Old Wheel blues.

Both of my Z Magnettes have bent wheels, wobbly enough to shake the steering when front mounted and visible to drivers behind me when on the rear.

Wheels can be straightened, I haven't done that.  In seeking advice others recommend TR 6 or early, pre-87 Saab steel wheels.  I located a set of nos Saab steel wheels, they fit on the rear hubs but interfere with the front tie rod even with a 5 mm or so shim.  I will see about a thicker spacer, but will need to lengthen the studs.

I also have found a set of TR6 wheels, they look like they will fit the hubs better as the center offset looks good for clearance on the inside.  After cleaning and re-paint I will find out.

I have been cleaning the wheels and working out how to mount the hub caps.  I saw an online solution of using cap bolts set at an angle; other people have welded retaining studs.  I am not a good welder so I decided to go with the cap bolts.  Then at the hardware store I saw some knurled nuts, their shape was very close to the stock hub retainers.  I bought the 8 32 size, 3/4" length screws and nuts.  They are brass so fairly soft (yes, I over tightened one and snapped it).  I tapped  the 9/64" drilled holes with the #8 32 ncf tap. I put the larger end of the knurled nuts toward the wheel.  This closely approximates the size of the stock retaining studs.

I localized the holes for drilling with a cardboard template I made from an original ZB wheel. The spacing seems good, the hubs mount well.  They are hard to lift off except with the original 90 degree bend tire iron.

Card board template centered with spray can in hub.
Another use for WD-40.

Magic marker locating dots were used, then center punched and
hand drilled. This is a TR6 wheel.

Knurled nut in place, I used Loctite on the threads.

Nut gives a similar gap as the original studs. This  allows
the hub cap removal tool to get underneath.  

Screws in place in threaded holes.

Saab steel wheel.

Back side of the Saab wheel.

TR6 wheels on the car. Kumho Solus 185/65/15 tires.

Installing the side chrome trim. Drilling my fine paint!!

It is always a bit scary to drill through a nice finish.  This car was painted when I got it, and the replacement door and right fender panel didn't have the trim holes drilled. I was able to locate a set of trim that needed re-chroming.  I had some trouble locating a chromer I could afford, so it took awhile but looks good now.

Here are pictures of the process:

I was able to use the existing left hand fender holes
as a template for the right side. 

Then I used tape, the chrome piece and a level to
mark for the door trim. I used a 1/8" pilot hole and then
a tapered bit to match the hole sizes needed.

Looks good in the garage.

Outside views on a rare sunny day.

We have had clouds and fog lately, so glad to see the sun.

And the boot chrome:

Chrome side spears and trunk chrome.

I had trouble finding a chrome plater to re-do the side spears and the boot chrome.  I had some very expensive quotes and then found North West Chrome in New Plymouth, Idaho.  They were previously located in Fruitland and were closed for two or three years while they relocated.

They did a good job, the pot metal substrate was very corroded and pitted.

Before pictures:

After their magic: