Enquire
+44 (0)1753 549 360
Home
You are here : Information & Advice : Fitment Guide
About MWS
MWS Wire Wheels
Fitting Wire Wheels
Fitment Guide
Technical information
News
Gallery
Methods of Payment
Delivery Information
Terms and Conditions
FAQ

Fitment Guide


Return to List Return to Search Print

Kit Car/Replica Merlin Witton, Witton Tiger, Merlin TF, Merlin Plus Two, Freedom, Casino

Body Roadster
Engine Mainly various Ford
Year 1969 - 1998

Wheels

Original XW480
Rim Size 5½" x 15"
Centre 42mm Curly
Number of Spokes 72
Finish Chrome or silver-painted
Lacing Inner & Outer
Inset (mm) 22.2
Back Spacing (mm) 105 (+/- 3)

Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
Tyre 185/70R15

Tube Tubeless

The chrome wheels have been tubeless since October 2007; and the silver-painted wheels have been tubeless since April 2017.

If you have the older, tubed wheels or are fitting tube-type tyres you will need 175/185 x 15 tubes and we recommend using 15"/16" rim bands.
Notes Depending on the engine the vehicle could have been fitted as standard with 6" x 15" alloy wheels (using 195/70R15 tyres) or 7" x 15" alloy wheels (using 225/60R15 tyres).

Some vehicles have also been fitted with 5½" x 15" bolt-on wire wheels.
Please contact us for more details.

Other Wheel Options

Options XW457
   
Rim Size5½" x 15"  
Centre42mm Curly  
Number of Spokes72  
FinishStainless steel, chrome, silver-painted or black-painted  
LacingInner & Outer  
Inset (mm)12.7  
Back Spacing (mm) 95.5 (+/- 3)

Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
   
Tyre185/70R15  
TubeTubeless

The chrome wheels have been tubeless since December 2007; and the silver-painted wheels have been tubeless since April 2008.

The stainless steel and black-painted wire wheels have always been tubeless. Tubes are only required if fitting tube-type tyres.

If you have the older, tubed wheels or are fitting tube-type tyres you will need 175/185 x 15 tubes and we recommend 15"/16" rim bands.
  
NotesThis fitment has never been tried, tested or verified by MWS. A fitment check is recommended.  
Notes  
Warranty Chrome: two year structural and cosmetic
Painted: two year structural and one year cosmetic

The warranty period commences from the date of invoice and is subject to the wheels being maintained as per our Wheel Care advice and in conjunction with our Terms and Conditions. Please retain the warranty tag supplied with each wheel as it contains the information required to identify the wheel in the event of a claim.

Please note: MWS warranty automatically becomes void if the wheels have been: subject to re-work or change; fitted with tyres other than the manufacturer’s recommended fitment; or used for track events.

Splined Hubs

Option 1RSK195 - Left
RSK194 - Right

Four RN1215 per splined hub

Bolt-on splines, unless fitted as original equipment, will increase the track by up to 1¼" per wheel

Studs will require shortening, click here for a diagram

Click here for a guide to fitting hubs, caps and centre-lock wire wheels

Spinners

Code KCK053LH/KCK052RH
KCK057-8LH/KCK056-8RH
Type Knock-on centre caps Knock-on centre caps
Size 42 mm 42 mm
Thread 8 TPI 8 TPI
Ears 2 0
Logo Plain (no logo) Plain (no logo)
Notes We recommend using our 42mm wooden
spinner saver
to protect the knock-on caps
(spinners) when using a copper and hide
hammer.

Click here for advice on how tight to apply spinners.
Continental style octagonal spinner
 
Requires a spinner spanner to tighten/loosen caps.

Click here for advice on how tight to apply spinners.

Retaining Nuts

      

Extra Information

Other comments For further information or advice contact the manufacturer, Merlin Sports Cars, or the Merlin Owners' Club

The first 2 vehicles were named after the manufacturer, Leonard Witton.

The name "Tiger" appeared with the production of the Tiger Roadster in the late 70s in the USA (without permission of Mr Witton - production was therefore stopped).

In 1980, Peter Gowing imported 2 Tiger shells to the UK. One was used to manufacture Merlin TA ("Trans-Axle"), based on VW - however, only one was ever produced.
Using the second shell, the Merlin TF ("Type Ford") was manufactured, based on Ford Cortina, and was produced until 1984.

With the export of the Merlin TF to South Africa in 1985, the Lynx Roadster was born, based on Ford Cortina Mk 3/4 mechanics.

At the same time, the Merlin Plus Two (or Merlin +2, Merlin 2+2), which was launched in 1983 as "Monro" and renamed in 1985), replaced the TF in the UK. This vehicle was based on Ford Cortina and Sierra (= Merlin iRS).
About 650 were made until production stopped in 1998.

The Merlin is available in various versions, based on Ford Taurus or Ford Sierra, with Ford 4 or 6 cylinder OHC engine or Rover 2.0 16 valve OHC, 3.9 V8 or 4.6 V8 engine

Always check the history of the vehicle to ensure that there have been no modifications to the running gear.

Hubs/splines, spinners and nuts remain the same, unless noted otherwise, regardless of which wheel is fitted.

We also stock wire wheel maintenance accessories such as our Cleaning Kit (Refills available), Cleaning Brush, Degreaser and Tyre Foam.

If you require any more information or advice please contact us:

UK - 01753 549 360 - e-mail Sales

Overseas - +44 1753 598 382 - e-mail Isabella

Pictures


XW480 Chrome

XW480 Silver-painted

XW457 Chrome

XW457 Silver-painted

XW457 Black-painted
 
   
   
   

To search for another car click Return to Search

To print out this guide click Print

A new window will open with a printer friendly version of these fitment instructions. Click on the 'Print' button of your browser in this new window.
UK Sales: 01753 549 360
UK Fax: 01753 547 170
  • Italian
  • German
  • french
  • spanish
Export Sales: +44 (0) 1753 598 382
Motor Wheel Service International Ltd, Units 1-4 Elder Way, Waterside Drive, Langley, Slough, Berkshire, SL3 6EP, UK
Sitemap | Webmaster | Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Powered by vcGenius