100 (+/- 3) – Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
Sprite Mk I, Mk II, Mk III & Mk IV
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Austin Healey Sprite Mk I, Mk II, Mk III & Mk IV
Body
Sports
Engine
948 cc, 1098 cc or 1275 cc
Year
1958 – 1971
Wheels
Original
XW458
Rim Size
4″ x 13″
Centre
42mm Curly
Number of Spokes
60
Finish
Lacing
Inner & Outer
Inset (mm)
17.5
Back Spacing (mm)
81.5 (+/- 3) Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
Tyre
5.20×13 (Dunlop C41 crossply, original fitment)
145R13 (standard from August 1965)
145R13 (standard from August 1965)
Tube
Tubeless – The chrome wheel has been tubeless since December 2018; and the silver-painted wheel has been tubeless since June 2018. If you have the older, tubed wheels or are fitting tube-type tyres you will need 135/145 x 13 tubes and we recommend 13″/14″ rim bands.
Notes
The Sprite Mk I was originally fitted with 3½” x 13″ steel disc wheels using brake drums at both front and rear. The conversion to Girling disc brakes at the front entailed the conversion to wire wheels. Early 1961, new Lockheed disc brakes, the so called “thin discs”, were introduced, which did not require the conversion to wire wheels any more. However, silver-painted wire wheels were offered as an option.
A small number (around 20 cars) were manufactured in 1962 with wider rear axles.
Slight modifications may be required for “Square Wheel Arches” axle may sit further to right/left.
Other Wheel Options
Options
Options
XW5785
XW5797
Rim Size
5" x 13"
5½" x 13"
Centre
42mm Curly
42mm Curly
Number of Spokes
60
60
Lacing
Inner & Outer
Centre
Inset (mm)
24.3
1.5 Outset
Back Spacing (mm)
81.5 (+/- 3) – Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
Tyre
450L13
155R13 or 165R13
This rim is the optimum rim size for the 450L13 race tyre.
175/70R13
Tube
155/165 x 13 tube. You will require 13"/14" rim bands
Notes
As far as we are aware this wheel should fit with no modifications but, as with all non-standard options, a fitment check is recommended.
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: ACWW 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
When converting from steel wheels to wire wheels we would recommend the bolt-on splined hubs are used as the integral splined hub conversion requires extensive modification – half shafts to be replaced at the rear and the steel wheel brake discs replaced by wire wheel discs.
If converting using the bolt-on hubs you will need to check the clearance on the front brake pipes.
Option 2
Bolt-on splined hubs (Drum Brakes) (please contact us):
RSK193 – Left
RSK192 – Right
RSK193 – Left
RSK192 – Right
Four RN38NYLOCK per hub
The first time you fit bolt-on hubs it is recommended that customers purchase an additional spare nylock nut to use as a cutting guide.
When fitting: place the bolt-on hub onto the studs and screw on the spare nut; cut the stud down; remove the spare nut; apply the spare nut to the next stud and repeat. When all the studs have been cut down to the right size fit the hubs using all new nuts and dispose of the spare nut.
This advice applies to the nylock nuts but not the standard nuts because of the safety implications of any damage to the nylon inner.
If you have to remove the nuts for any reason in the future then as long as the nylon inner is undamaged they can theoretically be refitted but for safety’s sake we would recommend they are replaced.
Early vehicles (Mk I) are fitted with Drum Brakes all round and may require 8mm spacers to offset the hub.
Front disc brakes became standard with the Mk II in 1962 for vehicles with the 1098cc engine. Mk II with the smaller 948cc engine still had drum brakes.
If converting from steel wheels check the clearance on the front brake pipes
Bolt-on splines will increase the track by up to 1¼” per wheel
Studs will require shortening
Click here for a guide to fitting hubs, caps and centre-lock wire wheels
Option 3
Integral fitting splined hubs (Disc Brakes) (please contact us):
RSK111 – Front Left
RSK110 – Front Right
RSK109 – Rear Left
RSK108 – Rear Right
These integral splines are 8 TPI, however, Mk I & Mk II (1958 – early 1964) may have 12 TPI splines – please check before ordering
12 TPI splined hubs are available to special order
Integral fitting hubs so no nuts necessary
Click here for a guide to fitting hubs, caps and centre-lock wire wheels
Spinners
Options
Type
Knock-on centre caps
Knock-on centre caps
Knock-on centre caps
Knock-on centre caps
Size
42 mm
42 mm
42 mm
42 mm
Thread
8 TPI
12 TPI
8 TPI
12 TPI
Ears
2
2
0
0
Logo
Plain (no logo)
Plain (no 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.
XW5797: Due to the positioning of the centre in relation to the rim you will require an extra-deep wooden spinner saver
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.
XW5797: Due to the positioning of the centre in relation to the rim you will require an extra-deep wooden spinner saver
Click here for advice on how tight to apply spinners.
Continental style octagonal spinner
Requires a spinner spanner to tighten/loosen caps.
Click here for advice on how tight to apply spinners.
Continental style octagonal spinner
Requires a spinner spanner to tighten/loosen caps.
Click here for advice on how tight to apply spinners.
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) and Cleaning Brush.
If you require any more information or advice please contact us:
Call 02 6586 1100 or 0412 780 900 – e-mail Paul & Gay
Pictures/Gallery
