TR4 steel wheels

[Robert D]

Hi all. I picked up a set of extra wheels (see picture, the text says PATT N0 456866). I intend to have them restored and fitted on my TR4 (they are nicer than my existing set of steel wheels). A few questions - answers would be really helpful before I start:

- how can I confirm that these are the correct size (i.e. 4x15 or 4.5x15), i.e. where do I measure the width (outer dimensions?). I can of course also compare the size to my current wheels.

- does anyone know the original paint code - was this silver laquer?

- any other tips of pitfalls to be aware of? 

Many thanks.

Edited December 19, 2020 by Robert D

[Drewmotty]

Measure across the inside of the rims where the bead seats. It may be worth checking that they all run true before getting tyres fitted.

[Charlie D]

Hi Robert,

Check that the offsets from the outside (or inside) edge to the bit where the nuts go is the same on all of them. Lay the wheel flat on the floor, drop a piece of wood or metal bar across the wheel and measure down to the centre part.

I believe that there were at least 2 different offsets used throughout the life of the wheels. (I believe they varied by ½ inches.)

It’s most unlikely, but I once bought a set of 4 wheels and discovered that one was a different offset.

(Caused me a load of problems because I centralized my body tub at the back by measuring from the outer rim to a part of the body. Took me a while to discover why the body was crooked on the chassis!)

Charlie.

[BlueTR3A-5EKT]

Help here. 
https://haynes.com/en-gb/tips-tutorials/beginners-guide-wheel-sizes

 

Be sure to check the rims are not bent or badly dented before you get them refinished.

Peter W

Edited December 19, 2020 by BlueTR3A-5EKT

[Jase]

Have a set on mine, l think they suit the 4A.

 

[RAHTR4]

Hi Robert,

The identification of the wheels should be fairly straight forward as during production each wheel was hard stamped at regular intervals around the centre-line of the flat section in the well.

Also if the rim and centre hub are riveted together then it is odds on to be a 4 J x 15 L steel wheel.

As for colour I have no idea what shade of Silver was used, however bear in mind that in early March 1963 Triumph changed the colour of the steel wheels to Spar White.

I have attached a photo of a steel wheel to show where the stamp marks occur – this is a TR5 steel wheel and reads 4.1/2 J x 15 H.

Regards, Richard

[rcreweread]

On the same theme, here are some photos of the stamped IDs on some 48 spoke wheels

cheers Rich

[Robert D]

Thanks for all advice - plenty to get me going!

[pfenlon]

Also don't forget that some early ones were riveted together and then Welded in later years.

 

Riveted ones are more prone to corrosion, just mentioning sort of.

[TR4TUNE]

Remember to mask the wheel nut contact areas. There are refs to nuts coming loose after powder coating which is quite thick. During lockdown I refurbed a set of Escort steel wheels with aerosol paint then did a targa type rally with them fitted.After the rally I checked all of the nuts,all still present but no longer what I would call tight.Took each wheel off and carefully filed the paint off the contact areas so the the steel nuts made contact with metal rather than paint.....sorted.I wrongly assumed that paint would not cause the problem reported with powder coating.

[RAHTR4]

Hi Robert,

You have a P.M.

Regards, Richard