Original Dunlop wire wheel back set

[blue sky]

Does anyone know the actual back set for an original 6" wide (not the earlier 5 1/2" wide rims) Dunlop wire wheel or have one in there trunk that they can measure? Thanks so much for any help. Regards

[krausewich]

Hey Blue Sky,
You could also give csxinfo.net - -the best original Cobra resource online a shot.
It's owned and maintaned by a few chaps from here. It's
a bit more focused on originals and their histories... That
would be a great fact to turn up!

Good Luck,
Mike.

[Rick Parker]

Same wheels were on some of the later Austin Healeys too.

[LMH]

MWS lists the well-laced 6" wire wheel backspace as 79mm. That wheel is made for the MKII Cobra. I'm not sure if that's exactly the same as an original Dunlop or not though.

Here's how they measure it:


Larry

[Dan Case]

Based on the image Larry posted the average measurement I got on an unmolested wheel was 3.359 inches. (That is an average of several vernier measurements around a single old but true running <inspected for radial and lateral run out with dial indicators as it was slowly turned> painted* wheel.)

* Painted versus chrome plated: I don't have access to an original chrome plated 6" wheel. I know the rim is a different design than the painted counterpart and is stamped with a different part number but I don't know if the offset of the assembly is the same.

[mickmate]

79 mm is 3.11", pretty close. Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades doesn't it ;-) ??

[blue sky]

Thanks guys. Dan was incredibly helpful in getting me measurements in several areas. Larry thanks for the drawing. Wasn't sure where wheel backset on a wire was measured from; whether the rear face of the hub or the furthest rear bearing surface in the hub. Looking at a wheel manufacturer in Britain for some specialty wires and need the wheel specifications to accomodate original suspension pieces. AJ

[LMH]

Hey AJ, you don't happen to be looking at a set of Dunlop alloys do you?
If so, we should talk more!
Larry

[blue sky]

Larry, I am looking at a company in Britain that is manufacturing an alloy rim wire wheel identical to a Borrani. The Dunlop alloys I believe you are referring to is a solid rim. Have an acquaintance in NM that has them on a factory campaigned Tiger. Nice rims. AJ

[LMH]

Yes, the ones I was thinking about are the 10 slot alloy's like 2142 has. I have found a company making them but I would have to have hubs made that fit Cobra as the rims are peg drive. And that has proved to be impossible so far!

Borrani's are beautiful, absolute works of art! I've seen a couple original MK II's with them and they are stunning. FYI, I know I sound like a spokesman for MWS but they sell the three-eared center locking knock off that Borrani's used. They are 8TPI, 42mm as original.

Post a couple pics if these wheels work out for you! I'd love to see them.

Larry

[blue sky]

The Borrani 3 ear knock offs are still available in the various original styles, not cheap in terms of spinners. These may be reproductions, I am not sure but are available here in the states. Supposively Borrani has new owners again. Moss Motors also has a 3 ear one that is very nice in both course and fine thread.

[blue sky]

Larry, I don't know what kind of suspension you are using but there is a person out here that makes hubs for Cobra's that I believe could provide the wider pin drive you require for the alloy Dunlops. Don't know the specifics of the rim. Only saw them once on a car that was in a shop next to mine. Drop me an email and I might be able to point you in a helpful direction. AJ