Scott, if you can find anything on paper about these "Paddy Hopkirk"
wheels, please run it through a copier and U.S. Mail me. I am also in
terested in finding some of the wheels themselves. The description of
the wheels sounds like they look the same as the so-called "two-piece"
mag-look steel wheel used at that time, later to be replaced by the
Rosestyle or "Mk II" wheel which looks just like the ones used on MGBs
of the era. If I can find documentation of the 5" wheels, I can use
wheels off a Vega or other GM 4" circle. I have a set of the
regular mag-look wheels now and they are 4-1/2". If I could get ahold
of a set of the 5" Paddy Hopkirk wheels, that would be neat, too since
they would be original for the car type. As far as tires go, the T/A
Comp R1s are not available in a size smaller than 185-60-13, even
though I am a Team T/A member. If BFG can't supplyu me with a tire, I
am forced to go Yoko 175-70-13 008R. The 175s will go on a 4-1/2",
but would really be much happier on a 5". I dont think the 185s would
make it on the rear of a '66 Midget like mine, though. What does
Frogner drive? I think Met Council is going to drop my car a class
this year, I'll be against VW Foxes (don't laugh, the class champ has
a Fox on 185-60-13 Yokos) and SAAB Sonetts and the like. Better than
last year, Honda Preludes, Merkur Turbos, Berrettas and a Porsche 924!
I just can't quite decide to go Street Prepared. This rusty old body
(Bridget's, not mine) may not take the strain of huge tires and such.
And my wallet can't take the strain of other mods I would feel like
making. You are right about the steering. There is no car, street or
race, that I have ever driven with better steering. The gearchange is
delight compared to any other car (esp the spoon-in-oatmeal of my late
Sonett, they should have left it on the column). My shift lever has
been shortened about 3" and that is great (legal Met Council too: "any
shifter") BTW there is no cigarette lighter or dash padding in a '66.
My U. S. Mail is 672 Orleans Street / Saint Paul, MN 55107 my home
phone is (612) 224-3105 my Email is phile@pwcs.stpaul.gov BTW,
what is the name of your friends' shop? Or would you rather ask them
about the wheels yourself? Good luck, Scott, with your GTI or
whatever you run next!
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Login name: phile In real life: Philip J Ethier
Phone: 298-5324
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