strength of the Panasport vs Minilite

[h20hamelan]

Hello,
I just noticed I have a few posts open, if someone can fix this. They all could be amalgamated?
I thought I hit the reply button, guess it must have been new post... oops!

I think there may be little if no difference between the width 5" vs 5.5" because the sidewall of tyre will have an effect.

Ultimately if I am spending money, I would prefer the wheel to last, so is there some experience out there pertaining to the strength of the Panasport vs Minilite?

Regards

[holywood3645]

Discussed here

lotus-suspension-f42/minilites-panasports-t25995.html?hilit= Panasport

James

[vstibbard]

I rebuilt car that Gordon drives, its been on road with 6x13" bolt on panasports that are for formula ford ie not road use, they must have done close to 20000 by now with no problems and our roads are rough.
I have a set of spin on panasports which i will be using.
Compared to minilights i have rhey are considerably lighter which is a benefit in terms of suspension unladen weight etc.
I also used these in 14" on alfa 105 race car tht weighed close to 850kgs for 5 years, they were crack tested annually with not issues throughout my ownership, tyres included r series and slicks so any latent weaknesses would have shown.

I would buy them again for road or race use

V

[holywood3645]

Lets face it. Panasports are a ripoff of the Minilite design. Minilights, plus some others are also a rip off. Yes they weigh 1.00 lb more in the knock off form (but you do have full 5 peg engagement)
If you want lightweight, you need to go for Magnesium (30+% lighter) So if your happy with 3 1/2 peg engagement, and want to pay more for copies rather than genuine Minilites, then Panasports are the way to go!

James

I really do not have an issue with bolt on panasports, other than the copy costs more than the orginal. Knock On's... Not so much!

[vstibbard]

Pretty much a moot point as minilites have been made by third party company that went into administration late last year, not aware if production has been moved at this time.
Cheers V

[holywood3645]

Still made in England. Where are the Panasports made ... China or Japan

James

[elansprint71]

In point of fact Minilites were a rip-off of Cooper Car Company wheels, we think the first Cooper set were made as early as 1958.
Various companies have traded under the Minilite banner, several have either gone into administration or been sold as a going concern. Quality has been variable over the years, the magnesium racing wheels were particularly good.
The name Minilite has become one of those "standards", like Biro or Hoover.

[holywood3645]

And Cooper Car Company wheels were a rip off of this eariler design pictured. That were a rip off of even an earilier design.

The OEM in Mesopotamia has been out of business for a few years also.

James

[CG901]

I was interested in this post because I was deciding which mag type wheels to buy for my Elan. I had an older Panasport (sold by Dave Bean in 1988, and still in the original box, new). Also, have a new Minilite (both 5X13).
First was the weight. The Panasport was 11.58 lbs vs. the Minilite at 12.42. There are obvious differences in the design: Panasport has more protruding (outward) spokes, and a taller insert. Also the Panasport has a lipped polished rim. The Minilite seems to be powder coated over its entire surface. It does not have a lip on the rim. The convincing factor for me was price. As of today, the Minilites were 40% less than the Panasports.