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PostPosted: Thu May 05, 2022 1:05 am 
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Location: Highley, Shropshire
When building the Dolomega, I came upon a cheap set of new fake Minilites. They were being sold as for TR7 so I bought them knowing that stock TR7 wheels will clear the Dolomites rear arches.

It's all about ET (or offset as its sometimes known) Now the Sprint's standard ET is a very high 35 for a car of that vintage and along with the 4x95.25 PCD, limits wheel choice considerably.

I was pleased to find some bigger wheels (14") that would clear my bigger brakes , fit the rear arches, look good and not cost a fortune. So when I finally got it down on the ground after all my hard work and found the tyres graunched on the rear arches at every bump (there are plenty around where I live) I was a bit cross about it. Under the cosh for time, due to RBRR prep, I chopped quite a large lump of the inner arch away on each side, as much as I dared and now only the biggest bumps make it graunch and then only when the tank and boot are full, a bit worse with rear seat passengers added.

But it's not a good or permanent solution, so I went shopping and this is what I found :-

The fake minilites made by John Brown Wheels and sold almost everywhere, are not AVAILABLE (when you actually SPECIFY) with an ET higher than 22 which means that the wheels I bought as "TR7", whilst you might be able to make them FIT a TR7, are not TR7 SPEC cos the TR7 ET, AFAIK is 27 (could be higher) and those 5mm make all the difference on a Dolomite!

Moreover, I have not, so far, been able to find ANY aftermarket wheels available to buy at ANY price in 5.5 or 6 x 14" or 15" diameter and using the 95.25 PCD with an ET above 25. Bizzarrely, the best I could find is the MGF 6x15 in several different styles which I have recently discovered have an ET of 28, 6 whole mm better than my fake Minilites! I've been using these on the Carledo for 11 years! I don't really wany to use 15s on this car as they necessitate 50 profile tyres which are not as compliant.

It's not impossible to find high ET wheels, you can get them up to 45 or more (though you may not find some of the styles appealing) but crucially you can't seem to get a high ET paired with the 4x95.25 PCD.

I really don't want change my hubs to 4x100 (GM/VW) or 4x108 (Ford) just to get a set of wheels I like, Any suggestions welcomed!

Steve

_________________
'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!

Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.


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PostPosted: Thu May 05, 2022 7:47 am 
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It is, as you say, all about the offset.

Most aftermarket wheels of various sizes are listed as TR7 as presumably that's the dominant market for 95.25mm? As you say, very few are actually suitable and regardless of their size the cars can look comically under-wheeled.

The only 14s and 15s (I have the latter) made in the sort of offsets that suit are KN Minators. Visually similar (though much better made) to most generic Minilite replicas, these were marketed to Caterham owners and the kit car scene.

My 15s have 185/45s and feel compliant enough to me, though obviously this is subjective.

I'm not a fan of anything MGF-related as the wheels (made by Smiths, I think) are chronically heavy compared to others.

Stud conversions are okay if by means of a new hub, not massively keen on adapters. And it's cheating! ;)

Good luck in your search. I've sold about 25 sets of 95.25 collection in the last year or so, with about 10 remaining. Brakes (and lack of power!) aren't so much of a consideration, so I've tended to towards period 13s in the 'to keep' pile.


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PostPosted: Thu May 05, 2022 8:09 am 
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Can you skim a few mm off the inside of the wheel like I did yo increase the offset. Been running mine now for quite sometime and miles with no issues.

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Modified Dolomite Sprint MSO 662P VA485 1973 Mimosa Sprint
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PostPosted: Thu May 05, 2022 12:35 pm 
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Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:12 pm
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Location: Highley, Shropshire
Quote:
Can you skim a few mm off the inside of the wheel like I did yo increase the offset. Been running mine now for quite sometime and miles with no issues.
I asked JBW about that and they don't recommend it, which doesn't mean I won't do it if pressed. But pulling 5mm out (which i'd regard as a max) will only take them to 27, 1mm less than the MGF 15s.

I've also been looking at tyres and I can easily get 185/60/15s in a range of makes and speed ratings for sensible money. Toyo Proxes CF2s are £52 a corner and Falken Sinceras are £58 a corner. There are no name specials for under £40 a pop but i'm not THAT hard up! The tyres on the Dolomega currently are 185/60/14s, so i'd basically be lifting the car a 1/2", but no other change to aspect ratio or compliance from what I now have. I already have an electronic speedo, so calibration is only a matter of a single measurement (rolling radius in inches) a couple of quick sums and punch the result into the speedo.

