Current minilites vs JL-8 brakes?

[wendell]

Can anyone confirm that the minilites that are being produced now in 15X8@4.5 will fit the vintage spec JL8 brakes?  Meaning C3- corvette calipers on camaro spindles upfront and on a 12 bolt rear. Thanks.W

[69Z28-RS]

I cannot imagine that they wouldn't given the history of minilites in that size (and 15x7) and usage with those brakes,...but it would be a good idea to ask them (minilite)...

[wendell]

The "minilite"design has varied considerable over the years with some shapes needing a bit of grinding to clear.    They sent me a go/no go drawing that says it should work but I would love to hear confirmation. 

[69Z28-RS]

The "minilite"design has varied considerable over the years with some shapes needing a bit of grinding to clear.    They sent me a go/no go drawing that says it should work but I would love to hear confirmation. 

WHO would they be selling 15x8 Minilites to other than owners of Camaros and Corvettes of that generation (late sixties/early 70's)??  One of the Camaro fellas (either here or TC) owned a set of them a few years ago... not sure I can find his name very quickly right now thought.   I think you are safe but I don't blame you for trying to make sure before shelling out the $$...

[Jon Mello]

Can anyone confirm that the minilites that are being produced now in 15X8@4.5 will fit the vintage spec JL8 brakes?  Meaning C3- corvette calipers on camaro spindles upfront and on a 12 bolt rear. Thanks.W

     I don't have first-hand knowledge. Maybe someone else here does. Like Gary says, I can't imagine Minilite building them in a configuration where that brake/wheel combo would not work.

[1109RWHP]

The "minilite"design has varied considerable over the years with some shapes needing a bit of grinding to clear.    They sent me a go/no go drawing that says it should work but I would love to hear confirmation. 

WHO would they be selling 15x8 Minilites to other than owners of Camaros and Corvettes of that generation (late sixties/early 70's)??  One of the Camaro fellas (either here or TC) owned a set of them a few years ago... not sure I can find his name very quickly right now thought.   I think you are safe but I don't blame you for trying to make sure before shelling out the $$...

Boss 302 guys.

[69Z28-RS]

Bob Shubin from Covina CA was the owner of a '69 Camaro who had a new set of them (back in 2008).  I sent him an email and this thread link and requested he provide an update if he can..  hopefully his email is the same now..

[BULLITT65]

These are the nicest and most well made Minilites available today:
http://www.vintageeng.com/MagWheels_TransAmIndyRodDrag.html
 
These are by a guy in Redwood City California, and have an even tighter grain of Magnesium than the originals. (stronger)

His primary customers have vintage trans am cars, or are running in vintage trans am classes and using these wheels for that purpose.

Ray Franklin jr. runs/owns the shop, and he is very knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have. If I had the money these would be my alternate wheels.

Now they do currently make a "minilite" design in aluminum, but you can spot them a mile away IMO, and do not have the original style look to them, to me.

Hope this helps  

[69Z28-RS]

Hi Austin,

thanks for that link..  it does have some great looking wheels.  Is he making the minilite 'look alikes'?  OR is he selling the actual Minilites?  Minilites were always made in England (I think?) but there are distributors here in the states.  Do you have an idea of the PRICE for a set of 4 of those in magnesium??   

Here are photos of the new Aluminum Minilites sold in 2008...  They (*appear*) to have more than sufficient clearance for Corvette brakes...

[BULLITT65]

well yes and no. Yes there is a company that purchased the rights to minilite that is making them in England, similar to where the originals were made.
But after my short investigation, they only make them in a couple basic street versions, for street use only, and do not offer a magnesium version.

I am just a youngster here and I was not around when these wheels were made, but it was my understanding that originally you could only get them in magnesium.

Vintage engineering is making somewhat of a copy of the wheel, except for the craftsmanship is a lot better and the material is superior to what was originally offered. He also offers a light coating (pictured front and back), so they do not turn black over time.

[BULLITT65]

 FYI I have not used these wheels, just did a bit of research since I really want to run them on my car. Like the original magnesium wheels they are not cheap, but are more true to the original, than the current aluminum version. His gallery of customer cars are all vintage racers...here is a shot on the rear of a 69 Camaro trans am racer

[wendell]

Thanks Bullitt et. al.
I'm familiar with the VintageWW as well as PSE.  I'm primarily interested in the UK minilites because I'm looking for Aluminum and at a reasonable cost.  I'm fairly confident they'll clear the calipers but I also want to ensure the back spacing will work as well as this car isn't flaired.

[yenkomark]

  THe original Minilites were made by Techdel Ltd. I think the company has been reactivated in recent years.

[BULLITT65]

I think the minilite name was purchased and they are using it for the aluminum version now sold in the UK and distributed to some dealers in the U.S.