Hi Gary,
According to "Original Sprite and Midget" page 41: All Bugeyes used the
12 hole ventilated wheels but there are variations.
Riveted wheels were used up to chassis # AN5/15150 (April 1959) and then
after welded for strength. Further strengthening occurred at Ch. #
AN5/39224 (May 1960) when the ribs radiating from the hub hole were
slightly longer than the earlier ones. This resulted in the brake
access holes being in a slightly different position. It wasn't until
Ch. # HAN7/26240 (Dec. 1962 Sprite MkII) and Ch.# GAN2/17166 (Midget
MkI) that the "12-hole" wheel was replaced with a plain slotted wheel.
Riveted wheels are easy to find as most were cast off as being to week
for "spirited" driving or racing. My car, #AN5/17606, is supposed to
have the welded-short ribbed wheels which are hard to find for some reason.
Ah, the thrill of the hunt for proper period parts!
My $.02
Regards
Dave
59 :{)
59 MGA 1500
The Mayers wrote:
>I have several different rims for my Bugeye. Some have 12 holes around the
>center and some do not, on some the center is welded to the rim and others it
>is riveted. And a few have a spacer (a disk 3/16" thick) welded to the inside
>where the wheel studs go thru. What is the correct wheel for the Bugeye?
>Thank you, Gary 61 BE
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