KNOCK-OFF WIRE WHEEL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Warning: Read before installing or mounting wire wheels. Wheels cannot be returned after tires have been mounted. Trial fit your wheel on the car BEFORE mounting tires to ensure the wheel is correct for your vehicle. We do not accept returns of any wheels that have been mounted with tires. Please advise us immediately if there is any fitment problem. After trial-fitting the unmounted wheel, mount one wheel with a tire and recheck fitment in case the mounted tire causes interference.
We recommend finding an installer who has experience mounting wire wheels. Inexperienced installers lead to improper installation and are more prone to scratching and damaging wheels. Find a shop that works on lowriders, hot rods, or custom builds – avoid “big box” stores.
STEPS FOR INSTALLATION:
Prepare Vehicle and Hubs: Park on a flat, stable surface before jacking up your vehicle. Ensure you follow your vehicle’s manual for jacking specifics. Remove existing wheels. Inspect hubs and brake drums for obstacles such as lock clips, rivets, balancing weights, etc. Remove anything hindering a flush fit between the wheel and axle hub.
- Clean all studs, threads, and mounting surfaces before installation.
Mount Adapters on Hub: Place the adapter labeled “left,” often color-coded white, on the left side of the car. The hub adapter stamped “right,” often color-coded red, must be installed on the right side of the car. This step is of utmost importance – do not install any other way. In the USA, left = driver’s side and red = right = passenger’s side.
- Choose the Correct Lug Nuts: Avoid using longer or wider nuts from manufacturers. Opt for open-ended style nuts if stock studs do not fit.
- Check Stud Length: If it exceeds 1-1/8″, consider trimming the stud or using a spacer behind the adapter. Stud length exceeding 1-1/8” will not allow wheels to be adequately tightened.
- After wheel adapters have been placed on the hubs, double-check that the back of the adapter sits flat against the hub and brake mounting pad. If there is any interference, identify the point of contact and remove any high point. If this is not done, the wheels will not run true when installed.
Tighten Adapter’s Lug Nuts: Hand-tighten all lug nuts before torquing. Then, use a torque wrench to tighten the lugs to the proper torque value for the vehicle, as recommended by the car’s manufacturer. Tighten all lug nuts using a crisscross pattern to distribute the pressure evenly. Torque lugs properly, as over-tightening and under-tightening can damage the wheels and your vehicle.
- Do NOT lubricate lug nuts or stud threads.
- Minimum thread engagement must be ½” of threads. Less than ½” of thread engagement is not safe for driving. If spacers are used, ensure the spacer is in place to verify this measurement.
- Warning: Do not use high-impact wrenches or impact guns to tighten lug nuts, as doing so can cause damage to the adapter and can result in improper lug nut torque. If you overtighten, it could snap the studs once the car starts rolling.
- Once installed, the adapters should rotate freely by hand without rubbing or interference.
- Remove plastic mesh thread protectors on wheel adapters.
- Apply a thin coating of lubricant to the threads of the adapter and cap to prevent the spinner caps from seizing onto the adapter. Ensure no dirt gets on the threads.
Mount Tires: Begin the tire installation procedure by mounting only one tire and again checking on the vehicle for suspension and fender clearances. Check clearance for both the front and rear wheels before proceeding.
- Follow the tire manufacturer’s sizing recommendations when installing tires.
- Install air valve stem on tubeless wheels. Use care to ensure proper fit and non-leakage.
- Do NOT use power-operated tire mounting equipment as they may mar or damage wire wheels.
- Do NOT inflate over 50 psi (40 psi in California) – over-pressurization can harm wheels, create leaks, and damage tires.
- If you re-use old tires on your new wheels, re-install them to the same location and side of the car they were removed from. Do NOT change the direction of rotation – this is important.
Position the Wire Wheels: Place wheels on the adapters and push them toward the back of the adapter. When the rear of the wheel center is sitting on the back of the adapter, rock the wheel so that the drive teeth engage entirely and firmly. Do not use wheels or adapters if teeth become worn down.
Attach Knock-Off Spinner Caps: Attach the knock-off spinner caps to the adapters by hand, ensuring the threads firmly engage. Observe the markings on the caps that indicate proper tightening direction. “Left side” caps must be used on the left side of the car, and “Right side” caps must be used on the right side. It is essential to avoid installing caps on the wrong side or attempting to turn the threads in the wrong direction, as this can damage the threads on either the adapter or spinner. Incorrect installation is not covered under our manufacturer’s warranty.
Tighten Knock-Off Spinner Caps: While the car is still on jacks, tighten the knock-off caps by hand. For caps with ears/wings, you must complete tightening with a lead hammer. Hex and Bullet style spinner caps must be tightened with the appropriate wrench and lead hammer. Wrench tightening alone is not sufficient.
Test Fitment: Spin wheels by hand to ensure no rubbing against brake calipers. Also, jiggle the wheel to verify that the knock-off cap is seated entirely in the wheel. No looseness should be noticeable.
Retighten Caps: Lower the car and tighten the spinner caps until there is no movement with a hard lead hammer blow. Make sure not to overtighten caps! Tightening the spinner with moderate hammer taps is better than hard hits.
Test Drive and Re-Tighten Lug Nuts & Cap: After driving the car approximately 25-50 miles, you must re-torque the lug nuts. Additionally, be sure to re-check the knock-off cap for tightness. The wheels seat themselves on the adapters after the initial run-in, allowing knock-off caps to be tightened further. THIS IS IMPORTANT. Caps must be very tight to prevent wear of the drive teeth.
Maintain Your Wheels: Tighten knock-off caps every 100 miles for the first 500 miles. Then, check tightness every few weeks. Wire wheels should be checked regularly to ensure spinner caps are tight. Also, keep your wheels clean and dry to preserve their appearance and prevent rust. Exercise care when utilizing products like polishes, abrasives (including brushes), and acid-based cleaners, as they can potentially harm finishes. Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent issues with wire wheels.
GENERAL TIPS AND WARNINGS:
- Do NOT attempt to repair, alter, or modify a wheel yourself. This will void your warranty. Contact us first for instructions if you run into any issues.
- To ensure sufficient force is applied and to prevent any harm to the cap’s finish or structure, it is essential to utilize a lead hammer when installing and removing knock-off spinner caps.
- Using a clean towel between the wrench or hammer and the spinner cap is a valuable technique for achieving a secure fit without scratches. This measure offers extra protection, minimizing the potential for cosmetic damage during cap installation or removal.
- If you have a flat, avoid using “fix-a-flat” Products.
- Check our Limited Warranty for more tips and coverage details.
WHEELS CAN DETACH FROM THE CAR WITHOUT WARNING IF YOU:
- Use studs longer than 1-1/8”
- Install adapters on the wrong side of the car
- Use parts that are worn out
- Fail to tighten caps
- Tow vehicle backwards
Thank you for choosing us, and we sincerely hope you are pleased with our products. Our main priorities are top-tier products and exceptional customer service, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance.
Phone: (831) 200 – 3631
Email: support@britishwheel.com Updated: August 29, 2023
