Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi

Please could anyone let me know the sizes of wheels made for all moggies?

I need to see if my wheels are the right ones for my hubs.

Assuming I've got the right hubs!



Many thanks

Yours should be very easy to see. Measure the distance between two holes in the wheel. If it is 4,5" you have the right ones, if they are 4", then they are the later type (1953 onwards)

Do give me a ring if you want to know exactly what to measure

Can I ask why you would think you have the wrong wheels ?
Looking at your signature photo, you have Series MM wheels with Morris 1100 hubcaps - is that right ?

Scott wrote:Can I ask why you would think you have the wrong wheels ?
Looking at your signature photo, you have Series MM wheels with Morris 1100 hubcaps - is that right ?

Morris 1100 hubcaps, shame on me

Hi there Scott,

Seems like I might just have the wrong size bolts!

But, when checking wheel bearings earlier in the year I found I had a MM bearing on one side and a different one on the other side. With updated swivelpins too. Can't remember the details right now. So I wondered just what has been added to the beast.

Onne says his have larger heads than mine by a couple of mm. Would make perfect sense. I am going to try his ones on my wheels.

Does this make sense to you?

Did the bolt head sizes [assuming it is just the head and not the thread size as well] change at a particular time in the history of the MM's?

Thanks.

The threads are different on the smaller wheel bolts. I'm pretty sure the small head wheel bolts are UNF.
I don't think I've come across them out here but then I haven't had much to do with the late Series MMs & early SIIs.

I'll have to check when the changeover was.

Squiggle wrote:Morris 1100 hubcaps, shame on me

Scott wrote:The threads are different on the smaller wheel bolts. I'm pretty sure the small head wheel bolts are UNF.
I don't think I've come across them out here but then I haven't had much to do with the late Series MMs & early SIIs.

I'll have to check when the changeover was.

Squiggle wrote:Morris 1100 hubcaps, shame on me

Sept 1950!

Squiggle wrote:Sept 1950!

Thanks, I didn't get a chance to check last night (the pub sounded better ).
I wouldn't have thought it was that early. I was thinking mid '51 maybe.

I had a '52 a while ago (SII body but sidevalve engine) but I can't recall what size bolts were fitted.

Maybe they changed over later in Australia. When all the UK leftovers were used

Hi there
Just got in from messing about in the garage checking wheel bolt sizes.

The Series MM before car no. 131858 uses BSF wheel bolt threads but as your car is later than that forget it unless someone gives you a back axle or some brake drums.

After 131858 the MM uses wheel bolts with 7/16 UNF threads and normally 5/8 A/F heads which cause problems as they are too small and wear the holes in the wheels. Also available were 7/16 UNF bolts with 3/8 Whitworth heads (= 11/16-3/4 A/F) which solved the problem, although getting hold of 16 of these bolts could be tricky. Incidently the 1000 also uses 3/8 Whit wheel nuts but on 3/8 UNF studs.

The Austin Maxi also used 7/16 UNF wheel studs but with 3/4 A/F wheel nuts which do a really good job of tightening the wheel. Snag is Austin Maxis are a bit thin on the ground due to 1970s B.L. rust. However there must be other cars out there which used the same wheel nuts.
If anyone has access to a 1960s- 70s B.L. car, i.e. Marina, MGB, 1800, Oxford etc. I would appreciate a responce as to whether their wheel nuts screw onto a late Series MM wheel bolt.

Solution:- Having aquired 16 compatable wheel nuts also aquire 16 x 7/16 x 1 1/2 in long bolts and cut the heads off. Having removed the brake drums from the car, oil the bolt threads and holes and screw the bolts into the holes in the drums from the inside outwards. Leave about 1/8 in protruding on the inside and peen this over with a hammer. Fit two wheel nuts onto the bolt and draw the bolt through tight. Weld the bolts to the inside of the drum to stop them unscrewing.
Refit brake drum, refit wheel with new wheel nuts and replace hub caps and nobody will know the difference.

Alternatively I may find out how much it costs to have a set of large headed wheel bolts made up but I think that may be expensive.

Proof read above for third time. Bolt size should be 7/16 UNF x 1 1/2 inch.

ESM stock the 7/16 UNF bolt with 3/4AF head, £3,95 each I think

Sounds like the solution, Onne.
However check that the bolt length is the same or it will foul the brakes.
If the bolt has to be shortened don't forget to screw a nut onto the thread first otherwise you will b----r the end of thread.
Michael
Series MM Registrar

mike.perry wrote:Sounds like the solution, Onne.
However check that the bolt length is the same or it will foul the brakes.
If the bolt has to be shortened don't forget to screw a nut onto the thread first otherwise you will b----r the end of thread.
Michael
Series MM Registrar

Thanks to everyone who replied and researched. And to JLH in particular who researched it and referred me to ESM.

Just ordered a set from ESM. Bolts are same length but I still need better wheels.

Bit safer for now but looking for a solution re the worn holes....

Great teamwork and much appreciated.

Been away for a bit & lost my access to the MMOC site for a bit but I'm b a c k .

Squiggle wrote:Bit safer for now but looking for a solution re the worn holes....

Years ago, one of our older club members mentioned to me what they used to do for this problem. He fitted washers under the wheel bolts then tightened up the bolt. This squashed the washer into a cone shape & filled the worn wheel bolt recess.
I think he mentioned that he then tack welded these in place.

I noticed that the wheel bolt heads were sinking a bit into the wheels & I fitted the washers to mine. I haven't tacked mine on but they have done a good job in the 7-8 years that they've been on.

I wouldn't say that it's the most ideal solution but it appears to work OK. I'd check your wheels thoroughly for cracks around the bolt holes - I've had to weld up a couple of mine.

BTW, what have I missed - I notice Onne is now a mod & is plugging JLH .

Told you Scott would know about the washer trick . Oh, and Onne's NOT 'plugging JLH' - not on MY watch...

bigginger wrote:Oh, and Onne's NOT 'plugging JLH' - not on MY watch...

It's pretty close to one .
It must be a dream (or fantasy ) come true for Onne .