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MG TD TF 1500 - Another question on TD wheel options

In the Brooklands Books 'Gold Portfolio for TD and TF', there is an article about different options for personalizing TDs (some look good, some are bloody awful). I noticed a set of what looks like 1935 Ford wire wheels that appear to go on the stock lug bolts. Anybody heard of or seen any of these on a car or for sale?
T. A. Sorensen

Mr. Sorensen,
Never seen them on a car before. But I made the same enquiry about one year ago. Members of this board supplied me with an e-bay link on which there was an almost identical set of bolt-on wheels for the MG TD for sale. Of course they didn't come up for sale anymore, although I'm frantically on the lookout for them !
The reproduced article in the Brooklands book, comes from "Auto Speed & Sport" from July 1952. On page 39 of this magazine there is an advertisement for these wheels. Apparently they were made/supplied by John C. Mehan Co. of 13323-A Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks California. The advert claims that because of the "advantage of the wide base rims...." tyres may be fitted in "sizes ranging from 4.50 x 16 to 7.50 x 16"
So it seems that these wheels are slightly larger than the originals.
The blue car on the front cover of Auto Speed & Sport,also has these bolt-on wire wheels fitted.

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgtd/Pictures/Magazines/Auto_Jul_52.jpg

Should give a link to the cover...
If you would supply me with your e-mail address I could send you a scanned copy of that advert.
Cheers,
Nick, 52TD/63midget.
D.G.J. Herwegh

There were two or three way to add wire wheels to TD's... that was a method of bolting them on to the existing drums without changing to TF wire hubs...have seen ads (vintage) for them somewhere out there.....
gordon lawson - TD 27667

T.A.: I think the wheels you are refering too are the ones in the lower left corner here:

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgtd/mgtd_accessories_wire_wheels.htm

Click the picture for a larger view

Chris
Chris Couper

Chris, yes, those are the ones I had in mind. Nick, you can reach me at foylesorensen@provide.net. I'll try to do some more digging.

Thanks all,
Tom
T. A. Sorensen

T A Sorenson -- I have seen them on a car at a G.O.F. and they looked pretty good. But I don't now know whether they were 15" or 16", didn't think to look.
Cheers,
Bob
R. K. (Bob) Jeffers

The late Bernie Stellman of the NE MG T Register had a set on his TD many years ago. I don't know what happened to the car after Bernie passed away. ost rack of it and never found out who bought it. His car was black and the wheels were painted red.

George Herschell
George R Herschell

Dayton Wire Wheel also made an after market set that were Knock off wheels with bolt on adapters. These used a number 52 hub.
RG Taylor

So you could go:

Original drums/steel wheels
MG TF splined hubs and TF wire wheels
Splined hub adaptors bolted to original drums/wire wheels(?)
Original drums/Bolt on wire wheels
gordon lawson - TD 27667

Or you can go for that much desired "kit-car-look" ...Crager mags w/white letter tires! LOL There are a couple of "1936 Mercedies" around here like that!
Cheers,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

Can anyone please provide the bolt circle for the TD?

Thanks!
Tom Balutis


TA - I have two sets of aftermarket bolt on wires like the center photo except they are restored and painted original TD wheel colors, not chrome. I believe they were made by Dunlop and are coded and have the original dates on them (1952 or 1953,if I recall) I do NOT know the true origin of this wheel but they came off of a one owner 53 (I still have that car). The really nice thing about them is they have an adaptor that botls to the existing drum and tightens up via a knock off. If you have a spare set of wheels and can convert BACK in about 20 minutes. I would consider selling one set if you are interested. I had 3 sets and sold one to a friend in Cleveland OH last year and you are welcome to contact him about them. These are sets of 5 and have all adaptors and all knock off's. Please cantact me direct thru the above address if you are interested, first come basis. mick
mick c

Here's another source of Wire information: http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgtd/mgtd_history.htm
Click on 'Production Information', then 'Factory Accessories', and then 'Wire Wheels'.
Ron Linden - TD 24972

This thread was discussed between 22/04/2006 and 25/04/2006

MG TD TF 1500 index

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