Alloy wheels-Minilite or alternatives

[alanr]

I am linterested in some alloy wheels for my +2 and I see that Minilite as a manufacturer of alloy wheels in the uk appear to no longer exist?
A couple of years ago they were manufacturing Minilites in Telford UK but no longer it seems.
Lots of people advertising what I think are chinese Minilte copies for other makes but I am only interested in genuine Minilites.
Does anyone have any further information or suggestions maybe for alternative alloys?

Alan.

[TWebb]

Check out Panasport. I've been very happy with their product.

www.panasport.com

[alanr]

Check out Panasport. I've been very happy with their product.

http://www.panasport.com

Hi,
Hadn't thought about Panasport. Unsure if they are available in 5.5J width for a +2 here in the UK though.
I will investigate...Thanks for the idea.

Alan.

[elans3]

https://hamiltonclassic.co.uk/collectio ... ite-wheels
Looks like Hamilton Classics are now either the sole distributor for Minilite, or indeed have bought them out ?
Worth a call.....

[berni29]

Hi

Minilites look great on +2's. And Europas. Just make sure you get the offset correct.

All the best

Berni

[alan.barker]

They look good on my Sprint toooo
Alan

[alanr]

Yes I am sure Minilites are what I want but where to get them from and what offset is the question.
For a +2 I think I need 14''x6J's with a 110mm offset but uncertain of this also if I will need to convert to a 2.25'' rear spring setup in order to accomodate that size? Then there is what size/make of tyre to use with that size wheel to keep as close to original diameter as possible?
13''x5.5J alloys as original size will need a slice off the wishbones I understand which I don't want to do.

The main issue though is that genuine Minilites don't appear to be manufactured in the UK anymore?...Can anyone confirm this. I do not want to buy what I think is now being sold as a 'Minilite' which is made in China.

Alan.

[khamai]

Check out Panasport. I've been very happy with their product.

http://www.panasport.com

Hi,
Hadn't thought about Panasport. Unsure if they are available in 5.5J width for a +2 here in the UK though.
I will investigate...Thanks for the idea.

Alan.

The Panasport centerlock wheels are 5.0J width. More information about the spec for these wheels here - https://gglotus.org/ggtech/elan-panasport/elanwhls.htm

Kiyoshi

[alanr]

Thanks for that article..
Yes 5J is not wide enough for a +2.
As original spec the +2 has 5.5J wheels which I don't think Panasport do. Well if they do they aren't available in the UK.
I have 13x5.5 steel wheels presently but 13x5.5 alloys are thicker on the rim edge so will not clear the wishbone without some grinding of the wishbone and bolthead.

Alan.

[alan.barker]

Use the same off set as the Lotus Alloys for +2. 51/2 J
Alan

[alanr]

Use the same off set as the Lotus Alloys for +2. 51/2 J
Alan

Hi Alan,
Are you suggesting to use the same offset on a 14inch rim as on a 13inch rim? I am not sure how that will work out? It may do. I just don't know and before I part with my cash i need to be absolutely sure.
Do you happen to know what the offset is for the +2 13inch original spec alloy wheel? It can't be the same as a 5.5J 13inch steel wheel otherwise they would have rubbed on the wishbone as original spec. Unless of course the original spec alloy rim was very thin like a steel wheel however I suspect not.
The problem is I don't have a 13inch 5.5J alloy to measure or look at unfortunately, I only have a steel one.

Alan.

[alan.barker]

I don't know anything about the 14" wheels.
For the 13" wheels i sold my 1973 +2S130 which had Lotus alloy wheels several years ago.
I imagine someone here can take a quick measure of their spare Lotus alloy wheel.
Here in France for the MOT the car won't pass with different size Wheels than original.
Alan

[elans3]

Yes I am sure Minilites are what I want but where to get them from and what offset is the question.
For a +2 I think I need 14''x6J's with a 110mm offset but uncertain of this also if I will need to convert to a 2.25'' rear spring setup in order to accomodate that size? Then there is what size/make of tyre to use with that size wheel to keep as close to original diameter as possible?
13''x5.5J alloys as original size will need a slice off the wishbones I understand which I don't want to do.

The main issue though is that genuine Minilites don't appear to be manufactured in the UK anymore?...Can anyone confirm this. I do not want to buy what I think is now being sold as a 'Minilite' which is made in China.

Alan.

Did you speak to Hamilton Classic and ask them where the Minilites that they are selling are made ?

[alanr]

Yes I am sure Minilites are what I want but where to get them from and what offset is the question.
For a +2 I think I need 14''x6J's with a 110mm offset but uncertain of this also if I will need to convert to a 2.25'' rear spring setup in order to accomodate that size? Then there is what size/make of tyre to use with that size wheel to keep as close to original diameter as possible?
13''x5.5J alloys as original size will need a slice off the wishbones I understand which I don't want to do.

The main issue though is that genuine Minilites don't appear to be manufactured in the UK anymore?...Can anyone confirm this. I do not want to buy what I think is now being sold as a 'Minilite' which is made in China.

Alan.

Did you speak to Hamilton Classic and ask them where the Minilites that they are selling are made ?

Not yet, not open today..A job for Tuesday, UK Bank holiday on Monday.

Alan.

[alanr]

Well having done some digging around the internet....It seems there is no such thing as a genuine Minilite wheel anymore and hasn't been for some years now!

Minillite it is now just a name for style or a type or pattern of wheel made by anyone. So what one retail supplier sells as a Minilite wheel is not necessarily the same as a Minilite wheel sold by another retail supply company.
It seems anyone can now make an aftermarket alloy wheel of whatever quality for a car and call it a Minilite!
All not very reassuring to guarantee any level of standard product quality.
Tech Del I thought made the original' Minilite' wheel but not so it seems and I suspect they don't make them anymore anyway.
The name 'Minilite' was challenged in court some years ago it seems, have a read of this doc below.:-

https://www.ipo.gov.uk/t-challenge-deci ... o23298.pdf

Quite where this now leaves me in my quest to buy some alloy wheels for my +2 I am not sure yet.

Alan.