Recovering four spoke Bluemels

[Erich]

Does anyone have a source for recovering a four spoke Bluemels wheel? Currently it is original, red, and in average shape, with some cracking. But I am considering changing the color on my Ulster Rep to the primrose and green in the EA Sports/SuperSports brochure. I don't think I've ever seen that color combination on any Ulsters/Reps, but I quite like it.

Erich in Seattle

[Ian Williams]

If you have a genuine Bluemels wheel with an original finish it would be a crying shame to refinish it, there will be some, perhaps even on this forum, who would be very happy to give it a home. If you want a perfect finish and a colour change purchase a reproduction and sell yours to someone who will appreciate the patina, however if yours is already a repro then powder coat it.

[Chris KC]

Funnily enough Erich I was Googling this only yesterday.

https://www.myrtleltd.com/ might be worth a try.

I must say I'm inclining towards Ian's view though, I'd rather have a tatty original than a glossy repro / repair.

My Nippy has a flat 'Brooklands' style wheel, apparently these are still made by a chap in Dartmouth from original tooling http://www.johnkimble.co.uk/main.htm
(though n.b. this info is quite old).

If anyone has experience of replacing / repairing broken steel spokes in the 'Brooklands' type I'd be interested to hear how.

[Jays]

I had one of the replica Brooklands style wheels on my Morgan. Morgan used them on one of their special edition cars a few years ago. It was made by John Kimble. They are still available in various sizes and I’m sure he advertises in The Automobilist.
Stafford Vehicle Components stock them...they supply Morgan with some of their parts.
https://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/bluemel-...eel-15-12/

The original wheel on my Ulster Rep is a bit sad and I was considering a replacement but searches for a suitable hub have come up with nothing. Has anyone any idea?

[Erich]

I would be happy to pass my four spoke on to someone who wants a red one, if I can find a suitable original wheel in primrose or perhaps green. It is my assumption that repros are only available in black. I wouldn't powder coat, I would prefer the cast rubber.

Erich in Seattle

[Charles P]

Erich pid='28457' dateline='1556933015']Does anyone have a source for recovering a four spoke Blumels wheel? Currently it is original, red, and in average shape, with some cracking. But I am considering changing the color on my Ulster Rep to the primrose and green in the EA Sports/SuperSports brochure. I don't think I've ever seen that color combination on any Ulsters/Reps, but I quite like it.

Erich in Seattle

This is an original car in that colour scheme in the paddock at Prescott 
The owner sometimes runs it stripped.

   

Charles

[Jays]

I would be happy to pass my four spoke on to someone who wants a red one, if I can find a suitable original wheel in primrose or perhaps green. It is my assumption that repros are only available in black. I wouldn't powder coat, I would prefer the cast rubber.

Erich in Seattle

Erich, I have seen ivory coloured rims on the new Bluemels wheels supplied to Morgan. Not sure if other colours are available.

[Chris KC]

Were the originals really colour matched to the body work? or black, surely?

[Erich]

Chris, it is my understanding that Bluemels would sometimes supply wheels colored to match a car that was competing in significant race. In my case, the wheel is a medium red. While the wheel itself is in good shape, the rim had once been wrapped in cord. The previous owner removed the cord and the rubber is starting to fail. Charles,than you for posting that image. That is the color combination which was used in the original sales brochure for the EA Sports. Interestingly, this brochure shows a car with green wings, headlamps, wheels, upholstery and arm rests, and possibly a green steering wheel. If I go down this road, I may have to settle for the color combination that you have shown. It would be nearly impossible to find green hose for the arm rests. Interestingly, the front wing support for this car pictured, doesn't seem to have the arc that other Ulsters have, particularly the the Autocar 647 car.

Erich in Seattle

[Ian Williams]

I did not think the cars were supplied with Bluemels wheels when new, they were an accessory part which were sometimes given to owners after races as Erich has suggested. I may be wrong however as I have not researched this detail personally.