Benj
To answer your questions:
Yes, you need tubes with wire wheels.
About where to go so they don't ruin your wire wheels... Get a referal from
another wire wheel owner about a shop (a local MG club would be of use here).
Failing that, go to a reputable store, NTW, Sears, etc. and ask to see the
store manager. Tell him about your concerns and see how accomodating he may
be. Your the customer and you're asking for some special service. You
shouldn't have to pay extra for it either.
At a store here in Dallas, the manager said he would unmount and remount them
himself (he came up through the ranks). Make sure they will let you be there
(insurance liabilities, policies,etc.) to watch. Ask questions. Stop them if
you become uncomfortable!
Understand, though, that if your wheels are old, you may find that they are
not true and then you will have to deal with that. When they put the wheeel
on the balancer, not only will your see how much weight they need to balance,
you will also see the amount of "run-out". This is the amount of wobble they
have. You don't want much. My opinion would be 1/8" maximum. This can occur
as an up and down motion or sideways or any combination. There are shops that
will tune your wheels if you've got one that's out. Also, have them put the
weights only on the inside for appearances.
Go ahead, find that cooperative store manager, say a prayer and proceed.
There may be no complications or you may find out something you really need
to know anyway.
R. Johnson - Dallas
Three MG's, two sets of wire wheels, 10 years experience
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