Replacement wheels for my S2

PostPost by: CG901 » Fri Mar 05, 2021 12:54 am

My original (from 1964) bolt-on steel wheels are no longer road worthy. I am told it's not wise to straighten or refurbish as the steel and rivets are weakened over time.
What are my options to replace?
They should be 13x4-1/2" but is this size made by any aftermarket companies in bolt-on?
Any recommendations are appreciated.
Current: 1965 S1.5 26/4004, 1966 S3 FHC 36/5192, 1958 Fiat Abarth 750GT Zagato, 1967 Brabham BT21B, 1988 Arrows A10B-04, 1991 Brun C91-001.
Past: 1971 Elan S4/SE DHC, 1972 Europa Special, 1980 Esprit Turbo, 1988 March 881-05, 1990 Leyton House CG90105
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PostPost by: bitsobrits » Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:19 am

If the originals are not cracked (around the bolt holes) the wheels can be trued, the rivets re-set, and/or the wheel centers can be welded to the rim so the rivets are not an issue.
Steve

Elan S1 1963-Bourne bodied
Elan S3 1967 FHC pre airflow

Formerly:
Elan S1 1964
Elan S3 1966 FHC pre airflow
Elan S3 1967 FHC airflow
Elan S4 1969 FHC
Europa S2 1970
Esprit S2 1979
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PostPost by: CG901 » Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:39 am

there are no cracks around the bolt holes. Anybody know of a wheel shop that can do this in the San Francisco Bay area? So far, none of our wheel shops do this. Thanks
Current: 1965 S1.5 26/4004, 1966 S3 FHC 36/5192, 1958 Fiat Abarth 750GT Zagato, 1967 Brabham BT21B, 1988 Arrows A10B-04, 1991 Brun C91-001.
Past: 1971 Elan S4/SE DHC, 1972 Europa Special, 1980 Esprit Turbo, 1988 March 881-05, 1990 Leyton House CG90105
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PostPost by: StressCraxx » Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:57 am

Here is one I used several years ago. The tires must be removed before he will work on them.
He straightened mine out pretty well. They were ok for a while but eventually went out of true from use. He remarked how easy they were to straighten with his machine.


Rite-Way Wheel
Address: 1119 Alpine Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, United States

Phone: +1 925 933 4046
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PostPost by: CG901 » Fri Mar 05, 2021 2:31 am

StressCraxx - thank you
Current: 1965 S1.5 26/4004, 1966 S3 FHC 36/5192, 1958 Fiat Abarth 750GT Zagato, 1967 Brabham BT21B, 1988 Arrows A10B-04, 1991 Brun C91-001.
Past: 1971 Elan S4/SE DHC, 1972 Europa Special, 1980 Esprit Turbo, 1988 March 881-05, 1990 Leyton House CG90105
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PostPost by: StressCraxx » Fri Mar 05, 2021 3:41 am

CG,
If I could add, I recommend having your tires mounted by a shop like Roger Kraus Racing in Castro Valley. His tire machine clamps the back of the rim and the machine does not touch outer rim half while mounting the tire. That way there is less stress on the rim during mounting and hopefully your wheels will stay true.

Best of luck.
There is no cure for Lotus, only treatment.
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PostPost by: h20hamelan » Fri Mar 05, 2021 3:43 pm

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PostPost by: Elan45 » Sun Mar 07, 2021 12:40 am

You've got an interesting collection there. I have some rusted rim KO Elan wheels that were given to me and I took them with the idea that I would grind and punch out the rivets and salvage the centers, then have new rims fitted. I started on the project, but its a real b*t*h to get them apart.

A friend has had custom steel wheels made in the US several times. I'll check with him for the source if you're interested.

Roger
'67 Elan S3 SS DHC
'67 Elan FHC pre-airflow
'67 Elan S3 SE upgrade to 26R by Original owner
'58 Eleven S2 (ex-works)
'62 20/22 FJ (ex-Yamura)
'70 Elan +2S RHD
'61 20 FJ project
'76 Modus M1 F3
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