MWS Fitment Guide
Car Austin Healey 100 / 6 (BN4 & BN6)
Body BN4 2+2; BN6 Two-seater Roadster
Engine 2639 cc / 6 cylinder
Year 1956 - 1959
Wheels
Original XW450
Rim Size 4" x 15"
Centre 42mm Curly
Number of Spokes 48
Finish Chrome or silver-painted
Lacing Outer
Inset (mm) 19
Back Spacing (mm) 83 (+/- 3)

Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
Tyre 5.90 x 15 (original crossply) or 165R15 (modern radial)
Tube The chrome wheels have been tubeless since March 2019; and the silver-painted wheels have been tubeless since May 2018.

If you have older, tubed wheels or are fitting tube-type tyres you will need 155/165 x 15 tubes - available with either metal (race) or rubber (road) valve

This wheel is laced to the outer part of the rim only and so does not require a rim band
Notes Disc wheels were standard fitment with wire wheels as an optional extra.
OptionsXW452 XW457
Rim Size4½" x 15"5½" x 15"
Centre42mm Curly42mm Curly
Number of Spokes6072
FinishChrome or silver-paintedStainless steel, chrome, silver-painted or black-painted
LacingInner & OuterInner & Outer
Inset (mm)1712.7
Back Spacing (mm) 87 (+/- 3)

Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
95.5 (+/- 3)

Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
Tyre165R15

The Michelin 180R15 is known to be fitted by our customers; this tyre requires a 175/185 x 15 tube even if being fitted to a tubeless wheel
185/70R15

The Michelin 180R15 is known to be fitted by our customers; this tyre requires a 175/185 x 15 tube even if being fitted to a tubeless wheel
TubeTubeless

The chrome and the silver-painted wheels have been tubeless since October 2008.

If you have the older, tubed wheels or are fitting tube-type tyres you will need 155/165 x 15 tubes - available with either metal (race) or rubber (road) valve - or 175/185 x 15 tubes and we recommend using 15"/16" rim bands.
Tubeless

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 wheel will only fit on vehicles fitted with narrow brake drums - the wheel will foul the back spokes if fitted to a vehicle with wide brake drums.

This wheel will fit if the vehicle has been converted to disc brakes.
This wheel will only fit if the vehicle has been converted to disc brakes.
Options XW459 XW5743
Rim Size5" x 15"4½" x 15"
Centre42mm Curly42mm Curly
Number of Spokes7272
FinishStainless steel, chrome, silver-painted or black-paintedSilver-painted only
LacingInner & OuterInner & Outer
Inset (mm)6.419
Back Spacing (mm) 83 (+/- 3)

Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
89 (+/- 3)

Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
Tyre165R15 or 185/70R15 (fitment check recommended for clearances)

The Michelin 180R15 is known to be fitted by our customers; this tyre requires a 175/185 x 15 tube even if being fitted to a tubeless wheel
165R15

The Michelin 180R15 is known to be fitted by our customers; this tyre requires a 175/185 x 15 tube even if being fitted to a tubeless wheel
TubeTubeless

The chrome wheels have been tubeless since June 2007; the silver-painted wheels have been tubeless since April 2011; and the stainless steel wheels have been tubeless since October 2008.

The 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 155/165 x 15 tubes - available with either metal (race) or rubber (road) valve - or 175/185 x 15 tubes and we recommend using 15"/16" rim bands.
Tubeless

This wheel has been tubeless since September 2009.

If you have the older, tubed wheels or are fitting tube-type tyres you will need 155/165 x 15 tubes - available with either metal (race) or rubber (road) valve - or 175/185 x 15 tubes and we recommend using 15"/16" rim bands.
NotesThis wheel will only fit on vehicles fitted with narrow brake drums - the wheel will foul the back spokes if fitted to a vehicle with wide brake drums.

This wheel will fit if the vehicle has been converted to disc brakes.
Notes
WarrantyStainless Steel and 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 1BN4 up to August 1957 - Integral Front and Bolt-on Rear 12 TPI (Fine Thread):

RSK393 - Front Left
RSK392 - Front Right

Integral fitting hubs so no nuts necessary

RSK271 - Rear Left
RSK270 - Rear Right

The original "Philedas Nuts" can be used for the Bolt-on rear splines but it is recommended to replace them. The BN4 has UNF Thread.

Bolt-on splines were fitted as original equipment to this vehicle so will not increase the track

Studs will require shortening, click here for a diagram

Click here for a guide to fitting hubs, caps and centre-lock wire wheels
Option 2BN4 from November 1957 & BN6 - Integral Front and Bolt-on Rear 12 TPI (Fine Thread):

RSK125 - Front Left
RSK124 - Front Right

Integral fitting hubs so no nuts necessary

RSK045 - Rear Left
RSK044 - Rear Right

The original "Philedas Nuts" can be used for the Bolt-on rear splines but it is recommended to replace them. The BN4 has UNF Thread.

Bolt-on splines were fitted as original equipment to this vehicle so will not increase the track

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 KCK049LH/KCK048RH KCK057-12LH/KCK056-12RH
Type Knock-on centre caps Knock-on centre caps
Size 42 mm 42 mm
Thread 12 TPI 12 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.

We recommend using our copper and hide hammer to tighten/loosen the knock-on caps (spinners).
Retaining Nuts
 
Extra Information
Other comments BN4 Chassis Number BN4-L/22598 to C.BN4/77766

BN6 Chassis Number C.BN6/501 to C.BN6/4650

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 (info@mwsint.com)

Overseas - +44 ­1753 ­598 ­382 - e-mail Isabella (isabella@mwsint.com)
Pictures
XW450 Chrome

XW450 Silver-painted

XW452 Chrome

XW452 Silver-painted

XW457 Chrome

XW457 Silver-painted

XW457 Black-painted

XW459 Stainless Steel

XW459 Chrome

XW459 Silver-painted

XW459 Black-painted

XW5743 Silver-painted