wire wheels

[captden29]

i always wanted wires on my 54 windsor convertible and i finally got a decent set for $300. they are off a 55 new yorker and are original condition. i cleaned them up and touched up a few rust spots with rustoleum primer and silver paint.they look fine for my car, but, they are definitely in need of balancing. the guy who mounted the tires on says they cannot be balanced like a steel rim. seems to me there has to be a way to balance them. anyone have any experience with wires they could share with me? thanks, dennis

[Norm's Coupe]

I've never had wire wheels myself. However, seems to me you would balance them the same as any other wheel.

That said, they have wire wheels for modern cars. So.........I would think any place that mounted tires should know how to do it, even if it is different. If they don't I'd look for another shop.

At any rate, maybe BobT will chime in here. He has a set of wire wheels for his convertible.

[Plymouthy Adams]

they will balance the same...what he may be avoiding is the issue of the rims being true..are any of the spokes loose...most shops do not want to mess with this stuff due to the fact is a losing proposition as many customer complain later of paying for a balance and the tires having some bounce or vibration...it is the nature of the beast and part of the overall old car experience...you may want to call about and find some of the British car clubs and see who may do that work in the area as these cars are faily all equipted with spoke rims...

[BobT-47P15]

Hmmm.....good question. It's been a while since I had my present tires

mounted. It seems as if they just put them on the spin balancer.

The other choice is the old bubble balancer - if they even have those

any more.

My wheels are also off a 55 Chrysler. Not perfect, but look good if

you don't study on them too hard. Even missing a short spoke here and

there on one or two. Never had any problems with them. Had them

since sometime in the late 70s.

[Alexander]

Nice find! Its my dream to get a set for my 51 vert.

where did you find them? was it ebay?

best of luck with them

Alex

[BobT-47P15]

They do appear on ebay from time to time.

You might set it up to get notification from ebay when one or a

set is listed.

There are new ones made, but are about $1600 a set.

I have one extra used one I bought at a swap meet for $40, but

it's kinda useless without some more to match it.

[BobT-47P15]

They also used, on some cars, the painted wire wheels.

These came from the 54 Plymouth i recently had.

Are a Mopar item.

[aero3113]

Do you have to true them like a bike wheel?(tighten/loosen the spokes to get them straight)

[BobT-47P15]

I suppose that's how they really work.

I've never personally had any work done on mine. They have been

fine and run without problems. Don't know what I'd do if there was

one with a bad wobble or something. Probably have to send it off to

a company that does such things.

[captden29]

alex, i found mine through a wanted ad in wpc magazine. as a member you can post free ads. i tried craigs list too but only got one response for too much money. i think checking with the british car club in the area will provide a good lead for balancing. i do not think any of these wheels have loose spokes as i did not notice that while cleaning and touching them up. if you put enough wated ads out everywhere you can eventually you will get a response. i only post where they are free. dennis

[Alexander]

thanks for the direction dennis.

like Bob said you can get a new set for $1600 but I am not ready to spend such money. 300-400 would be more what I am looking to spend for now.

great find! post some picture of the car with the wheels on.

Alex