Australian
Classic Wire Wheels

Fitment Guide

Austin Healey 3000 Mk I, II & III (BN7, BT7, BJ7 & BJ8)

Body Two-door Roadster
Engine
2912 cc / 6 cylinder
Year 1959 - 1968

Wheels

Original XW450
Rim Size 4" x 15"
Centre 42mm Curly
Number of Spokes 48
Finish Chrome or silver-painted
Lacing Outer
Inset (mm) 19
Back Spacing (mm) 83 (+/- 3)
Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
Tyre
5.90 x 15 (original crossply) or 165R15 (modern radial)
Some owners have been advised to fit a 180R15 tyre - although we have heard of this fitting without issue on some cars; on others it comes too close to the back of the rear wheel arch (near the bumper) to be safe. This fitment has not been tried, tested or verified by MWS.
Tube You will need 155/165 x 15 tubes - available with either metal or rubber valve
This wheel is laced to the outer part of the rim only and so does not require a rim band
Notes Disc wheels were the standard fitment with wire wheels as an optional extra, however, the majority of vehicles were fitted with wire wheels. Both the disc and wire wheels were silver-painted as standard.
The front brakes were modifed with the introduction of the 3000 models to disc brakes. Check as some early ones could still have drum brakes, if so then only XW450 or XW459 will fit without modification of brakes.
In June 1963, towards the end of the 3000 Mk II Convertible (Chassis Number C.BJ7/24367), 48 spoke wire wheels (XW450) were replaced by stronger 60 spoke wheels (XW452).

Other Wheel Options

Options XW452
XW457
 
Rim Size4½" x 15" 5½" x 15"  
Centre42mm Curly42mm Curly 
Number of Spokes6072 
Finish Chrome or silver-painted Chrome or silver-painted 
LacingInner & OuterInner & Outer 
Inset (mm)1712.7 
Back Spacing (mm) 87 (+/- 3)
Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
95.5 (+/- 3)
Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
 
Tyre165R15185/70R15 
TubeTubeless
The chrome and the silver-painted wheels have been tubeless since October 2008.
If you have the older, tubed wheels or are fitting tube-type tyres you will need 155/165 x 15 tubes - available with either metal or rubber valve. We recommend 15" rim bands.
Tubeless
The chrome wheels have been tubeless since December 2007; and the silver-painted wheels have been tubeless since April 2008.
If you have the older, tubed wheels or are fitting tube-type tyres you will need 175/185 x 15 tubes and we recommend 15" rim bands.
 
Notes     
Options XW459
XW5743
 
Rim Size 5" x 15"4½" x 15" 
Centre 42mm Curly42mm Curly 
Number of Spokes 7272 
Finish Stainless steel, chrome, silver-painted or black-painted Silver-painted only 
LacingInner & OuterInner & Outer 
Inset (mm)6.419 
Back Spacing (mm) 83 (+/- 3)
Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
89 (+/- 3)
Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
 
Tyre165R15 or 185/70R15 165R15  
TubeTubeless
The chrome wheels have been tubeless since June 2007; the silver-painted wheels have been tubeless since April 2011; and the stainless steel wheels have been tubeless since October 2008.
The black-painted wire wheels have always been tubeless. Tubes are only required if fitting tube-type tyres.
If you have the older, tubed wheels or are fitting tube-type tyres you will need 155/165 x 15 or 175/185 x 15 tubes and we recommend 15" rim bands.
Tubeless
This wheel has been tubeless since September 2009.
If you have the older, tubed wheels or are fitting tube-type tyres you will need 155/165 x 15 tubes and we recommend 15" rim bands.
 
Notes     
Notes  
Warranty Stainless Steel and Chrome: two year structural and cosmetic
Painted: two year structural and one year cosmetic
The warranty period commences from the date of invoice and is subject to the wheels being maintained as per our Wheel Care advice and in conjunction with our Terms and Conditions. Please retain the warranty tag supplied with each wheel as it contains the information required to identify the wheel in the event of a claim.

