Wheel choice

[andrewh]

George

Just to throw a spanner in the works I found the Vredensteins classic tyres simply unpleasant, simply gave no feel or feed back to inspire confidence. Fitted Blockleys for convenience because...

I fitted a new set of wheels from MWS in silver painted finish, but very disappointed to notice that some rust streaks are showing on the spoke ends (from the curly hub end) and some paint on the spoke end has come away. With very little running in the wet and the rims just over two years old (at the time) I rang MWS to advise them and see what they would say.

Maybe the guy on the end of the phone or myself was having a bad day - for instead of saying something along the lines of 'sorry to hear that, first occasion I've heard of such a thing' he immediately went on the defensive by saying rather uncaring, "well they are no longer under warranty" which annoyed me because I had not broached the subject with any attitude or expectation of sorting it out under warranty, more from the point of view of with this deterioration in such a short time what would they be like in a further two years?.

I said to him that I found his response disappointing and better we discontinue our conversation. But it did make me question whether to get the original wheels refurbished as they have lasted pretty well for 52 years….

Just seen your post Richard. I had exactly the same, namely that they went on the defensive immediately. Nothing gets my back up quicker than that. I was so surprised I thought the young chap must be a recent employee, but then I thought he sounded like he may be the bosses son and a bit cocky. Either way, if I had any choice I would be buying elsewhere.

[Gfhug]

Andrew, it would be interesting to hear if anyone has recent experience of Phil Hallewell's wire wheels, either new or refurbished. Maybe an alternative to MWS?

Geoff

[chrisfell]

I have the original (new) Curly hub spoke wheels with a NOS set of dunlop rs5 tyres, as it came from the factory i believe.
Don't think the Dunlopr RS5's are still available?

They are available, not all are road legal.

[Geoff Green]

I have a set of Phil Hallewell's wheels. Beautiful workmanship.

[Heuer]

I have the original (new) Curly hub spoke wheels with a NOS set of dunlop rs5 tyres, as it came from the factory i believe.
Don't think the Dunlopr RS5's are still available?

They are available, not all are road legal.

RS5's are no longer available as Dunlop have moved the tooling to India and they have yet (if ever) to recommence production. R5 tyres are still available but are NOT road legal.

[chrisfell]

As David said, R5s are available (I now know the question related to RS5s). I understood some of the R5s have been made for road use to allow track prepared cars to be driven to and from an event. Speak to a vintage tyre specialist for facts rather than my hearsay. Longstone (north), Vintage Tyres (south). (Other tyre dealers are available.)

[astonman]

I have the original (new) Curly hub spoke wheels with a NOS set of dunlop rs5 tyres, as it came from the factory i believe.
Don't think the Dunlopr RS5's are still available?

They are available, not all are road legal.

RS5's are no longer available as Dunlop have moved the tooling to India and they have yet (if ever) to recommence production. R5 tyres are still available but are NOT road legal.

I bought them a long time ago, when still available. they are road legal and never fitted, but due to age i think now more appropriate for a concours car. if used reguarly i will most probably fit some more modern tires.

[Heuer]

[Kember17]

Andrew, it would be interesting to hear if anyone has recent experience of Phil Hallewell's wire wheels, either new or refurbished. Maybe an alternative to MWS?

Geoff

Geoff,

Looking at the date of your post, I know this is late to the party but Phil has just done a set of wheels for me including quite a lot of re-spoking.

Not cheap but beautiful work, and your life does rather depend on the wheel's integrity!

It is also nice to be able to put work the way of a good British sole trader craftsman.

I don't have access to the wheels at the moment to photo them but really impressed.

For those of us in London and the South East, he is also very accessible, just off the A40/M40 near RAF Northolt if you fancy dropping the wheels off/collecting and seeing a proper workshop.

The stock wheels for sale on his website look very reasonably priced but I don't know if he makes that range himself or buys them in.

Peter

[Gfhug]

Peter, that's good to hear. Some photos when you're ready will be nice to see.
Would you like to say how much it all cost? Via PM if appropriate.

Geoff

[Kember17]

Peter, that's good to hear. Some photos when you're ready will be nice to see.
Would you like to say how much it all cost? Via PM if appropriate.

Geoff

Geoff,

PM sent.

P

[Gfhug]

Peter, no PM showing

PM sent to you so you can respond to it

Geoff

[Geoff Green]

I have a set of Phil Hallewell's wire wheels and they are beautiful! Fantastic person to work with!