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Wire Wheel Balancing Mk1 GT6


NeilF

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I made the decision to go to the International GT6 meeting in Frankfurt some time ago, and thought that a visit to the Nurburgring on the way would be a pleasant diversion. Because of this I decided to have a couple of new tyres on the front. Having got the new tyres, I learned that the Ring on my chosen date was closed, so the route was changed. However, the new tyres were giving me vibration problems once over 60 mph. So I returned the wheels, 145/80 R13, for re-balancing. Still a problem, so for the 3rd time I stayed with the tyres and watched the process. It became apparent that the wheel was not being centred correctly as the garage did not have the correct cones. This a day before the German trip, so the trip was made, all 1,200 miles at a steady 63 mph keeping vibration to the minimum. So requests at local garages to me, between Southampton and Portsmouth proved the same problem, no suitable cones. So the WWW process began. Wheels can be balanced on the car at Bicester at a cost of £60 per wheel, too expensive. I then came across the Goplus Portable Wheel Balancer with a accurate bulls eye level. Expenditure of £46 and the unit duly arrived, and looked the part. A centre unit on balance springs on which you place the wheel which settles on a cone. Weights are then placed on the wheel until the bulls eye level is centred. Move the wheel around so that you can check the balance. Great - No. The GT6 wheel is not heavy enough to allow the springs to allow the wheel to settle on the cone. I am now trying to return the Goplus unit.

The next alternative on the web appears to be the purchase of cones for wire wheels so that you can get a garage to use the correct cones on their balancing machines. 

Before I make the purchase has anyone tried these cones at a price of about £85? Do they work? I guess they must.

The car would not be the same without the wires, so no way am I going over to steels. Surely this must be a problem for many people, so how have they got on.

Appreciate any comments,

 

NeilF

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Neil, it may be too far along the coast for you but I use The Eastbourne Tyre Company who have been doing an excellent job looking after my wire wheels for more than 30 years. They are a great mix of traditional know-how with modern facilities. I know many on here would advise getting rid of the wires but , like you, I feel anything else just looks wrong on a sports car.

 

Adrian

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You also need the wheels  checked for runnout   often found with wires , balance wont cure vibration from the lack of concentricty

Between the rim and the nave centres,  so a wire wheel specialist is better than just a tyre balancer

And whilst they might look the part they distort frighteningly on corners, fitting alloy or steels may not appeal but the handling is transformed into a totally different car. 

Then most wires are not tubeless with more troubles on tube compatability and finding a ditch with a blow out

Look nice is all you get ,  safety and stability is much lesser 

Love em or hate em , its all down to preference

Brown and gammons in baldock do  wire resets and balancing for ....mg's  

Pete

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Thanks all for your replies.

Haggis, I will call Micheldever Tyres, although they are Protyre, and that was the local garage that the problem arose.

Adrian, Eastbourne is probably a little too far.

Pete, Baldock again too far. I know you do not like wires, but they are good enough for Aston Martin Jaguar, Morgan and Ferrari.

John, nearest Morgan dealer is Reading, that may be a way out. 

I will keep you posted,

NeilF

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Aston jag morgan and Ferrari are only good enough as often  supported by deeper pocket sydrome   

Many triumph owners are from lesser budgets  ,  bet  none of the others will admit to vibrations 

And  we have  3 local  Triumph members who also  have  Aston Jags and Ferrari

Then read this ....monthly checks  ???

http://www.mossmotoring.com/tech-tip-about-wire-wheels/

 

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Pete,

A long time ago I was fortunate to drive a DB5 on a very regular basis, and I am sure that up to 120mph there was no vibration. But then I was not paying for wheels and tyres. Anyway, read the Moss report, and now going to check the wheels with a pencil!!!!

I'll get there one day.

NeilF

 

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Hi Neil, just remembered there is also a place in the new forest called Tudor wheels seem to specialise in refurbing wire wheels, maybe they can sort them out for you, I was intending to get them to refurb my steels when I get a chance, so have no prior with them, but they are local. 

hag

ps if you do use them, let me know how you get on. 

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  • 4 months later...

I finally decided time was ripe to sort the wheels out, but first decided to get the new front valance sprayed the correct colour by my local sprayer. He did the bonnet recently. At the garage I noticed that in the next door bay were many new tyres, and I was introduced to the guy who was running it. I explained about the vibration, and a couple of days later he called to say he was ready to give the balance a try. Set the machine up with fine adjustment and 2 wheels and £12 later all was well. Managed 90 down the motorway, and that surprised a few. Thank you Segensworth Motors. The nearest garage to where I live.

NeilF

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