MWS Fitment Guide
Car MG MGA 1500, 1600 & 1600 Mk II
Body Sports (Roadster) or Fixed Head Coupé
Engine 1489cc, 1588cc & 1622cc / 4 cylinder
Year 1955 - 1962
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 5.60 x 15 or 5.90 x 15 Dunlop RS4 (original crossply) or 155R15 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
OptionsXW452 XW459
Rim Size4½" x 15"5" x 15"
Centre42mm Curly42mm Curly
Number of Spokes6072
FinishChrome or silver-paintedStainless steel, chrome, silver-painted or black-painted
LacingInner & OuterInner & Outer
Inset (mm)176.4
Back Spacing (mm) 87 (+/- 3)

Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
83 (+/- 3)

Click here to view an explanation of inset, outset and back spacing.
Tyre165R15165R15
TubeTubeless (see notes)

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 or rubber valve. We recommend 15/16" rim bands.
Tubeless

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 or rubber valve. We recommend 15/16" rim bands.
NotesSpokes may foul brake drums on frontWill protrude slightly from body work - see photos.
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 1INTEGRAL:

MGA 1500 with brake drums:
RSK035 - Front Left (studs fitted)
RSK034 - Front Right (studs fitted)

Spare studs RNK249 are available from stock. Original studs may require shortening.

MGA 1600 with brake discs:
RSK039 - Front Left
RSK038 - Front Right

MGA 1500 & 1600:
RSK037 - Rear Left
RSK036 - Rear Right

When converting from steel wheels the front brake drums will need to be replaced by wire wheel brake drums KAK154. The rear brake drums KAK169 are the same as used for steel wheels and do not require replacing.

When converting from steel wheels new half-shafts are required on the rears - these can be 10- (KAK184-10), 25- (KAK184-25), or 26-spline (KAK184-26) half-shafts. In addition you will need to replace the seals with two core plugs (brass O-rings) and two gaskets (between hub and spline) to prevent oil from leaking.

Integral fitting hubs so no nuts necessary

Click here for a guide to fitting hubs, caps and centre-lock wire wheels
Option 2If fitted with wire wheel brake drums you can use integral front (as above) and bolt-on rear (as below)
Option 3BOLT-ON:

Bolt-on splines can only be used front and rear with steel wheel brake drums but the front drums and the castle nut need to be machined.

Integral fitting splines must be used when the vehicle is fitted with brake discs

RSK209 - Left
RSK208 - Right

Four RN716 per 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 KCK057-12MGLH/KCK056-12MGRH KCK051LH/KCK050RH
Type Knock-on centre caps Knock-on centre caps
Size 42 mm 42 mm
Thread 12 TPI 12 TPI
Ears 0 2
Logo MG MG
Notes Continental style octagonal spinner Requires a spinner spanner to tighten/loosen caps.

Click here for advice on how tight to apply spinners.
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.
Code KCK057-12LH/KCK056-12RH KCK049LH/KCK048RH
Type Knock-on centre caps Knock-on centre caps
Size 42 mm 42 mm
Thread 12 TPI 12 TPI
Ears 0 2
Logo Plain (no logo) Plain (no logo)
Notes Continental style octagonal spinner Requires a spinner spanner to tighten/loosen caps.

Click here for advice on how tight to apply spinners.
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.
Retaining Nuts
 
Extra Information
Other comments Our part numbers XW5720 and XW5726 have been known to be fitted although not tried, tested or verified by MWS - the wheel arches would require modifications to both the front and rear.

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

MGA 1600 fitted with XW452 Chrome

MGA 1600 fitted with XW452 Chrome

XW459 Stainless Steel

XW459 Chrome

XW459 Silver-painted

XW459 Black-painted

MGA Mk I 1500 fitted with XW459 Silver-painted

MGA Mk I 1500 fitted with XW459 Silver-painted