So one thing I absolutely hate about the mini is taking the wheels on and off. Whoever decided it was a good idea to have someone hold up a 40+ lb wheel while screwing in lug bolts without more than a 1/8th inch lip to guide them should be punched. I've been thinking about going the route of wheel stud but I'm kinda concerned.
First, what does the conversion entail? Do they simply screw in where the lug bolts go and have the wheels and lug nuts go on like on a car that comes stock with them or is this going to end in cursing and throwing things.
Second, what are my options as far as these go. I see TSW a lot but I want to be sure I'm getting the right stuff.
Second, if I put in studs would they generally be longer so in case I decide to go with a different wheel or a bigger spacer I wouldn't have much to worry about in that regard?

 

Studs help a lot in wheel changing.

They just screw in with a hex key and some lock tite (permanent)

There are two TSW stud kits, one is M14x1.25 to M14x1.5 and M14x1.25 to M12x1.5. Prefer number one. Longer studs allow you to put in a spacer (within reason) without changing the stud. It sometimes will have a problem with wheel hub caps though.

PS: I thought you wanted to do Monticello with the Minis. Did you register yet?

 

Or a much easier way to go is to use "wheel hangers"

http://www.wheelhanger.com/

As for the problem you are having with putting the wheels on i have been doing it for more than 30 years with foreign cars and never once had a problem, but that is just me. I have always changed from summer to winter rims (with tires) and back and then done rotations as well all with out ever having a wheel fall while changing. I guess I just learned to do it young and never looked back.

 

Thanks for the info
On Monticello:
I'm not gonna be able to make it. Most of May is spotty for me on availability and money. My buddy and I made the decision to open on an electronics business recently and just got a 53' box truck full of stuff, most of it gifted from his dad to start us up, but the grand opening is in July and the old tenants still arent out. I didn't want to sign up for the track day and spend $100+ to reserving a spot, then have to go out and buy a helmet, brake pads, etc. last minute when i found out i'd be available you know? I'd rather save that cash for some local autocross or wheel studs.

Speaking of which, on the electronics stuff; If anyone needs electronic components fixed (amps, speakers, lights, etc.) or needs supplies like boards, leds, etc. let me know. I'l post some pics of my custom grill lighting setup soon but we have the highest quality product and reasonable pricing. Sure you can find $0.03 per LED on eBay rather than $0.50 from us but the quality you can see the second you wire it up.

 

Schatzy is correct, wheel hangers do work well.

I myself just like the studs a little better given that I change wheels about 40+ times a year.

 

Good luck with your new business. Perhaps after everything is better.

 

Its not really a problem, I have never dropped one or anything but its just a pain in the ***. I happen to have my wheels off a lot because I'm still in the process of learning how to do everything and I'd like to be able to take them off and put them back on while its up on a lift and no have to lift the tire 5 feet in the air and hold it up there while i screw in bolts

 

Thanks, soon as cash and time is figured out I'll be out on the track because I do really want to spend some time with people that can really drive

 

I bought one stud from TSW and screw it in finger tight and hang the wheel on that and then put the other three bolts in. Then I remove that one. I just keep the one stud in my tool box. Works great.

 

Drivein a Mini. FWD driving is a little different.

 

Yea thats what I meant, hopefully with people from here and M/U

 

Does TSW include lug nuts or must I go out and purchase some?

 

I like wheel hangers. Using two makes it very easy.


I've never liked dragging alloy wheels along steel threads. Seems like taking a rasp to the lug holes. So, I like lug bolts better than studs.

 

You can buy them with or without the lug nuts.

http://www.txwerks.com/servlet/Categ...art=9&total=18

 

I have the TSW kit and the threads are pretty sharp. I have to be very careful lining them up. I think I may look for some plastic sleeves of some sort to slip over the threads for wheel swaps.