[TR] question on magnesium wheels

[McGaheyRx at aol.com]

Cosmo -
 
I'm tempted to say you are completely correct and anybody with a set of  
American Racing Mg Libres should get rid of them immediately and I will be  
bravely take them - but you are dead wrong on a couple of points
 
- it is very easy to tell the difference between Mg and Al, once you are  
familiar with both. A Mg wheel is incredibly light compared to an Al wheel of 
 the same size and bare Mg has a very different color and surface sheen 
compared  to Al. It is ridiculous to suggest that anybody who has seen both 
can't  tell the difference.
 
- while incredibly, dangerously, and explosively flammable once  ignited, a 
solid Mg object absolutely cannot be ignited by incidental contact  with a 
spark or open flame. Top drag racers used to use Mg manifolds -  incredibly 
dangerous once ignited, but not that easy to ignite. A Mg wheel is  
extremely unlikely to ignite unless it is broken and the tire and car around it  are 
consumed with flame first.
 
- you are correct that Mg wheels were likely last made in the 60s - they  
are extremely rare and very valuable now - I would not trust them for  
competition use, due to their age and possibility of cracks, but (properly  
restored) they are uniquely attractive and are very much sought-after period  
pieces.
 
Cheers,
Jack Mc
 
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 7/9/2011 8:31:28 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
tr4a2712 at yahoo.com writes:

Hi  List!
I was told, MANY years ago, that Mg wheels were band from racing,  If
one was to 
get a flat & the wheel caught a spark (wheel hitting  the pavement
or another 
hard object -guard rail/car) then it would be  an instant fire.
When Mg ignites , 
the end result is powered because of  the high intense heat
being given off.

Therefore; I thought all Mg  wheels were band for being sold
(back in the 60'). I 
really doubt that  they are Mg, most likely AL, but you
may have a set of mg. 
wheels. If  that is true, then be glad that they never
received a spark or flame 
to  touch them.

GET RID of THEM! They are a
disaster waiting to  haven.
-Cosmo Kramer


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