Wire Wheels, Splined Hub Adapters and all that jazz

[WorldClassAccident]

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?

[y cymro]

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.

[casamolino]

That makes three of us! Geoff .

[y cymro]

Excellent. Should get them free at this rate!
Steve

[WorldClassAccident]

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

[WorldClassAccident]

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




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

[y cymro]

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:

Originally Posted by Tribute Automotive

Reference your wheels, this link is very useful:

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgur...ed=0CCwQrQMwAA

Our red car was running the following size wheels:

7.5J x 16 et 20 Front (no spacers)
9J x 16 et 15 Rear (with 25mm spacers)
215/40/16 Tyres all round.

As shown here:


So, your 8J x 16 et30(mm) fronts will be only 4mm further away from the arch lip and the rears will 15mm less, so would require a bigger spacer.

[WorldClassAccident]

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

[WorldClassAccident]

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)

[WorldClassAccident]

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)

[casamolino]

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

[fatbloke]

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?

[WorldClassAccident]

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.

[casamolino]

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

[WorldClassAccident]

20 for two eared spinners

[Kit Car Splined Hubs]

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

[mobilerobbie]

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