The Carledo ran on 195/50/15s and I had to relieve the arches a little bit to get them in, but a narrower, higher aspect tyre might negate that a bit.

I've also found a set of F alloys on ebay in a style I quite like (6 blocky, parallel spokes) WITH tyres for £120. The tyres have decent tread but are the usual MGF combo of 2 x 185/55 and 2 x 205/50. But I could TRY the 185/55s on the back and see how it goes, before I spend money on tyres, something I never thought to do on the Carledo in years gone by. Might also be possible to shave a couple of mm off these too.

I'm not terribly worried about the weight of the F rims, it didn't seem to noticeably upset the Carledo, but then again I expected harsh and noisy from that track focused car, so wasn't surprised when I got it! But it didn't have bump steer or any of the other nasty side effects of too high an unsprung weight.

I can also sell on the JBW fake minilites to someone with a TR7/GT6/Spitfire/Vitesse/Moggy Minor etc which WILL work with the 22 ET. they've only done 1300 miles from brand new, tyres as well!

Steve

_________________
'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!

Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.


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PostPosted: Thu May 05, 2022 8:04 pm 
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Location: Harrow Middlesex
I have a set off MGF 15 inch wheels for sale

Dave


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 Post subject: Hmmm..
PostPosted: Fri May 06, 2022 12:10 am 
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Location: Caithness, Scotland
Quote:
Moreover, I have not, so far, been able to find ANY aftermarket wheels available to buy at ANY price in 5.5 or 6 x 14" or 15" diameter and using the 95.25 PCD with an ET above 25
Compomotive ML1460?

These might be costly but you have to pay for quality?
Along with a MotaLita steering wheel they are what I aspire to…..



I have a new set of John Brown 14” wheels which are marked ET25.
Think these are 5.5J rather than 6J?
I did do the internet wheel comparison thingy and these should fit by my reckoning
but if they don’t, I do have Montego 14” wheels which definitely fit!!



Ian

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PostPosted: Fri May 06, 2022 1:06 am 
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Location: Midhurst, West Sussex.
Steve,

Have you tried Revolution Wheels? They do a Minilight style and I understand that they are very helpful with special orders.

Glen.


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PostPosted: Fri May 06, 2022 8:26 pm 
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Steve, have you forgotten about the MG 2000 Maestro (NON-turbo), cross-lattice style 5½ x 15 inch alloy wheels (Part No. NAM 9101) with 3¾ inch PCD & 31 mm offset (I have personally confirmed this by measurement & calculation), having a load-rating of at least 400 kg each!?! :shock:

If you are dead set on having 5½ x 14 inch or 6 x 14 inch alloy wheels, then consider the following 5½ x 14 inch wheels (part No. NAM 3300 | wheel-offset = 30 mm I suspect, judging from one of the pictures, but it would be wise to confirm this!?!) originating from an MG 1600 Maestro, priced at a starting bid of £50 including 195/60 R14 tyres:

5 alloy wheels and tyres from MG Maestro 195/60 R 14

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334427761932 ... Sw6U9iZ8Lc

Board index » The Triumph Dolomite Club » Dolomite-related [Start here!] » MG-Rover-Austin Maestro or Montego alloy wheels for Triumph Toledo & Dolomite

https://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/vie ... =4&t=34572

https://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/vie ... 72#p319957

MG Maestro or Montego 15 inch cross-lattice style wheels

Image

_________________
Regards.

Nigel A. Skeet

Independent tutor of mathematics, physics, technology & engineering, for secondary, tertiary, further & higher education.

https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=308177758

Upgraded 1974 Triumph Toledo 1300 (Toledo / Dolomite HL / Sprint hybrid)

Onetime member + magazine editor & technical editor of Volkswagen Type 2 Owners' Club


Last edited by naskeet on Fri May 06, 2022 8:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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PostPosted: Fri May 06, 2022 8:35 pm 
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TDC Shropshire Area Organiser

Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:12 pm
Posts: 7015
Location: Highley, Shropshire
Quote:
Steve, have you forgotten about the MG 2000 Maestro (NON-turbo), cross-lattice style 5½ x 15 inch alloy wheels (Part No. NAM 9101) with 3¾ inch PCD & 31 mm offset (I have personally confirmed this by measurement & calculation), having a load-rating of at least 400 kg each!?! :shock:

Board index » The Triumph Dolomite Club » Dolomite-related [Start here!] » MG-Rover-Austin Maestro or Montego alloy wheels for Triumph Toledo & Dolomite

https://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/vie ... =4&t=34572

https://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/vie ... 72#p319957

MG Maestro or Montego 15 inch cross-lattice style wheels

Image
Noi forgotten them Nigel, just can't stand the look of them! They are uncomfortably similar to the BBS style wheels used on BMWs

Steve

_________________
'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!

Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.


