as it's only ally. At least 2 good holes & it shouldn't be too hard, but if you can rotate the wheel you could check & adjust the run out.

Try and find a suitable insert first, an actual wheel insert could be tricky, if you have an oversize hole, but something like this or this (with the threads removed) might do.

Minispares suggests you need a hole for a 15mm shank

[Ichbineinmini]

Do you have so little faith in your mechanic's opinion that you have to ask?

 

He and I are new working together, the person who gave me the wheels is mechanically minded. I am surprised that the wheels were in this condition and knowing not enough about oval stud holes I wanted to ask the forum. 

 

For me it has nothing to do with trust, I like the mechanic, he and I have not worked on a car together. He is also very busy and I don't want to disturb his already precious time with more questions. 

 

I am not an idiot and if something is not as it was designed to be then it should not be fitted, sometimes there are exceptions, one of the reasons to post. I'm sure I will ask more questions of this nature going forward, perhaps they help others. 

 

I'm very grateful to the great resource of The Mini Forum, thank you all for your replies. New wheels will be ordered next week in either 5x10 or 6x10 format unless I find a decent used set. Job is time sensitive so it's likely new to avoid more delays.  

[DeadSquare]

 

Do you have so little faith in your mechanic's opinion that you have to ask?

 

He and I are new working together, the person who gave me the wheels is mechanically minded. I am surprised that the wheels were in this condition and knowing not enough about oval stud holes I wanted to ask the forum. 

 

For me it has nothing to do with trust, I like the mechanic, he and I have not worked on a car together. He is also very busy and I don't want to disturb his already precious time with more questions. 

 

I am not an idiot and if something is not as it was designed to be then it should not be fitted, sometimes there are exceptions, one of the reasons to post. I'm sure I will ask more questions of this nature going forward, perhaps they help others. 

 

I'm very grateful to the great resource of The Mini Forum, thank you all for your replies. New wheels will be ordered next week in either 5x10 or 6x10 format unless I find a decent used set. Job is time sensitive so it's likely new to avoid more delays.  

 

Spoken, like a Gentleman.  Thank you.

[Ichbineinmini]

I think me doing home made inserts is not going to end well. I'll either return the wheels if he wants them or give them away as a going concern. Unless someone is desperate to machine them for a modest sum. 

 

As mentioned Exactons are often for sale on the usually used sites, if I do go that way should be easy to come by a set.