What is the least expensive (and legal) way to acquire a set of Panasport
wheels for an MGB? Since the '69 is still airborne (on jackstands), I am
lusting after a set of 8 spoke aluminum wheels for the '77 B. Moss just
recently finished a sale on these for $129.00 U.S. each. I called to order
but it seems that the catalog was in error. They were supposed to be 6 inches
wide but were instead 5.5 inches wide. I have seen several other ads, all
with similiar prices and they all claim to be 6 inches wide. I called
Rod Millen (they advertise Panasport in Autoweek) and they claim to have them
6 inches wide (14 inch diameter) for $159.00 U.S. (plus 35 dollars shipping
to Terre Haute, IN). Does anyone know whether the wheels advertised by MOSS,
Vicky Brit. and others are better, worse or the _SAME_ as Panasport? Does
anyone have a used set of these they want to be rid of? (4" x 4.5" pattern)
Lastly, what about interference with the bodywork? The '77 is currently stock
height (height is a really good word here!) but is coming down this winter.
I want it the same height as the _lowered_ '69.
Interestingly enough, I was also asking about those 8 spoke Minilite look-
alikes (knockoffs, knockons, whatever) they sell and the guy at MOSS said
"You _DO NOT_ want those!". Upon asking why, he said they are _VERY HEAVY_!
The center section is a solid chunk of steel perfect for maximizing
_UNSPRUNG WEIGHT_. He suggested finding a set of real Minilites. I've
seen these advertised in "Thouroughbred and Classic Cars" Magazine. I guess
someone is actually making real Magnesium Minilites again. Anyone know what
these go for? He also suggested I try to find a set of "Cosmic" wheels. He
thinks they were made in the U.K. and sez they were really neat wheels. These
were also (knock offs, knock ons ... you get the picture). Anyone across the
pond know about these?
Didn't "Road Hugging Weight" used to be a good thing back in the 60's?
Sorry for the density, but I'd appreciate any advice.
Greg Stier.
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