In a message dated 5/31/2007 7:02:36 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
Jeff.A.Williamson@jci.com writes:
I haven't posted here in a long time, but I still read through the list
digest every day. And I've come to a decision point concerning the wheels
on my '58 TR3A. I'm hoping some of you can provide me with some guidance
here. The wheels on the car are 15"x 4.5" 60-spoke painted. They are way
out of "true", possibly even bent or out-of-round, and the car shakes and
handles terribly. The spokes need adjusting (according to the "pencil
test"), but I'm having trouble getting them to turn without rounding off
the squared ends. I even tried using a vice-grip and some of the spokes
just won't budge. So now I don't know what to do.
I don't drive the car much anymore, usually just a few times a year when
the weather is nice, but would drive it much more if I could. And the roads
here in SE Michigan are crap. Some of the local roads have potholes large
enough to hide the TR3 inside, and most of the highways aren't in much
better shape. So I'm looking for wheels that will stand the bad road
beatings, will feel stable on the highway, but will handle curves in a
manner just shy of autocrossing.
So here are my questions:
1) Are there shops that can adjust the spokes properly, like maybe a
motorcycle shop ? Is this a viable solution?
2) Should I give up on these wheels and buy a new set, maybe chrome this
time? ;-)
3) Should I forget about spokes and get a set of the Panasport knock-off
wheels and wider tires?
4) Other options?
Your comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Jeff W.
Belleville, MI
Your messages not reaching the list?
Hi Jeff,
I have had a lot of work done on my Jaguar and also my (former) Stag, so I
will tell you what little I have learned!
1. The man who trues my wheels cuts out spokes which he can't turn. They
rust between the nipples and the spoke, especially if you have used wheel
cleaner. In some cases, he has to cut them all out. At this point, unless he
really
is low on work, it is cheaper to buy a new wheel. He offered me a real deal
once when he first started to replace all my spokes on all my wheels for
$90/wheel. But he had absolutely no other work and was starring at the wall
when
I came into his shop. I had my 63 wheels trued and only bad spokes replaced.
2. A new set of wheels are surely a good option. I did this on my 64. I
wouldn't hesitate to buy painted versus chrome wheels as the painted wheels
were
more OEM. They are also a lot less work I think!
3. You might advertise for a set of used disc wheels. there are an awful lot
of TRs which have been converted to disc wheels. My TR has disc wheels
ex-factory. I had them straightened years ago and powder coated. I am pleased
with the low maintenance aspects and toughness. I don't race the car so I
don't
need the additional brake cooling spokes provide.
Good Luck!
Mike Moore
59 TR3A
63 E Type OTS
64 E Type OTS
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