Hi, Edward -
I would have to disagree with anyone who claims that the number of spokes has
anything to do with "shaking". If your car is shaking, it's because the wheels
and/or tires are out of round and balance. Even if you purchase new 72 spoke
wheels, they are likely to need to be trued and adjusted or you will have the
same vibration problem.
I suggest that if your wheels are in reasonably good shape (not severely
rusted, no broken or missing spokes), you should have Allen Hendrix at Hendrix
Wire Wheel do his magic on them (http://www.hendrixwirewheel.com). You will be
amazed at the difference. If you need new wheels, Hendrix can supply them.
I have had 60-spoke Dayton chrome wire wheels from BWW on my BJ8 since 1990 and
70,000 miles. I have never had a broken spoke, and no vibration problems since
Hendrix did his thing on them. I have him check and true the wheel each time I
replace a tire, as well as shaving the tire to round.
BWW was about the only game in town when I bought my wheels, but now that
Hendrix is available his outstanding customer service is what has kept me
coming back to him. He once sent me a brand new chrome wheel with a new tire
mounted and balanced at no charge up front, since I needed it in a hurry and
there was no time to send him my wheel. When I took it back to him, he just
put the tire on my wheel and didn't charge anything for the use of his new
wheel for a thousand miles. Quite a contrast with some suppliers, huh?
Steve Byers
HBJ8L/36666
BJ8 Registry
Havelock, NC USA
---- edwjkeuer@comcast.net wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I've asked this of a few of you already, but wonder what you collectively
>think about replacing 60 spoke wheels with 72's. I noted modest vibration and
>shake when driving my (new old) car home this past Sunday at 65-70 mph.
>
> A restorer (the same "well-known" one) has been very kind in giving me
>advice, as he's worked on the car 10 years ago and remembers it well. He feels
>that the 60's are not adequate for the loads generated by the engine and
>suspension, regardless of their balance, and strongly suggests going with 72's
>(agree that BWW is the best source?). He feels that corrects 90% of these
>"shake" issues with Healeys and that mods to the frame, body panels are rarely
>necessary.
>
> If all this is true, should I replace the hubs also? BWW told me that worn
>hubs will ruin new wheels. You have to remove the wheels to check this, right?
>Or would you just suggest replacing the hubs? Any other issues with this that
>I should be aware of?
>
> Thanks to you all,
> You've been just great, and I so appreciate your experience and willingness
>to share it -
>
> Edw. J. Keuer
> Wheaton, IL
> _______________________________________________
> sbyers@ec.rr.com
>
> Healeys@autox.team.net
> http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/healeys
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