Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Silver Vs. Stainless Steel

Can anybody fill me in on the pros and cons of silver wire wheels vs. Stainless steel wire wheels, please?
I'm not sure we can afford and extra £2k for stainless, but might manage to squeeze it out if there is a reasonable justification.
Is the silver a type of chrome plating, or is it just painted on? I met a man with an Austin Healey Sprite and he said chrome was fine, so now I want to know the above.
I do suppose stainless are easier to clean and longer lasting, though?

Stainless is easier to clean and will ultimately be more durable without tarnishing. The downside is that Stainless can often show as slightly Yellow and slightly "off bright".

Chrome will be brighter and offer a more tru reflection in the material. There is a high liklihood that ultimately though it will tarnish in spots and rust will eventually show.

Stainless steel wheels are bright and shiny and don't require much maintenance as they will stay bright and shiny. They are extremely popular with people who like bright and shiny things.

Chrome finishes on wire wheels are not a brilliant idea, as the chrome will flake off as the wheel flexes, and then they look scabby and horrible, and nothing can be done to fix them.

The silver wheels are painted steel, and require a bit more tlc to keep them looking their best. Even better IMO are the painted black wheels, which will make your Morgan look cooler than a polar bear in Ray-Bans. Not that I'm biased, of course

For a 'proper' classic look, painted wires are definitely the way to go, and for the purist one should go for wheels the same colour as the upholstery and hood - which might be a bit tricky as I think MMC only offer silver or black painted wires.

Painted wheels rule!.......oh hang on, I have alloys!!

I certainly would keep away from chrome. They will rust as the spokes move very slightly and once that happens you can't easily repair them. Painted are very traditional and easy to touch up if damaged. Stainless are very low maintenance and more expensive! The traditionalists probably think that they are also a bit of bling, especially in 16" size!

I was advised by MWS (the manufacturer) that stainless was a waste in WA as there is no salt on the road!

You could justify stainless by importing some salt as well

My chromed wire wheels last perfectly since 1990! No rust, even in the Netherlands, however I always avoid road salt! [URL=http://s1187.photobucket.com/user/Bianchi161/media/foto1-4.jpg.html]

We export that!

You beat me to it Ruut

I don't think chromed wire wheels are now an option but in their defence, mine are 15 years, 4 owners, 43K miles on UK roads old and completely rust free - not even a hint of corrosion around the spokes

There is some black pitting on the inside rims which can't be seen where brake dust has attacked the chrome but it hasn't worsened since my custodianship

In fact because I've had the wheels off and given everything a good polish with fine wire wool and Blackfires chrome polish and protectorant, a lot of the pitting has gone - certainly no brown rust anywhere

I'm guessing that the painted wire wheels are made of non stainless steel coated with an EPC finish.

If that's the case although initially an EPC is a bit more flexible a finish to a hard chromed finish, in time it would be just as susceptible to flaking off through scrapes and any spoke movement

Just perhaps less noticeable

I believe stove enamel is better on wire wheels than powder coating as powder is more likely to crack where spokes meet rim. I may be wrong & best consult a firm that does both. I had my vintage Sunbeam wheels done several years ago & there is some rusting at spoke junctions.

Tim