Hello Malcolm

The problems with cracked wheels are quite common, on racing MGAs which is why they tend to use Saab 900 wheels as they are much stronger.The rims crack around the deep recessed area where the wheels bolt to the hub.

Welding them is a solution but I would suggest that the welding creates further stresses in the wheel. The problem will only get worse I'm afraid so there will become a time I guess when there will be a wheel shortage.

Early TR wheels fit but have a different hole pattern these seem to be stronger as the centre dishing is not so deep. MGA 1600 wheels seem better as well for the same reason.

The early proper Minis had a similar problem, and the Cooper wheels were different spec
Kind regards
Trevor

I have just posted an article on the Tech Website warning about the danger of cracked wheels. I saw two bad examples over the summer's events and one of them was on my own car!!

Can anyone out there with the proper qualifications comment on whether it would be safe to repair wheel cracks with weld? If so, what is the best method?

Ideally I would like to suggest a practical solution in the article or original wheels may start to become scarce.