Re:Hub Conversion

[Brian Key]

Hi guys,

          Does anyboby know of a conversion kit that will allow me to put 19″ ,48 spoke wires on my Fiber Fab Migi.  I am going for the TB look of thel ate 1930s.  I’ve seen a few conversion kits but nothing specific to the VW based MiGi.  I know that some of the guys with VW based Bugatti Replicas have bee running A model wheels but the spokes are to course for what i want.  Any suggestions?

[Paul Mossberg]

File the wood spokes down and drive very, very carefully!

I know of nothing “out of the box”.

Maybe if you find wheels, you can have the drums redrilled and tapped for the new bolt pattern?

If you are looking for spin on hubs and wheels, then I’m really at a loss.

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[Paul Mossberg]

Would these work?

Ebay item 370210490637

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[Mark Hendrickson]

Tires that narrow on these little cars make them a handfull to drive. (Ask the Vintage Racers).

The large diameter spoked wheel doesn’t stay true for long either…the ambient temperature even affects them. (Also straight from Vintage Racers and they drive on pool table smooth tracks).

Something to consider before you attempt a swap. Good luck if you decide attempt it.

 

[James Cochran]

I had not thought about the tuning of real wires. Good point. I had thought of going real wires, but I need to rethink that. My baskets are looking better to me now. I had heard that the narrow tires will drive you crazy.

[Rich Bellefeuille]

James,

I think Mark is specifically talking about large dia. wire wheels being a problem, and he’s absolutely right. The smaller the diameter (like 14″)  and the wider the tire, the less likely you are to have tuning and out of round problems. However, major pot holes and running into curb stones can certainly be a much bigger problem for these vs the full steel rims.

…but they really do look cool

Rich

[Mark Hendrickson]

I built a Ford based CMC kit that had an old set (circa 1970’s) of CRAGAR Tru-spokes with the 4 lug Ford bolt pattern. These first generation CRAGAR Tru-spoke wheels required tubes. That car is proabably still sitting in Scaramento, CA almost in the same condition I sold it (rolling chassis w/body sitting on frame). Not sure what the buyer did with it after he had some medical problems soon after buying it.

I also had a later set of them on a 1970 Corvette Roadster (resto-mod) that I built in the mid 80’s. They did not require tubes.

Both sets of these wheels were 15″ diameter and were no problem staying true in the pot hole filled NJ Shore.

I am not sure if CRAGAR still makes them or not, but I know they did not make a VW bolt pattern. However, you can buy 1968 and up VW brake drums and rotors that are blank or have a Ford (5×4.5″) or Chevy (5×4.75″) bolt pattern from a few different air cooled VW aftermarket vendors.

[James Cochran]

Those are beautiful wheels

http://www.truespoke.net/index.html

http://www.truespoke.net/Truespokesizes.html

I did not see 4-bolt, only 5-bolt on their site

JasCochran40045.5604861111

[Brian Key]

Thanks for all the replies guys.  Not sure just yet what I’m gonna do.  Money is an issue so I can only do a little at a time.  I’m planning to paint the car this weekend.  There are also a few mechanical issues I’m gonna take care of.  Nothing major though.  almost took her to the local cruise in Sat. night but it rained.  All in all, I’m really happy with the little car.  Gets a lot of attention.  I’ll post pics as soon as i get the time.

[Paul Mossberg]

These guys have a 5.5″ by 15″ 4-bolt 72 spoke wire wheel.

Part #XW725. I cannot find the bolt pattern measurement. Rim inset is 26 mm.

http://www.carpoint.de/germansite/speichenrad/modernwire.php

I emailed them to ask about knock-off hubs/adaptors for original VW Type 1.

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[Bill Gayler]

Here’s a couple of wire wheel suppliers

http://www.daytonwirewheel.com

http://www.zenithwirewheels.net

Both offer tru knock-off wheels. A splined hub that bolts to your bolt pattern and the wheel slips over the spline and a knock 0ff holds them on. Call your banker first, cause they ain’t cheap. They are however, drop-dead gorgeous.

[Author]

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