Magnesium wheels suitable for the street?

[trough doctor]

I just recently aquired a 1977 caterham with lotus twin cam. The car came with 13 x 5.5 magnesium minilites with 185 70 tires. The bolt pattern is 4 x 4.25 and not sure of the back space. I do know the back space it is a lot less than the options Ive been looking at

(focus mustang etc.) I would like to find a 14" wheel or possibly 15" without replacing the wheel studs for longer one and using spacers. Any suggestions? I' ve been told that I should'nt use my magnesium wheels on the street. Is the material just too unstable (pot holes etc)?

 

Thanks

[timax]

Magnesium minilites were used on rally cars so they are plenty strong enough. It comes down to condition. They corrode leaving a white dust. If you want to use them , have them x ray checked then painted with a good quality paint to keep them perfect.

On a light car you will need to replace them with another light wheel to maintain the feel behind the wheel.

Tim

[twobone]

If you decide to sell them we should talk

 

Mike

[trough doctor]

Thanks timax, I will most likely keep these wheels for the street as finding an inexpensive used set seems unlikely. Sorry twobone.

[Ian7]

The vintage Formula Ford crowd would pay dearly for those rims if they are in good or restorable condition. :-)

[trough doctor]

What is typical selling price for set in good condition? I did not see any markings on the one wheel I took off, but did burn some sanding dust and it went up like a sparkler. Compared my magnesium 185 70 13 to a 205 60 13 aluminum wheel and the mag wheel seemed like half the weight or less.

[TheDingo8MyBaby]

troughdoctor: Ian may be able to suggest going prices - but I'd suggest asking on apexspeed.com forums.

 

Magnesium wheels are approximately 20-30% lighter. Comparing wheel weights with different tires is useless as you never really know how much weight comes from the tire. Magnesium is not a great choice for a street wheel as they tend to be light as possible (not meant for potholes), they tend to become brittle and are prone to corrosion. At least on a race car they are (hopefully) crack checked from time to time.

 

Sorry about wheel choices for 4x4.25. There are not many.