Your thoughts on pin-drive wheels, yes or no.

[North Shore Tiger]

I really like the idea of the vintage look it gives the car, but is it really the same as what was on these cars back in the sixties. My understanding is that you have to bolt a pin-drive assembly to a regular five lug spindle, is this true? If you have pin-drive, would you do it again, if you have lugs, do you long for pin-drive. In the end, it is going to be a personal choice for me, but would really like to here your take on the subject. Thanks in advance, hope to order a 289 kit, April 2022.

[edwardb]

I've never built with pin drive, so can't cite personal experience. But what I've seen and heard is (1) yes, the adapters bolt onto the existing 5-lug hubs, (2) the suspension will be different (shorter) to make up for the added adapters with possible negative effect to how well the suspension works and even what parts you can use, e.g. donor spindles vs. the much improved FF spindles in some cases, (3) Factory Five has significantly reduced their support of pin drive, including wheels and even having as an option on some kits, (4) if you use the Factory Five Halibrand style wheels, the lugs are covered so you still have that vintage look. I've had multiple people comment about mine thinking they were real pin drive. I get it. Not the real thing. But for me it was never worth the trade-offs. So haven't pursued.

[CraigS]

Way back in the 60s and 70s my brother and I worked on a lot of MGs, Triumphs, Healeys, etc. I don't remember specifics but a lot of them had adapters like you describe from the factory if they had wire wheels. They were slightly different in that the wheels had many splines vs pin drive. I would contact FFR before deciding to go w/ pin drive. Used to be they offered shorter control arms as an option. In the last couple months I think I remember someone here asking about fronts and the answer was they didn't have any. Although it doesn't mean they don't exist, I have never heard about the 2015 IRS being offered w/ shorter arms. I would want to confirm that everything is available before going w/ pin drive so you don't end up w/ 3/4 of what is needed w/ no eta in sight for what you don't have.

[RBachman]

I'm not a fan of the pin-drive wheels. From an engineering, and availability perspective I feel it's generally an inferior choice. However, I'd like to know what real wire wheels look like on one of our cars?

[Jeff Kleiner]

Yes, pin drive wheels use an adapter that bolts onto the lug studs. Due to limited demand FFR suspended production of the short pin drive width lower control arms for a period of time but recently decided to produce them when requested. The front pin drive setup is different for the Mk4 427 style cars than it is for the FIA. The 427 uses the short LCA, 1994/1995 spindles and a specific pin drive spindle adapter with the upper arms installed in the horizontal mounts. Due to the narrower front track of the FIA car things change; it still requires the short LCA but uses the FFR proprietary spindles however rather than mounting the upper arms in the vertical mounts as would ordinarily be done they get installed in the horizontal mounts. This brings the upper ball joint in to match the lower but does result in some compromises in performance due to the unusual suspension geometry.

In the rear the only option for pin drive now is to use a narrowed straight axle. The old Thunderbird IRS could be configured for pin drive width but the current 2015 based IRS can not.

At this time pin drive wheels are available through FFR but I'd bet that will end when current stock runs out.

In the end the car can be set up for pin drive wheels but you need to be aware of and willing to accept that some sacrifices are made in the interest of aesthetics.

Jeff

[FFinisher]

Not a fan.

One item for clarity, the suspension is different, but not due to adapter requirements, the adapter is about 1/4-3/8 of an inch thick. The suspension difference is due to wheel backspacing available.

Although I do like the Look of the Sunburst wheels on the FIA car.

[Jim1855]

I had pin drive on my 2 previous Superformance cars. They used adapters and pin lugs to secure the adapters to the hubs.

I like them but
You had to get used to the "tonk" of the lead hammer to get the appropriate tightening. A lead hammer is the only appropriate tool for spinners.
Anti-seize is nasty but absolutely necessary. FYI, Cobra Valley has an excellent product called "Spinner Eaze". A bottle will last almost forever and it's less messy.
Many owners seldom to never removed the wheels, this often made removal very difficult.
There were users that got RH/LH threads mixed up. The adapters & spinners are side/rotation specific.
Safety wire is a PITA. After a few years I gave up on wire and just checked the spinners regularly. Yup, a potential problem but I hated the wires and never had a spinner loosen up in 55k miles
Never noticed any driving issues that could be the difference between pin drive and lug-bolt in lots of miles, high speed runs and track time.

Shop Vintage Wheels. I believe that they can configure a set with the proper offset/back spacing to adapt to FFR non-pindrive. I am considering this recognizing that it will be "non-standard".

Pin drive is cool but not w/o out concerns.

Jim

[Chadillac]

I LOVE the look of the deep dish pin drive wheels. I originally ordered my MkIV with pin drive wheels, but FFR accidentally sent me the wrong spindles (FFR vs donor). Once I saw the compromises needed to have pin drive wheels, I switched over to the regular 15" 5 lug.

However, if FFR or Levy ever make a shorter version of the 2015 IRS to accept pin drive wheels (Please, Please, Please!), I would sell my MkIV and build a 289 w/pin drive wheels and billboards.

[David Hodgkins]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=91937&d=1535261969

I LOVE my MKIII with pin drive. As a matter of fact I haven't sold and built a new roadster for myself BECAUSE FFR doesn't support pin drive.

You guys can talk ultimate performance all you want, better geometry, etc. and they are all valid points but for my use I'll take the 15" pin drive wheels and wide side walls all day long.

:)

[Blue Viking]

Interesting discussion. I have to find new wheels for my roadster due to the fact that the FFR supplied wheels won't work without modifying the fenders. I am looking at the Vintage Wheels solution with adapters. I believe it could work out nicely. Currently I am checking if the adapters will be approved. If they are, I will have to do some careful measuring. Vintage Wheels has a rather comprehensive form to fill out before ordering. I will use 8 inch wheels in the front, and 9 or 10 in the rear, all 18 inch diameter.

[edwardb]

One item for clarity, the suspension is different, but not due to adapter requirements, the adapter is about 1/4-3/8 of an inch thick. The suspension difference is due to wheel backspacing available.

Good information. I stand corrected. Thanks.

[rich grsc]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=91937&d=1535261969

I LOVE my MKIII with pin drive. As a matter of fact I haven't sold and built a new roadster for myself BECAUSE FFR doesn't support pin drive.

You guys can talk ultimate performance all you want, better geometry, etc. and they are all valid points but for my use I'll take the 15" pin drive wheels and wide side walls all day long.

:)
So true.:D You'll never get that look any other way. Anyone saying performance suffers is full of it. My car corners like a cat on carpet.

[North Shore Tiger]

Thanks all for the replies, great info. Still not 100% sure which way I will go. Probably lugs.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Thanks all for the replies, great info. Still not 100% sure which way I will go. Probably lugs.

Good plan :D