Originally Posted by OZ 4/4
Originally Posted by Hamwich
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.

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.



But what constitutes "true"? My last wheel balancer had the temerity to suggest that my wire wheels were out of true but when I spin them I find that there's not more than a millimetre or two of difference between top and bottom of the wheel and I certainly don't notice any vibration through the steering or through the driven wheels. How much "out of true" before the wheels need an overhaul?

1968 4/4 1600
1950 Auster J5B
Kitfox S5 Outback
Jodel D9
1988 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9