Home Build

 NG Kit Car 

Site

Wire wheel - click for larger size

16. Wheels & Hubs

Wire Wheels

Wire wheels, in my opinion, beautifully complement the classic looks of the NG TF. After comparing some prices, I purchased a set of 5 from MGB Hive complete with tyres, fitted and balanced. The wheels are MGC size (15" x 5.5"), chrome with stainless steel spokes and shod with Firestone F-590 tyres (185/65 x 15). The eared spinners shown here are not SVA compliant so must be replaced before the test. It is a good idea to use spinner savers to protect eared spinners when tightening or loosening them.

Hubs

As my donor MGB was a steel wheel model, I needed to convert the suspension to take the centre lock wire wheels. This is done by replacing the front and rear hubs*.

The rear hub conversion is a simple nut and bolt replacement, except that studs are used to locate the brake drum so they must first be pressed into the hub.

The front hub conversion is a little more involved as it requires replacing the wheel bearings and adjusting them.

*Note: MGB rear axles are longer for steel wheel models than wire wheel models. However, it is desirable on the NG to simply fit wire wheel hubs onto a steel wheel axle giving a slightly wider track.

Spare Wheel

The spare wheel is mounted on the sloping back of the body tub.


« Previous   Next »