Kiwi64 Posted June 13, 2018 Report Share Posted June 13, 2018 (edited) HiI managed to acquire some cheap 60 spoke wire wheels (15 x 4.5/5?) which came off a TR4 as part of a bulk garage clear out. Although they would fit the TR6, would there be any issues with handling, fitment, weight (strength of wires) etc as I know the TR6 option was for 72 spoke wheels and 5.5 width. Has anyone done this to their TR6?My current wheels are steel rims at 15 x 5.5J with 205 profile tyres (I would need new tyres as well........). I prefer not to cut my wheels studs down in case I revert back to steels again so was thinking of using spacers if I go down this route? Any advice appreciated!ThanksJames PS Does anyone know if there were any PI TR6s exported to the USA (as a special order) or were they all carbies? Edited June 13, 2018 by Kiwi64 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Austin Branson Posted June 13, 2018 Report Share Posted June 13, 2018 hello James, as you say, they will fit. My understanding is that the 60 spoke rims were simply nit as strong as the 72's, so there might be some issues if you drive 'enthusiastically'. Ferrari's used 82 spoke rims. If my memory serves me correctly, the longer studs were to be used on wire wheels, not the steel versions. I believe there are a very small number of Pi cars in the states, but the CC head ports were specifically built so that the CP Pi could not be fitted retrospectively. Tyres will probably need to be 165's max. Good luck, let us know how you get on. Austin Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kiwi64 Posted June 13, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2018 Thanks for the info Austin, the wheels need to be refurbished ( a couple of broken wires) so just weighing up the pros and cons. The TR6 is a lot heavier than the TR4 so I may decide to upgrade to 72 spokes.......... James Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rem18 Posted June 13, 2018 Report Share Posted June 13, 2018 I drive my 5 hard on mountain roads with 60's as it came with when bought. They probably look more period than 72's leeast on a 5. You need to tap them regularly and do some work once a year or so on some, but I actually find fixing wires is quite a satisfying job. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Waldi Posted June 13, 2018 Report Share Posted June 13, 2018 I had a Healy mk2 (3 litre, triple carb) which had 60 spoke wheels. Same power/torque/weight range, no issues. There are poor quality repros, be carefull with those. Mine came from MWS-UK, all good. Waldi Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drewmotty Posted June 13, 2018 Report Share Posted June 13, 2018 I wouldnt use 60 spokes on a TR6; I use 72 spokes on my TR4. Having said that they should be fine for a less enthusiastic driver as long as they are checked regularly as 60 spokes were standard on a TR5. If you do fit wires the adapters require special thin double taper wheel nuts and shorter studs. The best option would be to retain the original studs and use 1/4 spacers behind the adaptors so that you can revert to standard wheels if you wish. Its best to Loctite the adaptor nuts. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ragtag Posted June 14, 2018 Report Share Posted June 14, 2018 I suspect the impact might be more visual rather than anything else as the 6 has more pronounced wheel arch flares than the 4/5. Narrow wheels might look a bit lost. But these things are personal, I've no doubt 60 spoke wheels are strong enough. I have one as my spare so I hope so! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Moltu Posted June 14, 2018 Report Share Posted June 14, 2018 Aren't wire wheels for bicycles? Why retro-fit pre war technology on a 70's car? And they are a nightmare to clean (I've got them on my 4A but will be swapped to minilites when funds allow). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rem18 Posted June 14, 2018 Report Share Posted June 14, 2018 Yes they are a bugger to clean and my 10 year old is starting to have difficulty getting his wee hands in there to do all my cleaning Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TriumphV8 Posted June 14, 2018 Report Share Posted June 14, 2018 (edited) Mostly they are not worth the effort although I do not see problems in strength, too. Modern wire wheels can be used without tubes, difficult to find tyres that are for tube type use. Mostly that is forbidden. I would aim for 6", what in these days is pretty small, I am on 7" Maxilite. As written above, tyres are 205, that looks nice although 195 will do the job, too. But both feel better on 6" or 7", 205 on 5" is not good and not allowed. So all in all with all the expensive parts like spokes and nipples it will be the same price to buy the new set and have the silicone bed for tubeless as add on. Edited June 15, 2018 by TriumphV8 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Fremont Posted June 14, 2018 Report Share Posted June 14, 2018 the 6 has more pronounced wheel arch flares than the 4/5. I think they are identical. Cheers, Tom Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ragtag Posted June 14, 2018 Report Share Posted June 14, 2018 I think they are identical. Cheers, Tom Looking at photos, you may well be correct. Just goes to show! I've always thought 6 wheel arch lips were wider, particularly the front but it turns out I need new glasses. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fireman049 Posted June 14, 2018 Report Share Posted June 14, 2018 Stuff wire wheels ~ Tom. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kiwi64 Posted June 15, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2018 Thanks for all the good advice! I expect I will probably move them on and keep the standard wheels for the time being! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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