Please note: MWS warranty automatically becomes void if the wheels have been: subject to re-work or change; fitted with tyres other than the manufacturer’s recommended fitment; or used for track events.

Splined Hubs

Option 1 BN7, BT7, BJ7 & BJ8 to Chassis Number C.BJ8/26704 - Integral Front and Bolt-on Rear 12 TPI (Fine Thread):
RSK125 - Front Left
RSK124 - Front Right
Integral fitting hubs so no nuts necessary
RSK045 - Rear Left
RSK044 - Rear Right
The original "Philedas Nuts" can be used for the Bolt-on rear splines but it is recommended to replace them. The 3000 Mk I, II & III all have UNF thread.
Bolt-on splines were fitted as original equipment to this vehicle so will not increase the track
Studs will require shortening, click here for a diagram
Click here for a guide to fitting hubs, caps and centre-lock wire wheels
Option 2BJ8 from Chassis Number C.BJ8/26705 (May 1964) - Integral Front and Bolt-on Rear 8 TPI (Coarse Thread):
RSK113 - Front Left
RSK112 - Front Right
Integral fitting hubs so no nuts necessary
RSK047 - Rear Left
RSK046 - Rear Right
The original "Philedas Nuts" can be used for the Bolt-on rear splines but it is recommended to replace them. The 3000 Mk I, II & III all have UNF thread.
Bolt-on splines were fitted as original equipment to this vehicle so will not increase the track
Studs will require shortening, click here for a diagram
Click here for a guide to fitting hubs, caps and centre-lock wire wheels

Spinners

Code KCK053LH/KCK052RH
KCK049LH/KCK048RH
Type Knock-on centre caps Knock-on centre caps
Size 42 mm 42 mm
Thread 8 TPI 12 TPI
Ears 2 2
Logo Plain (no logo) Plain (no logo)
Notes We recommend using our 42mm wooden spinner saver to protect the knock-on caps (spinners) when using a copper and hide hammer.
Click here for advice on how tight to apply spinners.
We recommend using our 42mm wooden spinner saver to protect the knock-on caps (spinners) when using a copper and hide hammer.
Click here for advice on how tight to apply spinners.
Code KCK053LH/KCK052RH
KCK049LH/KCK048RH
Type Knock-on centre caps Knock-on centre caps
Size 42 mm 42 mm
Thread 8 TPI 12 TPI
Ears 0 0
Logo Plain (no logo) Plain (no logo)
Notes From 1958 this style knock-on centre cap was supplied as standard for exports to Germany and Switzerland; and from 1966 they were also fitted as standard for exports to some North American destinations.
Continental style octagonal spinner
Requires a spinner spanner to tighten/loosen caps.
Click here for advice on how tight to apply spinners.
From 1958 this style knock-on centre cap was supplied as standard for exports to Germany and Switzerland; and from 1966 they were also fitted as standard for exports to some North American destinations.
Continental style octagonal spinner
Requires a spinner spanner to tighten/loosen caps.
Click here for advice on how tight to apply spinners.

Retaining Nuts

      

Extra Information

Other comments Always check the history of the vehicle to ensure that there have been no modifications to the running gear.
Hubs/splines, spinners and nuts remain the same, unless noted otherwise, regardless of which wheel is fitted.
We also stock wire wheel maintenance accessories such as our Cleaning Kit (Refills available), Cleaning Brush, Degreaser and Tyre Foam.
If you require any more information or advice please contact us:
Call 02 6586 1100 or 0412 780 900 - e-mail Sales
Overseas - +44 1753 598 382 - e-mail Paul & Gay

Pictures


XW450 Chrome

XW450 Silver-painted

3000 Mk III fitted with XW452 Silver-painted

3000 Mk III fitted with XW452 Silver-painted

XW452 Chrome

XW452 Silver-painted

XW457 Chrome

XW457 Silver-painted

XW459 Stainless Steel

3000 Mk III fitted with XW459 Silver-painted

XW459 Silver-painted

XW5743 Silver-painted