At 10:32 PM 7/24/97 -0400, John Bittner wrote:
>First of all, thanks to all of you who responded to my query about MGA
>instrument panels.
>I am looking at a buying a restored '58 MGA. It's a beautiful car . . .
>but . . . it has steel wheels and I really like wires. What are my
>options? Your thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
Aha! My favorite subject...!
Wire wheels are in the eyes of the beholder, IMHO. After chasing down a set
of chrome/stainless 72-spoke Daytons for DOS' car (Donna-Owner-Sister, as
she is known here) and after having accidentally run over a curb that
shouldn't have been where it was (honest!!) and after having driven some
great roads in the lower 48, Alaska and Canada, this is my advice to you,
John:
If you want to drive the car, really drive it, stick with steel wheels.
Wire wheels are pretty. But...when that curb jumped up in front of me, I
about had a seizure... I didn't hurt the new wheel, but I was surely
nervous about it.
I drove home about 90 miles of ranch roads yesterday, and was a bit
apprehensive. If I'd had steel wheels, I wouldn't have worried one whit
about the road or the roughness of same, and would have enjoyed the
twisty-turneys much more than I did.
And don't forget, you will be changing out hubs to install the wires. (If
you do that, would you send me your current hubs??!) We replaced two rear
hubs on Darlin' to protect the investment in the new wire wheels. Not an
inexpensive proposition.
Wire vs. steel wheels is like paint colors, in my opinion. You do what
pleases YOU. You're paying for it and you're driving the car. You are doing
it for you (and yours), and not for anybody else. I don't have a show car,
and doubt if I ever will have one, so... Passing on the advice I was given
here last fall: Have it your way!
I am only relating my experience...as limited as it is.
[The above message was written in all sincerity, so please insert happy
emoticons as necessary.]
Carol
|