I currently have disc wheels on my Sebring 2a, but I am looking for wire wheels. Is this an easy conversion? Anything I need to keep in mind? And can I use the Borranis that came with the Mexico, that are 15" instead of the 16" that originally came on the Sebring? Will I need extra parts for this? And can anyone ballpark the value of a set of used Borranis in good condition? Any help appreciated! Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hi Kimm I did just the opposite when I got my car. I had to change the rear hubs, which were difficult to press off. I remember 13 tons reading on the press when it let go. The rear rotors are drilled differently where they bolt to the hub. There are 8 smaller holes instead of the 4 in the bolt on hubs. You may be able to drill 4 additional holes in your hubs and bush the other 4. You could also check if the later early series Q Porte or a Mistral or maybe a Jaguar XK150 has the same track and swap the rear end. I traded the front hubs and brake rotors with a Q Porte, which were the same. The later Sebring2 came with the same 15" wheels as the Q Portes. You can probably buy new Borrani wheels. Come to think of it there is an outfit in England that sells bolt up hubs, which would save you a huge amount of time and trouble. Google "vintage wire wheels" and you will find them. Rich
Thanks Maserich, I have already contacted a place in the UK which sent me the contact info to a place in Germany that they thought definetly could help with parts for the conversion. You say you did the opposite on your car. Do you prefer the discwheels on the Sebring? Anyone else has experience with converting from discwheels to wirewheels? I have also had a look at the Borrani catalogue, for new wheels, but they seem pretty outrageously expensive, even if they're handmade. Does anyone have any clue to how much one should expect to pay for a set in used but good condition? Kimm.
The wheels are the easy part. you should be able to buy a used set in OK condition for under $5,000. The real problem comes in with the hubs, brackets for mounting the brakes, all need to be correct or you will pull your hair out. Having done it several times I can say with certainty this is not easy. I found the simplest way to do it was to change the complete rear axial from the donor car as well as all the parts from the front of the donor car. As to 15" v 16" - The 15" wheels will require smaller brake rotors so now you are changing the brakes as well. Don't worry though its just $$$. In summery if you are watching your finances learn to love the disc wheels or find a donor car. Ciao, FGM
Thanks for the input. I do love the discwheels also but feel the wirewheels has that something special... If I should look for a donor car, which ones would be the easiest to use? QP1? Thanks again.
Hi Kimm I just have a lifelong dislike of wire wheels. I think they look great on other peoples cars. I just don't want the bother of them on my car. The wire wheel, hub, and knock off are heavier than your present Borranis. Plus the only good wires I have ever had were the ones I had straightened. If you can find a set of Maser wheels they will probably cost $300 to $500 each plus $850 to have each restored. I think we paid $2150 each for a set of new 17" Borannis. I don't know if 16" or 400mm would be less. The outfit in UK is wirewheels.co.uk and they sell Torrino wires. Very nice wheels. They look like Borranis. I don't know what the cost is. It would save you a lot of hassle to buy bolt on hubs and not have to change your whole suspension. The 42 hubs are pretty much universal, except for the knockoff (on) threads, which will differ on some English cars. That being said, 3500, Sebring, Mistral, and Mexico have 54.4" weelbases, though I don't know that they share the same rear ends. Maybe? Enjoy Rich
