|
|
|
|
|
Now that the Midget has another 12 months ticket, I can crack on with this years bits and bobs in time for that small car show in August.....
I have a 1975 Square Arch Midget, and the pan is to cut away the rear square arches and fit a pair of fibreglass arches over the top (supplied by Mr LowStandards). easily done, and I'll then need to source a pair for the front.
My main thing is then wheels - 4x4" PCD (or 4x101.6mm), which is the same as, amongst others, a classic Mini. And as classic mini wheels are the most common available second hand, I figured a set of these in a wider fitment would do the trick (probably 6" wide, should clear the arches OK) I'm aiming for a 13" rim, same as is on there currently, but a bit wider to fill the new arches.
Does anyone have any experience as to whether mini wheels fit though?
I'm mainly concerned as to whether the mini offset will be close enough to clear the rear suspension components & inner arch - the front should be OK as there's plenty of room....
And as is traditional, here's some inspiration which is what set me of to begin with...
|
| |
|
|
|
|
adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 4,867
Club RR Member Number: 58
Member is Online
|
|
|
|
Watch out when cutting the arches, I believe the squared off arches were added to the Midget for body strength. So there may be a chance of losing some chassis rigidity, worth checking out  |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I think the SWA shell was reinstated at the same time as the federalised cars were put into production i.e. the rubber bumper jobbies for the US Market - the SWA performed better in a rear end shunt and therefore passed the regs in the US.
I don't believe cutting them up will cause chassis flex, and since both sides are rotten anyway I'm not losing a great deal by cutting them out...
I've asked in the past over on MG Experience, but they're more US based and as such Mini's are an unknown quantity to them...!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I doubt Mini wheels will be suitable without spacers as the offset is quite a bit for the FWD set-up. Just the same as conversely Midget wheels aren't suitable for a Mini.
|
| |
|
|
Ryannn
Posted a lot
Posts: 2,421
|
|
|
|
|
My mini has 13x7 wheels on and they're pretty much ET0 offset. You'll probably have to get measuring!
|
| |
|
|
adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 4,867
Club RR Member Number: 58
Member is Online
|
|
|
|
I think the SWA shell was reinstated at the same time as the federalised cars were put into production i.e. the rubber bumper jobbies for the US Market - the SWA performed better in a rear end shunt and therefore passed the regs in the US. I don't believe cutting them up will cause chassis flex, and since both sides are rotten anyway I'm not losing a great deal by cutting them out... I've asked in the past over on MG Experience, but they're more US based and as such Mini's are an unknown quantity to them...! Ah fair enough, sounds like you're better clued up than I am! What sort of offset do Midgets usually run? some of the wheels to suit the wide arched minis are probably pretty low offset I'd imagine I tried to find some more inspiration pics    Not a Midget but it looks cool so shhhh   |
| |
|
|
rxv8
Part of things
Posts: 412
|
|
|
|
|
Awesome thread anymore pics...
|
| |
|
|
bazzateer
Posted a lot
Imping along sans Vogue
Posts: 3,653
|
|
Jan 10, 2015 15:40:58 GMT
|
|
Not sure but from memory my old Sprite hubs had thicker studs than Mini ones so your potential Mini wheel may not fit on the Spridget studs?
You can also look at wheels for Imps, early Vivas etc.
|
| |
1968 Singer Chamois Sport
1972 Sunbeam Imp Sport
1976 Datsun 260Z 2+2
1998 Peugeot Boxer Pilote motorhome
2003 Rover 75 1.8 Club SE (daily)
2006 MG ZT 190+ (another daily)
2007 BMW 530d Touring M Sport (tow car)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I think Mini wheels might be out then if the offset is all wrong :-(
As well as Viva, Imp, Minor and Sprite wheels, are there any other used options i can search for?
I guess there is the banded rostyle option...?
|
| |
|
|
adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 4,867
Club RR Member Number: 58
Member is Online
|
|
Jan 11, 2015 10:05:38 GMT
|
|
Would 4x100 wheels with wobble bolts be an option? Unless you've got studs already I suppose..
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 11, 2015 17:34:44 GMT
|
|
Alas i have studs on the hub; i did consider 4x100 wheels and machining them to fit, but its not something i could tackle myself anyway :-(
|
| |
|
|
Nathan
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 5,626
Club RR Member Number: 1
|
Midget arches & wheels - help!Nathan
@bgtmidget7476
Club Retro Rides Member 1
|
Jan 12, 2015 14:42:44 GMT
|
|
Cutting them wont cause any movement, if you look in the boot area there is 2 legs that run the length then down to the forward rear spring hangers.
I had both rear wings off and the car loaded fool of tools and parts when we moved, that sort of weight and if they were part of the overall structure should have caused flex.
Reminds me I must continue on that Build, she's currently under a tarp around the back of the house.
|
| |
|
|
