Silverstones, as the model was called, were offered as a factory accessory
in aluminum....I have brochures that list them. But for a TR250 they would
have been 5 inches in width. Other aluminum widths up to 7 inches were
manufactured and magnesiums were offered at least up to 6 inch widths but as
competition department parts. I bought several sets that way. Some I still
have new in the box yet.
The fair market value depends on the users intent as well. If to actually be
driven on the street I would not risk the magnesium wheels. Aluminum is
tougher although a tad heavier but better for street. In either case the last
three sets of these I bought I had crack tested. I bought them anyways but
they set the value and determine if you really want to run them or show them.
A simple test on magnesium wheels, if bare, is pour water on them in the sun
and watch for the reactive bubbling in the crack sites......you can't miss
it. Of course black lite and dye pen is still best.....and if serious...go
for xray (actually available at better inspection houses). Then you'll know
what kind of cheese you are buying.
A set of "nice" 8 spoke five inchers in aluminum will bring about $800....5
1/2 inch magnesiums if "nice" about a grand. 6 inch magnesiums can bring as
much as $500 each in fine shape to $200 each in fair condition. 7 inchers are
scarce as hens teeth.
Nice means presentable as coated or stripped and the inner rim will polish
professionally. Nice usually means some scuffing of the outer rim that will
"blend" if polished. The back sides usually have scores from the upper a-arms
rubbing with anything 5 1/2 inch or more ....even with proper offset. (always
polish or grind off the corners of the a-arms before installing precious
aluminum rims. the rims always lose otherwise. and reset the hub bearing
float....flex will eat a lot of aluminum before you know it)..
But they do get more scarce and precious each day and more and more folks are
settling for the silverstone replicas Moss and others sell....going to
Panasports....or finding the 4 spoke TR6 Libre American Factory (Com Parts
Dept) accessory mag.
Nice find for the purist tho......let us know what the market brings.
Cheers!!
Bill Burroughs, #195 1965 TR4A IRS
E Ticket Triumphs
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