Sunbeam Alpine: Wire Wheel Removal Tool

[Tim R]

This video shows how we use the wire wheel removal tool from Limit Fabrications.

Tim R

 

[Alpine 1789]

Interesting tool. Thanks for sharing this, Tim. I wonder if it would be possible to use a torque wrench to figure out how tight the proper hammer blows gets it? And, can you then get it that tight with a torque wrench?

 

[Tim R]

I have seen various calculations on other sites for cars such as Lotus and Morgan which suggest that the torque setting should be around 180lb.ft
Whether this is true or not I do not know and they get to the figure after various calculations to do with weight, length of blow with hammer etc. Dunlop themselves did not specify a torque setting.
It is interesting that there are various warnings about over tightening the spinners, apparently this damages the threads and ultimately can make the spinner come loose when re-fitted in future. When you watch old films of these cars racing the mechanics are absolutely brutal with the wheels in the Pits!
Tim R

 

[twautomotive]

Will the tool work on three ear spinners?

 

[Barry]

If you use the three ear version:

https://shop.limitfabrications.co.uk/?product=3-prong-spinner-tool

​

 

[puff4]

Nifty find! I do wonder why the drive end is so long, though... seems if it were about half as long it would be easier to use, particularly when striking a wrench attached to that long end.

 

[beamdream]

Yeah I've looked at various options but found the biggest problem is clearing the wheel arch with a turning bar, hence the need for an extended drive.

 

[puff4]

When I just went to the website to look at the products it would appear that the version they are selling (or advertising?) has a shorter drive. Hmm. But yeah, beamdream, I see your point.

From their website: