Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Centre lock Alloys

What is the consensus on the longevity/reliability of the factory optioned centre lock Alloys that were available for the late 90's Plus 8's.
There seems to be some negativity towards them.
Would like some feedback from the guru's who frequent this site.
Thanks
Ross

I have had them on mine they were specced from new by the previous owner and in 4 years of running them have found no disadvantages whatsoever, they are now 19 years old.

They are rarer than the standard 5 bolt fitting alloys (I had on my previous +8) and in my view more attractive. The 16" soak up more of the bumps especially run at 20psi which I do.


You can always revert to wires if the worst happens and you trash one, replacements are rare but not impossible to find.

So on balance you pay your money and take your choice.

Ross

I think the main issue with these wheels was the number of occasions when the hub and splines became extremely difficult to part. It is possibly due to with a metallurgic reaction between the alloy of the wheel and the steel of the hub as it doesn't seem to a problem with wires.

I think others have summarised the benefits above , there are better tyres available for 16 inch rims, but the ride quality will be marginally worse.

I think it boils down to personal choice. If you like being a bit different then go for it, if you want to have spares more readily available then stick with wires.

If you currently have "standard" 15 inch bolt on alloys then of course you will need new hubs and wheels, so it won't be cheap.

The dealers do wince when they see mine but I like them and they were not a cheap option I have the original invoice.

Yes £1,674.38 pence was enough back in 1999.

Mind the Librands dual exhaust fitted was an £1,709.62 option.

Thanks guys.
There is a car for sale down here that has these wheels fitted.
1997/1998 model,in which I am interested.
There is not many cars of that era down under and the ones that are all have wires.
In our small fraternity I am yet to see one in real life, but yes they do look the part and a bit different.
Do you torque the hub nuts or "is that tight enough"!!
Dr google bought up fairly scathing comments and it made me a bit wary, and a Talkmorgan search showed nothing.
Out of interest,are the splined hubs the same for alloy or wire.
The comments about the ride are of interest also due to our 3rd world quality roads in a lot of places.
Again many thanks
Ross

A 2' bar on the socket tightens them fine. It's about 100ftlbs

You will need about a 4' bar to undo them with though as they do tend to tighten with the miles.

The splines are the same. Always use Copper grease on the splines.

My car run at 20psi is more comfortable than my previous Plus8 with 15" rims at 24psi, I would say the extra diameter would help you out on the 3rd world surfaces that we all seem to share these days. I live in the sticks and half of my Morgan drives are down country farm lanes with the grass growing along the centre line of the single track metalled road and some are pretty rough, so everything gets a light brushing underneath but the ground clearance is good.

Good Luck.

Ross

As the car already has the alloys fitted and you are happy with the look , then it would seem you have a win-win situation.

These alloys are substantially lighter than wires , so the front end remains under much better control due to the reduction in unsprung weight.

Yes the centre lock nuts will tighten in use , they are designed to do so. I will leave you to ponder over the reasoning.

As Richard says make sure you lubricate the splines BUT this is one place to be very careful not to over-lubricate, you do not want excess grease being thrown up onto the disc surfaces. I would start by greasing, mount the wheel and tighten up to Richard's suggestion, then dismount , wipe off any excess grease that has been forced to the rear (but leaving a coating on the bevelled face) and remount/tighten.

Hi Andy
I already have a Plus 4 4 seater(1990) with wires so am aware of the over lubricating issues but appreciate the reminder anyway.
The non complementary articles i have read all reference that later design centre lock Alloys now have drive peg technology including Morgan which led me to come to the conclusion that there perhaps was an issue that has been played down by the manufacturers all.
Best regards to all contributors
Ross

Ross,

If you do get the car this is a useful modification I carried out on the socket you get with the car. The bar is 1/2" stainless and 2' long, I got the hole drilled for it at 90 degrees of the original and closer in to the moving moment but sufficient off set to clear the body.




Best Regards,