Looking for input on subject of failures of factory MGA steel disc wheels,
when used in competition. (Note to Twin Cam list -- this refers to pushrod
type bolt-on disc wheels, not Twin Cam wheels).
I now know of at least ten failures of these wheels in vintage racing. I
would like to hear from anyone who has input, e.g.:
1. Have you experienced a failure? If so, details?
2. Have you developed a solution (other than replacement with aftermarket
wheels).
3. I understand Triumph TR3's have experienced similar problem with original
factory disc wheels -- do the Triumph guys have any solutions they can share
with the MG guys?
4. I have heard that "in the old days", people welded gussets into the stock
wheels to solve the problem. I'm a little skeptical, but does anyone have
specific experience or knowledge of this?
We have at least one vintage club that will not allow aftermarket wheels on
the MGA, so we must try to find some other solution for that club. Of the
ten failures that I am aware of, at least half have occurred with relatively
skinny/slippery tires (5.00L15 Dunlop), so the problem is NOT limited to
just wide/grippy tires. Also, at least 4 of the failures occurred with the
later, supposedly stronger, 1600-style wheels.
Fortunately most incipient failures were sensed by the driver & car was
driven into the pits, but on at least 3 occasions the wheel completely
separated from the car while on the track. Again fortunately, no injuries
resulted, and none of the cars were rolled.
Input anyone?
Regards,
Mark Palmer
MGA #185, safely on wire wheels
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