Minilite rim value?

[Zup]

Just a question about the value of a complete set of authentic Minilite rims with centercaps.

I know of a set that are available in good condition. Eight spoke--uncertain if they are early magnesium or the later aluminum alloy. They need cleaning up, but are indeed authentic Minilite rims with a casting of "England" and "Minilite" in the rim face.

14" X 5.5 or 6, 4 lug, and fitted to a 240z so they must be 114.5 c to c

I've "googled" till I'm goggled and haven't found much about their worth, especially used. New are quite pricey.

They are most often compared with Panasports, which appear to be less expensive but similar.

I know they were used primarily on English sports cars like TR6 and AH, but they look pretty good on a 240----

Anybody got a guess?!?

I'd appreciate the comment before I make an offer infused with too much ignorance!!

Jim D.

"Zup"

[webdawg1]

Check out the following link...Should help you out some as far as price goes...

http://www.minilitewheels.us/

webdawg1

[sblake01]

Don't know why it didn't work for you, webdawg1.

http://www.minilitewheels.us/

[mark belrose]

I've kept my eyes on the pricing of used Minilites for quite some time during my endeavor to acquire a 4th wheel to make my set of 3 complete. Over the past few I've seen complete sets of 14x6.5s go for $400-$600 on Ebay, depending on condition. If the wheels you are considering are indeed magnesium, make sure to get them crack checked before running them on your Z. They're also a pain to keep clean as they oxidize immediately.

Mark

[Zup]

This is helping me make up my mind about them.

webdawg1 and SBlake01---

That was one of the first sites that I googled up----you have to enter all sorts of crap to get a price for new ones--but I appreciate you taking the time to help.

Mark---

I'm beginning to suspect that they are magnesium----especially since you commented about oxidization.

I remember when I first saw them up close they looked as though they had a light coat of cheap arse aluminum paint or overspray on them! Thought they were knock- offs till I saw the logo on the outer face.

I'll bet now that you are right and I was seeing years of accumulated oxidation.

If they are aluminum or (better still ?) magnesium castings I think they will be worth getting.

Are the magnesium casting rims intrinsically more valuable or is it just that they are older/rarer?

Thanks for the heads-up about cracking!

Jim D.

"Zup"

[mark belrose]

Hey Jim, FYI my aluminum Minilites had an original coating of silver paint, so what you noted may be the same case. I personally think Minilites look fantastic on the earlier Z's. Good luck!

Mark

[JonnyRock]

I'm not sure about their value, but you need to be careful if they are magnesium. Magnesium is highly flammable, and that's the main reason they were banned in racing. They're also vulnerable to corrosion, even from the rain so you've got to keep an eye on them regularly.

That doesn't mean I wouldn't get them if I had a deal on 'em.