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Fitting 13 inch wheels to MGB Axle
John Bonnett - 6/12/19 at 07:18 PM

I just wondered if this is possible and indeed if anyone has done it . Clearance looks a tad tight.

cliftyhanger - 7/12/19 at 06:51 AM

https://www.mgexp.com/forum/mgb-and-gt-forum.1/what-13-in-wheels-will-work-on-an-mgb.1774199/

Suggests it is possible. Steel wheels may be easier to fit and the actual wheel type may affect it too.
(on my spitfire rear some 13" steel wheels clear OK, but some have dome head rivets that catch the caliper. Sorted by fitting 14" wheels)

John Bonnett - 7/12/19 at 08:50 AM

quote:
Originally posted by cliftyhanger
https://www.mgexp.com/forum/mgb-and-gt-forum.1/what-13-in-wheels-will-work-on-an-mgb.1774199/

Suggests it is possible. Steel wheels may be easier to fit and the actual wheel type may affect it too.
(on my spitfire rear some 13" steel wheels clear OK, but some have dome head rivets that catch the caliper. Sorted by fitting 14" wheels)


Thank you Clive. Looking at the clearance on my own MGB the drums are very close but a spacer or stud adaptor would move a 13" wheel out sufficiently I think but the handbrake lever would need modifying because that is very close even to the 14" wheel. With the chassis constraints and now the wheels the ride height is getting ever higher which I'm desperately trying to avoid. Not easy building a special is it?

cliftyhanger - 8/12/19 at 06:24 AM

I guess you have played with tyre profile options? (or at least used one of the calclators) and want to avoid super-low profile tyres?

But there is a certain law about modifying anything.... that of unintended consequences

John Bonnett - 8/12/19 at 07:59 AM

quote:
Originally posted by cliftyhanger
I guess you have played with tyre profile options? (or at least used one of the calclators) and want to avoid super-low profile tyres?

But there is a certain law about modifying anything.... that of unintended consequences


I have Clive and changing from the intended 155 80 13 to 185 60 14 gives a slight reduction in the overall diameter and there is a very good selection of tyres available in that size. I believe the MX5 uses that size. So it looks like it will be 14 inch wheels.

cliftyhanger - 8/12/19 at 08:10 AM

Yes, I run 185 60 14 on the spitfire. Amazingly good choice, and also cheap compared to other sizes. Been very happy with my Michelin Crossclimates for all round use, autosolos/trackdays and european touring....

John Bonnett - 8/12/19 at 08:56 AM

quote:
Originally posted by cliftyhanger
Yes, I run 185 60 14 on the spitfire. Amazingly good choice, and also cheap compared to other sizes. Been very happy with my Michelin Crossclimates for all round use, autosolos/trackdays and european touring....



Decision made then Clive. Thank you. Have you found a 14 inch wheel with the Triumph stud pattern or do you use wheel adaptors?

cliftyhanger - 9/12/19 at 07:30 AM

I have a set of minilights, and a set of 80's multispokes (that need a refurb)
Also got a set of 14" steels, from a montego/maestro or indeed mgf spare wheels.

They are available new from midland wheels and others.
With the MGB stud pattern there will be a huge choice, same as a few other manufacturers.