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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Frog wheels

especially for Guy - are 2 of these correct? (the 3rd looks odd).
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/302234983720
davidsmith

Thanks David. The third one is definitely the odd one out! The holes in the outer ring are smaller, and it is missing the 2 brake adjustment holes.

But thanks for the alert.
GuyW

Four strengthening dishes rather than eight little ones, too. Did later cars have wheels like the third type?
Nick and Cherry Scoop

I wonder if the third one comes off a Turner or Fairthorpe. Also beware some of these old wheels can be buckled. I had 7 wheels but only 5 were buckle free!
Bob Beaumont

The only difference in MkI wheels were the early ones were riveted and the later ones were welded. This carried over into MkII until the 1098 had a slotted design eliminating the holes.
J Bubela

According to Terry Horler's book there was another difference -
" The wheels were again strengthened at chassis number AN5-39224 (May 1960), the hub face pressing having larger radiating ribs where it formed into the hub cap mating ring"

And to my surprise it continues - "Wire wheels were never offered as an option by the factory ...".

On the "Production Changes" (by chassis number) list it has -
"39224 (May 1960)
Road wheels improved with larger hub ribbing and repositioned vent holes.".

Original Sprite & midget The Restorers Guide by Terry Horler
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1906133336
Nigel Atkins

You also have to be careful, as one 'specialist' used to buy A35 wheels (narrower & rivetted) and have holes drilled in them, then sell them as Frogeye wheels.
Dave O'Neill 2

I presume that extra strengthening is the difference one can see in the centre hub ribs between wheels 1 & 2.

Nigel, Frogs never came from the factory with wire wheels
GuyW

Studying a few photos, I don't think any of those in the e-bay advert are correct Frog wheels. The correct ones have the ring of holes positioned so that one aligns with each of the the hub cap retaining mushrooms. And they should also centre on each of the webs connecting to the rim. I suspect those are either drilled, or are from some other car.

If interested in interpreting this somewhat anal detail, Horler's book, page 41 is the clearest photo I can find, but there are lots of others confirming the same layout.

Addendum:
These are correct, but too pricey for me!
http://tinyurl.com/j482wou
GuyW

Guy,
I meant that Frogs never left factory with w/w, also I was surprised they weren't a factory option either.

I was hoping to find a photo of the difference Terry put of the hub face pressings but the photos are all with hub caps fitted.

I must admit I thought there was a difference in ventilation holes on the wheels so looked in Terry book (later wheels I know as I bought the last NOS AH Spares had on my previous Spridget, I was told me on the phone they had a full set and when I got there they'd only got three, typical traditional store man he didn't apologise.
Nigel Atkins

possibles?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/302236019240

note that seller doesn't know how to correctly measure wheel rims, they appear to be 5.5 x 13
davidsmith

That's pierre lacquoix'so car on the photo. He's a good guy.
G Lazarus

This thread was discussed between 28/02/2017 and 01/03/2017

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.