Wire Wheels, Splined Hub Adapters and all that jazz
 

Okay most of you guys are not going for wire wheels but you may still be able to help me. I have committed my car for Chris to chop up in June but need to get the wheels before then to make sure he can do the body correctly.

I need to get a splined hub adaptor for my BMW Z3, there seem to be a few people making them. Then I need to get some 15" wire wheels.

Are all splines the same or does the hub adapter have to match the wheels?

If they are all different, how do I tell which ones match?

There are a number of different spline types. I suggest you speak with Richards Brothers Wheels in Cardiff who are wire wheel specialists and able to manufacture wheels and adapters to your requirements. Email is ales@richards-bros.com.
Another is Orson Wheels who specialise in adapters.

I'm also looking for wires for a Z3 so perhaps we can get together and arrange some discount? I'll PM you.

That makes three of us! Geoff .

Excellent. Should get them free at this rate!
Steve

Still waiting on him to call back.

Do you guys want 15 or 16 inch wheels. It is difficult to get higher profile tyres in 16 inches so I was planning on using 15's.

What width rim? Mine are currently 225 but I reckon I could go down to 185 at the narrowest for that period look and sideways driving. What are your thoughts.

If we can agree and order 12 wheels in one go I think the price should drop nicely

Just received these pictures for the adapters from Peter Rees who was another wheel specialist I found

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0...o/IMG_0010.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M...o/IMG_0011.jpg

The email from them said - YOU NEED TO CHECK THAT THE DEPTH OF THE CENTRE BORE IS DEEP ENOUGH TO CLEAR THE CENTRE OF YOUR HUBS.
. IF NOT DEEP ENOUGH ALL YOU NEED IS A SIMPLE SPACER AND LONGER STUDS

They like typing in capitals. Can you guys check if you think there is enough depth too as I don't trust me with a tape measure.

No prices yet but I have asked

Nice work Nick. That gives us 3 potential suppliers to compete for our custom.
I notice in Peter Rees' diagrams a centre bore of 74mm is shown. Z3 and most other BMs are 72.5mm. Adapters are cheap but I'd rather that they're machined correctly from the outset. I haven't bought a Z3 yet for this project to help check but I should imagine the 25mm shoulder will give clearance for the hub.

Personally, I'd prefer 16" because the Z3 has big wheel wells to fill and probably go for 60/65/70 series tyres. Offset is more difficult to choose as I like wheels to fill arches, and you might not want that if you're after the 50s/60s look?
I'm sure that the supplier chosen can accommodate our wishes even if our wheel specs are different.

Chris shared his wheel dimensions on another thread:

A quote from Peter Rees Wire Wheels :
SPECIAL SPLINED HUB AS DIAGRAM SENT YOU £95 EACH.
15" X 5" SILVER STOVED ENAMEL WIREWHEEL £181 EACH
15" X 5" CHROMED WIREWHEEL WITH STAINLESS STEEL SPOKES £275 EACH
TWO EARED CHROMED BRONZE SPINNERS £38 EACH.
6" X 15" WIREWHEEL SILVER £197 EACH
15" X 6" WIREWHEEL CHROME WITH SS SPOKES £275 EACH.

15" X 5",5.5", OR 6" ALLOY RIM( WITH POLISHED EDGE) SILVER SPOKES AND CENTRE £775 PLUS VAT



and a quote from SAS Turrino Wheels Limited
The price of the wheels; 15 x 6 polished alloy rims – 42mm centres – 72 painted spokes - £890.00 each plus VAT & delivery.
Spline adaptors; PCD 5 x 120 - £185.00 plus VAT & delivery

Awaiting one more quote

Bolt on Wire Wheels from MWS

BXW715C/2-TL - Jaguar XJ-series (pre-1994)
6½" x 15" Tubeless
Five Stud 120.7 mm PCD
£278.04 (ex VAT)

BXW922C/2-TL Kit Car
5½" x 15" Tubeless
Five Stud 120.0 mm PCD
This wheel is based on BMW running gear
£283.96 (ex VAT)

BXW791-ST/2-TL Jaguar XJ-series (pre-1994)
6½" x 15" Tubeless
Five Stud 120.7 mm PCD
£420.25 (ex VAT)

BXW746C/2-TL Jaguar XJ-series (1994 onwards)
7" x 16" Tubeless
Five Stud 120.7 mm PCD
£313.59 (ex VAT)

BXW746-ST/2-TL Jaguar XJ-series (1994 onwards)
7" x 16" Tubeless
Five Stud 120.7 mm PCD
£420.25 (ex VAT)

That's all 15" and 16" bolt ons with PCD = 120. Does the extra 0.7 matter on the Jag wheels? If so the only bolt on choice they have is :
BXW922C/2-TL Kit Car
5½" x 15" Tubeless
Five Stud 120.0 mm PCD
This wheel is based on BMW running gear
£283.96 (ex VAT)

Sorted myself out a set of old Aston Martin 72 Spoke 15" x 5.5" from eBay quite cheap - you have to love items with the words spelled incorrectly, no pictures and a seller who doesn't actually know what he has got.

Now talking to Orson Equipment about getting a splined adapter for the hub. I will share the dimensions and prices with you lot when I get them.

Be aware that wire wheels come in 42mm and 52mm sizes (Jaguars are mainly 52mm)

Evening Nick any word back from Orson? i have just bought a set of E Type Jag wires , Geoff .

I'm talking to Orson as well so we can compare quotes. Question from me, the diameter of the centre spline on my wheels is much large than 52mm, or am I misunderstanding, is this the length of the spline?

52mm or 42mm is the length of the spline. Confused me too.

Orson have one of my wheels and I popped up there when I was near by with work. They have one of my wheels and a 1 series BMW parked outside so are going to use that to test the fit.

£120 a corner for adaptor plates machined specifically for me.

Nick did the £120 price include the spinners? or was that on top , thanks Geoff .

20 for two eared spinners

Hi All.
We are making the hubs for the Z3. Will be interested to hear if any one has any need for any others. We can also provide wire wheels at a discount. As well as knock on spinners. These can be tailored to you needs.
Hubs nearly ready.
Anyone else interested - would be happy to repeat the order,.
01384 241600

I know this is old thread, but are you still offering wirewheels and hubs for a Z3 conversion in 15"??
Am interested in a set.

Rob