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PostPosted: Fri May 06, 2022 8:36 pm 
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TDC Shropshire Area Organiser

Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:12 pm
Posts: 7015
Location: Highley, Shropshire
Quote:
Steve, have you forgotten about the MG 2000 Maestro (NON-turbo), cross-lattice style 5½ x 15 inch alloy wheels (Part No. NAM 9101) with 3¾ inch PCD & 31 mm offset (I have personally confirmed this by measurement & calculation), having a load-rating of at least 400 kg each!?! :shock:

Board index » The Triumph Dolomite Club » Dolomite-related [Start here!] » MG-Rover-Austin Maestro or Montego alloy wheels for Triumph Toledo & Dolomite

https://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/vie ... =4&t=34572

https://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/vie ... 72#p319957

MG Maestro or Montego 15 inch cross-lattice style wheels

Image
Noi forgotten them Nigel, just can't stand the look of them! They are uncomfortably similar to the BBS style wheels used on BMWs

Steve

_________________
'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!

Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.


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PostPosted: Fri May 06, 2022 8:52 pm 
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Future Club member hopefully!
Future Club member hopefully!

Joined: Tue May 06, 2014 4:38 pm
Posts: 535
Location: South Benfleet, Essex
Quote:
Quote:
Steve, have you forgotten about the MG 2000 Maestro (NON-turbo), cross-lattice style 5½ x 15 inch alloy wheels (Part No. NAM 9101) with 3¾ inch PCD & 31 mm offset (I have personally confirmed this by measurement & calculation), having a load-rating of at least 400 kg each!?! :shock:

Board index » The Triumph Dolomite Club » Dolomite-related [Start here!] » MG-Rover-Austin Maestro or Montego alloy wheels for Triumph Toledo & Dolomite

https://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/vie ... =4&t=34572

https://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/vie ... 72#p319957

MG Maestro or Montego 15 inch cross-lattice style wheels

Image

No I forgotten them Nigel, just can't stand the look of them! They are uncomfortably similar to the BBS style wheels used on BMWs

Steve

What's that saying Steve about "seeking refuge in any port in a storm"? If you don't like the cross-lattice style wheels and are dead set on having 5½ x 14 inch or 6 x 14 inch alloy wheels, then consider the following 5½ x 14 inch wheels (part No. NAM 3300 | wheel-offset = 30 mm I suspect, judging from one of the pictures, but it would be wise to confirm this!?!) originating from an MG 1600 Maestro, priced at a starting bid of £50 including 195/60 R14 tyres:

5 alloy wheels and tyres from MG Maestro 195/60 R 14

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334427761932 ... Sw6U9iZ8Lc

Personally, I prefer the 15 inch cross-lattice style wheels to these, which I could have got from my local car breaker's yard during the 1990s.

_________________
Regards.

Nigel A. Skeet

Independent tutor of mathematics, physics, technology & engineering, for secondary, tertiary, further & higher education.

https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=308177758

Upgraded 1974 Triumph Toledo 1300 (Toledo / Dolomite HL / Sprint hybrid)

Onetime member + magazine editor & technical editor of Volkswagen Type 2 Owners' Club


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PostPosted: Tue May 10, 2022 12:04 pm 
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Posts: 242
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
I remember a while back there were a couple of sprints running around with either 14" or 15" revolution 5 spokes.

This is one of them from 2003....
https://www.sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php ... ney-wheels

RFX revolutions I think - looks well with them on.

And there was another in the club Tahiti or Pageant blue with "normal" revolution 5 spokes that looked great. Unfortunately can't find a pic of that.

https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-RR1524-- ... gLOoPD_BwE (like these!)

I have 3 sets of wheels and tyres, std sprint, minilite sport 6x13 and revolution 4 spoke 6x13 these two with 185/60's. The car is lowered on AVO's with trackerjacks, but never carry any one in the back or anything in the boot, and hence have never had issues with rubbing on the rear arches with the non std wheels.

I'm not a fan of non-period wheels on any car, but its horses for courses etc......!!

