Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Steel wheel / fitment question

Hello gents, happy to be back here at TM!

I started here with my 2015 M3W, which I loved, but ultimately grew out of and sold.

I’ve now just purchased 1965 Plus 4, and want to add some Dunlop-style perforated steel knockoff wheels. I have a few questions:

1) What is the correct wheel fitment for a 1965 Plus 4? (16x5?). What is the proper offset?

2) I want to keep the wheels knockoff with spinners-does anyone have a source for steel knockoff wheels?

3) Does anyone sell a 4 or 5 bolt to splined knockoff adaptor? Perforated steel 4 or 5 bolt wheels are plentiful so that is another option, if an adapter exists.

Many thanks in advance

welcome back

+4s from the 60s were fitted with either knock off wire wheels in various widths (but usually 15 x 4.5 or 15 x 5) , or 4 bolt steel wheels (15 x 4.5)

I guess you are looking for the look of the Jaguar D type wheels of that era , these were alloy , not steel, and are horrendously expensive even if you can find them.

It seems as if your car is currently fitted with 4 bolt hubs and steel wheels? If so your I think you have a couple of options ;_

1 Convert to splined hubs , not cheap but will give you some option with knock off wheels , be they alloy or wire (I have never heard of knock off steel wheels)

2 Use alloy wheels on your current hubs (probably your cheapest modification)

I believe that some of the UK racers are currently using an alloy 4 bolt wheel that looks very similar to the old Dunlop style wheel ( Google pictures of Billy Bellinger's Cosworth powered 4/4 ) I think these are available (if expensive) and may give you the look you are seeking

Good luck

crowbar, try Image wheels they do an alloy version.

David Byrne

Perhaps the look is not 100% the same as Dunlop wheels (I saw Limora wheels as well) but you should get every size and every offset etc. made to your individual requirements.

https://www.imagewheels.co.uk/billet-46-alloy-wheel/

I am not sure but I think MMC has ordered those 4/4 80th anniversary wheels by Image, at least it looks like.

https://www.merz-pabst.com/morgan/modelle/4-4-80th-anniversary/

Thanks all...

My car currently has splined wire knockoff's... to mount the image wheels it sounds like I'd have to convert to 4 bolt...is there a kit sold for such?

Also could someone post the OEM wheel size and offset for a 1965 Plus 4?

Best,

GC

Depends what your car is. If a trad it is quite expensive as they are designed for splines but as a cx car there are designed for alloys and are easier to convert.

On the later trads just a new hub and brake drum are listed to allow fitment of 5 stud alloy wheels. Not sure if there are options for the axle on a 1965 car.

Image Wheels has an adaptor allowing you to use their alloy wheels on a splined hub car. However, this adds significant weight.

Turrino wire wheels are able to make you custom centre lock Dunlop type wheels, but they are expensive.

Harald

And here are extracts from the parts book for 2006 on. The last picture is from the 2014 on book. They are all for trads

Thanks John. It was on the basis of 2014 on book I suggested just hub and brake drum differed, when alternate half shafts are needed as well. Completely forgot about front

It's a little known fact that the 5 stud front has hubs with approx 8.5mm less offset requiring different caliper mount plates as well and leaving the car with 17mm narrower track. No big deal as front track is significantly narrower than rear anyway. Discovered all this when rebuilding front earlier this year.