Torn rims (Wheels)

Purchasing classics there

Install wheels with a torque wrench

In the Austin-Healey world in particular, the stories were that standard Sprite-mounted rims would crack with somewhat sporty use. Even break. These standard mounted wheels would be too 'weak'… Nothing could be further from the truth. The bolts or. The nuts of a wheel must also be tightened with a certain 'moment'. You need a workshop manual and a so-called 'torque wrench'. With such a Sprite, but also Midget or Classic Mini, this is very important, because before you know it you 'strip' the screw thread of the nut. That depends on the quality of the (later) mounted (?) 'Made in China' quality product. You cannot hold the Chinese responsible for that, because 'we' do not want to pay anything… That 'stripping' of the screw thread cannot happen either. The rim is too tight without a torque wrench. One nut a little more (or less) than the other. The metal of the rim will then be under tension and will, even in non-sporty use, at some point start to crack, as a result of which the wheel can leave the cart at an undesired moment ... It is important to accurately measure the wheels before mounting. inspect. Both on the outside and on the inside. When in doubt, look for a 'good' rim… Another option is of course to go for a set of alloy wheels. That will then become (replica) Minilites. After all, it contains three quarters of the Dutch classic vehicle fleet ...

Photo: The original wheels of an Austin-Healey Sprite must be properly secured. Inspection is a must!

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