_________________
1976 Taihiti Sprint
2020 Jaguar iPace ev400
2011 Landrover Defender pickup - twisted :D
2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T Manual!!
2021 Toyota Yaris GR-Four
2011 Super Skoda Fabia 1.2 S HTP

Gone but not forgotten 2008 BMW M5 (E61) Touring (George, as in Best, as it likes a Drink) to be replaced soon...... Epic epic car


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PostPosted: Tue May 10, 2022 2:36 pm 
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Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:12 pm
Posts: 7015
Location: Highley, Shropshire
Quote:

I'm not a fan of non-period wheels on any car, but its horses for courses etc......!!
The original plan for the Dolomega was to retain the original Sprint wheels to enhance the "sleeper look"

This went out the window fairly quickly as it only came with 3 Sprint rims, all in awful condition. Then I came upon 4 5.5x13 fake minilites for next to no money and in a usable state with tyres fitted. the tyres were 185/60s and it looked, as they do at stock ride height with this tyre choice, comically under tyred. At this time it also occurred to me that, having evolved away from Sprint wheels, I could go bigger and get some even bigger vented discs on, something I considered desirable on this automatlc car.

Soon after this I came across the 14" JBW wheels and the rest is history. But the bigger (256mm) brakes mean I can never go back to 13" Sprint rims. I've made a rod for my own back!

I'd LIKE period Wolfrace or Revolution 4 spokes, but the former are just not out there in 14" and 95.25PCD and the latter are stupidly pricey as well as being hens teeth to find.

Since the car is so far from standard, i'm not OVERLY concerned about a more modern style of wheel, but there are limits imposed by taste as well as what's available, without much of a gap in the middle!

Steve

_________________
'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!

Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.


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PostPosted: Tue May 10, 2022 8:15 pm 
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Posts: 960
Location: Sutton,Surrey.
Quote:
Quote:

I'm not a fan of non-period wheels on any car, but its horses for courses etc......!!
The original plan for the Dolomega was to retain the original Sprint wheels to enhance the "sleeper look"

This went out the window fairly quickly as it only came with 3 Sprint rims, all in awful condition. Then I came upon 4 5.5x13 fake minilites for next to no money and in a usable state with tyres fitted. the tyres were 185/60s and it looked, as they do at stock ride height with this tyre choice, comically under tyred. At this time it also occurred to me that, having evolved away from Sprint wheels, I could go bigger and get some even bigger vented discs on, something I considered desirable on this automatlc car.

Soon after this I came across the 14" JBW wheels and the rest is history. But the bigger (256mm) brakes mean I can never go back to 13" Sprint rims. I've made a rod for my own back!

I'd LIKE period Wolfrace or Revolution 4 spokes, but the former are just not out there in 14" and 95.25PCD and the latter are stupidly pricey as well as being hens teeth to find.

Since the car is so far from standard, i'm not OVERLY concerned about a more modern style of wheel, but there are limits imposed by taste as well as what's available, without much of a gap in the middle!

Steve
I’m also not a fan of Modern wheels on a Classic.
Some work others just don’t.

That’s why the Stag wheels are staying on my Sprint.

_________________
2009 Mini Clubman Cooper S Daily Driver.
1980 Dolomite Sprint with a touch of BLTS
Balanced Lightened and Tweaked 13B Rotary and SuperCharged.
Back in my possession 22 September 2019.
Rebuilding the Sprint time taken so far, 111Hrs@15/12/2020
212Hrs @31/12/2021
352 @ 28/11/2022
455Hrs @ 20/10/2023
480Hrs @ 14/03/2024
This is time taken at the Sprint not necessary time worked.

Working on a ratio of just 7Hrs a day not including driving to the Sprint.
That equals to 68 days that doesn’t include weekends.
Member TDC no 0471

Project 13B Sprint now back on.


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PostPosted: Tue May 10, 2022 9:05 pm 
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Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2016 9:53 pm
Posts: 1699
Location: Harrow Middlesex
Quote:
I remember a while back there were a couple of sprints running around with either 14" or 15" revolution 5 spokes.

This is one of them from 2003....
https://www.sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php ... ney-wheels

RFX revolutions I think - looks well with them on.

And there was another in the club Tahiti or Pageant blue with "normal" revolution 5 spokes that looked great. Unfortunately can't find a pic of that.

https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-RR1524-- ... gLOoPD_BwE (like these!)

I have 3 sets of wheels and tyres, std sprint, minilite sport 6x13 and revolution 4 spoke 6x13 these two with 185/60's. The car is lowered on AVO's with trackerjacks, but never carry any one in the back or anything in the boot, and hence have never had issues with rubbing on the rear arches with the non std wheels.

I'm not a fan of non-period wheels on any car, but its horses for courses etc......!!
I have those 5 spoke revolution wheel on my Stag


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