Minilite
wheels for an RV8
The
original Minilite wheel, made in magnesium, was probably the
most successful competition wheel in the 1960s and 70s, winning
races and rallies on a variety of different cars. Now the same
wheel is being produced in an affordable aluminium alloy to
that original design. Manufactured in the UK, Tech Del Minilite
wheels are low pressure die cast, pressure tested, batch x-rayed
and machined using the latest computer controlled equipment.
Although Minilite wheels were originally designed for racing
and rallying, their good looks ensured that they were soon seen
on road cars as well. They are available today for a wide range
of historic and classic cars - style is never out of fashion.
There are replacement wheels described as "minilites"
which appear similar to genuine Minilites but are not, so do
check before you buy so you know what you are getting in terms
of brand, quality and original style.
Updated: 290311
Posted: 170311
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Copyright
acknowledged for DC Clubbe and Minilite
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RV8
wheels fitted as original equipment
From the RV8 Repair Manual AKM7153ENG (General Data
3) the original equipment fitted to the RV8 were
6J x 15 alloy wheels to suit a ventilated disc (270mm
diameter) with a four pot brake caliper. Because
the RV8 calipers are different to those fitted to
an MGB andf MGBGTV8, a replacement wheel for the
RV8 would need a different offset to clear the caliper.
Offset and Backspace calculation
Almost all Minilite wheels are cast as blanks
and the company is able to machine a variety of
PCDs (stud/bolt patterns) and offsets. The offset
is calculated from the centre line of the wheel
to the back face of the wheel; a backface in line
with the centre of the wheel is zero offset. If
the backface is forward of this line towards the
front of the wheel, it is a positive offset and
toward the rear of the wheel from the centre line
is a negative offset. Offset can be calculated using
the advice in the diagram available on the US Minilite
website. More |
Update
from John Targett
John reports that following a visit to Clive Wheatley
mgv8parts last week he had the opportunity to measure
the wheels on an RV8 and says the Minilite 15 x
6 wheels with an 8mm offset (for the brake calipers)
will fit the MG RV8 model. He says they are MagStyle
Minilites which can be supplied to order by Minilite
in aluminium and look like the original. He adds
the calipers do come out a long way when compared
with an MGB so the suggestion that the set up is
the same as that on an MGB is not correct. The owners
of Minilite also own the Minator brand. 290311 |
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