The 'E' Type Forum

On my first E-Type restoration, 63 FHC, I put on new wider chrome wire wheels, simply for the look. On this my second project, 64 OTS, I plan to go to extra lengths to keep original. And I now have 10 old original wire wheels from those 2 cars. I will put new radial tires on for sure.

But what do you think about using the old wire wheels? It should be said that here in Denmark, nobody can fix wire wheels, so the idea only makes economical sense if I have 5 that are in good enough shape to be blasted, painted and then used.

Is a wheel good enough if no broken spokes, hammering with wooden hammer on spokes for sound and if local shop put it on balancing machine to see if round? I know some say never use such old wheels on performance car, but I see plenty of just as old and older cars that have what I think are original wire wheels.

Is my idea good, or both dangerous and a waste to money? Any experience?

Looked at them, hit all spokes for sound, I now have 7 wheels I consider potential

I'm no wheel expert.....but old wheels are often rebuilt and re used......its very important to use the correct wire wheel cones if you attach them to a balance machine...most of the tyre shops do not have these...I have my own set that I take to the fitters when I have tyres renewed/balanced....Steve

I would check the internal splines also, if okay they will have a good triangular section with flat sides, when they wear ( particularly on the rear, from braking and accelerating ) they round the sides and in extreme cases the section looks like a hollow ground knife edge.

Thanks. Yes we have a set of cones in the club that are passed around

Richard Skinner who is Tudor Wheels…+44 7801 069261…Richard refurbished the wire wheels on my XK120…well respected

Perfectly ok to use old wheels.

My Mk2 is running on the original wheels from my 4.2 coupe.

Another vote for Tudor wheels - Richard did my original E-type wheels and they look great. Good value too.

Tudor wheels refurbed and painted my original S2 wheels - fabulous job by someone who cares. They also look better than chrome, imho.

Another supporter of Richard at Tudor wheels. I had my 5 checked, and chrome powder coated and as stated, look as good as chrome but far more practical in UK weather conditions.

We can supply Borrani wheels, but do be aware they dont come cheap. There are however soem fantastin production wheels available from companies like MWS.

Don't be fooled by tubeless wire wheels. Just fit inner tubes. (you can fit a inner tube that has been made to be tubless, we strongly advise it. you can also fit an inner tube in any 185R15 tyre or 205/70VR15 tyre regardless of weather it is called a tubless tyre or not. in fact we strongly recomend it)

dont fit tyres below 70% profile.

if you have one slightly loose spoke the whole wheel needs rebuilding or replacing. (for an e-type we say repalce they are such good value.)

wide wheels and tuyres are a vanity thing, if you like the look that is one thing, but in truth the car makes a much better road car on a 185VR15 tyre. Norman Derwis said so. that is why they didnt fit them on the e-type untill the V12. Norman Dewis did the testing. I talked to him about it.

currently the best tyres are the 185VR15 Cinturato CA67 of Michelin XVS. we have these and Michelin inner tubes available at Longstone tyres.

Thanks Dougal, right now I'll try to save and use the originals