New Steel Wheels

[Andy8421]

I have restarted my on again / off again restoration of the '71 Sprint I bought in 1984. I am now collecting parts, and will hopefully have the body off in a month or so. I will endeavour to post pictures as I go along.

I have made the mistake of assuming that available parts would always be available, and I have missed the boat on new steel knock on wheels - the supply seems to have dried up from all of the usual suspects. I have 10 original steel wheels, but I am not happy with the run-out on any of them, and I would like to start with a known quantity.

I have been in contact with a group willing to remanufacture wheels (one of the suppliers who are now out of stock), but they need a run of 50 wheels to make it economically sensible. I need 5, and the supplier has orders for 15 from other buyers and for his own stock. The price is not firm yet, but is likely to be between ?150 and ?200 per wheel.

I have no desire to get into the wheel business, but I offered to try to help the supplier drum up enough interest to get to the minimum number.

I would be grateful if anyone with interest would either PM me, or reply to this posting - or if anyone knows where to get new steel wheels, please let me know.

Andy.

[gherlt]

Hello,
it would be interesting to know what "quality" you are talking about.
The weight would be the same, or are they heavier than original ?
I think at 150 ukp a piece (750 uk for a set of five), that is a lot of money.
I paid for my last set 200 eur, and while not perfect, they are fine and balanced.
500 ukp/600 eur for a new set, that would be the level I would agree to buy one or two sets.

[Iyarno]

Hi Andy

I've just been through a similar process. All I did in the end was buy up all the old wheels I could find and select the best ones. It's ok for now.

I nearly went down the route of getting new rims fitted to the centres. MWS (mwsint.com) can supply new rims and fit to the old centres. They wanted ?90 for fitting a new rim and ?50 for blasting the old centre and powdercoating. By the time VAT is added it works out to be similar to what you're proposing - around ?200 per wheel.

When I've finished everything else on my car and want perfect wheels I'll reconsider this in the future.

I though it might interest you.

Ian

[robertverhey]

There's currently a set of four available down under for $400

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Lotus-Elan-S ... ca6&_uhb=1

If anyone in UK or US is interested I'd be happy to act as freight "go between", will collect them and then assist you to find a reasonable courier price. Will give me an excuse to drive out and have a look at the S4 he's also got listed!

Anyway, pm me if interested

Robert

[NickWilmshurst]

hello,
I'd be interested in 5 wheels - obviously dependant on price.
please keep me informed
thanks
Nick

[robertverhey]

Bump

Wheels i referred to above relisted for $250. Offer to act as go between still stands

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Lotus-Elan-S ... 806&_uhb=1