Knockons, imitations or Minilites wheels?

[Ant]

An old issue that has been posted many times previously!

Knockon wheels, that is going to cost me an additional NZ$4K more than the actual wheels, the $4k includes hub, nut and spare (4) winged forged alloy fasteners, I am thinking why when they apparently come loose, or seize up are hard to line up the dowells, but having had them - they look great!

Second option is high quality one or three piece Cobra wheel, but forget the spinner and maybe replace the center imitation thingey with small nut and even Cobra badge, because I hate imitations!

Thirdly a friend of mine who worked for Holman & Moody, NASCAR and DJR in Aussie came around to see me commented why not think outside the square and go for Minilites or something else, a lot of Transam Mustangs, Camaro's plus a heap of UK racing cars have run these and they look great on most cars.

I can understand if you own a Kirkham or some other very very good replica then yes follow the plan.
My car #3 isn't just the old bathtub glass half finished lookalike, its following a strong original theme, but with a few subtle improvements.
I know if I dont fit knockons that whenever I walk past it I will say I wish they were real, but if I fit a totally different wheel then - maybe no problem?

Gee this is going to be difficult until a committment is made financially!!

Thanks for listening to me - Ant

[Aussie Mike]

I like the look of the American Racing torque thrust D for a traditional look that isn't a Halibrand. These are the wheels used on the Bullitt 390 GT mustang.

The other one I like is the 200S. This was a popular mag wheel from late 60's early 70's (I think). They certainly look good on Mustangs and Camaros. These are pollished but the originals had a rough as cast finish on the center. And in the original magnesium the center used to go a nice yellow tinge.

http://www.americanracing.com/wheels...e=Torq-ThrustD
http://www.americanracing.com/wheels...d&picture=200S






Cheers

[Ant]

Thanks Mike for the pictures, they look real good!
I still prefer the Cobra style wheel, but as mentioned can't be bothered with all the knockon bull****, when five studs are far better and safer!
I think I am having a day of sanity to say that about knockons, that makes a difference from craving for them every other day!

Arrow wheels here, make high quality Cobra three piece.
Almac Cars, Grahame Berry Race Cars gets a one piece cast up, which is quite a bit cheaper than the Arrow. I am a bit hesitant on one piece castings as about 12 years back a company here cast up wheels and you have to seal them on the inside so they can hold air. I had a friend who Xrayed them and found some much porosity - they were sh%t!

Cheers Ant

[BevanWright]

Anthony, when I bought the Cobra from you I too had hassles with the wheels getting jammed on (mainly on the back), hard to get on etc etc, and tracked it down to two simple problems. Firstly the bolts that held the knock on adaptors were ever so slightly proud of the pins that slide into the wheels, meaning that the wheel was actually locating on a hex head bolt. Simple solution was to file the bolt slightly, now easy on, easy off. The other problem was cured by cleaning the threads thoroughly and putting a graphite grease on the threads. This stopped the knockons grabbing and much easier moving.

I have raced the car a lot over the years, and never had a nut loosen off, including lots of high speed, lots of wheelspin, offroad excursions, so I would have no hesitation in using the knockons again. They are much faster to remove and re-install too!

I do like the idea of minilites tho - I think they would look really good on a Cobra, and have considered replacing my centres as well. Minilites and knockons - even better!

Cheers
Bevan

[paul cass]

ant
when i first built my cobra i chose the mini lites. the cost and being a little differnt were the primary reason. the company that built mine is no longer in business, however i have seen other wheels but am not sure of their construction. if you'd like to see what thely look like on a cobra you can view mine by going to the gallery, clubs, texas cobra club and then look for a viking blue cobra with a red stripe across the nose. the picture is probably on page 2 or 3. good luck in your search.
paul

[Ant]

Thanks Bevan I sent you an email before looking at your post, I will probably end up with Knockons and Arrow wheels in 16X8, 16X10 sizings.

Have you ever purchased any of the knockon spinners?


Paul:
Will check your picts out!

[Ant]

Minilites:
Hi Paul your car looks great, are the wheels magnesium or alloy, I think I would be quite happy with alloy!

Cheers Ant

[paul cass]

ant
i believe they are alloy. they are 7 years old and the company out of new york that used to make them closed down. originally, shell valley offered the wheels. i have seen similar wheels offered in some of the wheel mags.
paul