I am in need of having 5 new tyres fitted and the wire wheels balanced. Does anyone know of a garage in the Salisbury/Shaftesbury area that has the correct equipment to do this?
Thanks
Bob.

I think Tim Ayres at New Elms can do this, but if not, he will know who can do it nearby as he fitted my new tyres a year or two ago - he has recently moved to just outside Shaftesbury on the A30.

Bob
To get all my tyre work done I go down to Vintage Tyres (Tel 01950 612 261) at Beaulieu, behind the Motor Museum. Always does a first class job on my MOG. A little bit out the way but a great day out in the MOG!

Thank you Ken and Dave, I’ll follow up your suggestions.
Been doing some further research and found Smooth Ride cones. Any experience of these anyone?
Bob.

I have a set in my tool kit, obviously they work BUT if you go to a specialist tyre fitter they may already have their own set

I keep mine for my particular local tyre monkeys who are blink'n useless but handy for emergencies & for other local Mog owners to borrow

As I have said on here before, my experience is that some modern balancing machines will show up error codes when used with balancing cones, as they hold the wheel off the machine’s backplate and it consequently thinks that the wheel is not mounted properly. As others have said, if you go to a “man that can”, then no need to buy cones which will probably only be used every 6 years or so anyway.

In France there is few garages having the right cones for wire wheels, so some years ago I bought Smooth Ride cones. They work well for a non intensive use and are not very expensive. The diameters of the balancing machine axle are quite standart but you have to check them before. I use them in 2 different garages and no problem with the balancing machines.

Years ago I made a set of cones on my lathe. Not a difficult job, especially as they are used so infrequently they can be made from aluminium alloy.

I was quite proud of them and when I needed new tyres I took them with me to my local tyre fitters. Only to be told 'No worries mate, we've got a set and are quite happy to balance wire wheels'.

Ah well. At least I've got them should they ever close down.

With regard to the balancing of wire wheels, is there any particular opinion as to positioning of the balance weights. Now the chap who fits the tyres on my tintop did not have any cones so I made him a set because I wanted him to do the job as I know he is conscientious in his work. When he balanced the wheels I asked him to put the weights on the inside of the wheels as I consider when placed outwardly they look a little unsightly. In judging the results I have experienced no adverse effects as to my preference in the positioning of the balance weights which makes me wonder why the majority of wire wheels I see seem to have there weights on the outside.

Most reputable tyre fitters will have this equipment and will be able to balance the wheel.
Balancing the wheel and placing the weight on the inside will be fine provided the wires are "true"
I have had no trouble with the 4/4 or the Boat Tail with its whitewall tyres.