GTD 2 piece wheel gaskets?

Eric Johnson · 03-07-08, 11:48 AM

Are wheel gaskets still available for the GTD simulated 2 piece knockoff wheels?
If not what are my options? I have a slow leak that developed on one of them.

Thanks!

Tony Hunt · 03-07-08, 01:00 PM

Eric,
If they are Image wheels, you don't need a gasket and don't separate the parts of the wheel from the hub.
Here's what to do:
1. Torque all the nuts and bolts to 12-14lbs ft.
2. With a thin solution of soap and water, try to trace where the leak is coming from. It could be either the tyre bead or the components of the wheel. In the first case, remove the tyre and ensure there are no dings on the wheel. When replacing the tyre, use bead sealer to ensure a proper seal. Retest.
3. If there are bubbles around the bolts or nuts, or other joints in the wheel, take the tyre off, then scrape away the silicone rubber sealant in the well of the wheel. Get it nice and smooth, then re-apply a generous layer of sealant all around both joints, to the same level as the old sealant was. Leave to dry thoroughly before refitting the tyre.
Of course, rebalance the combination whenever you refit a tyre.
I needed to renew the sealant on one of my wheels, and it cured the problem completely.
These instructions came from Image when I e-mailed them with my problem. This is a known fault with this type of wheel.
Regards,
Tony

Eric Johnson · 03-07-08, 01:13 PM

Tony,

Thanks.I have taken the wheel off and have indeed determined it is leaking at the union of the two halves of the wheel.It looks like there is a thin gasket sandwiched between. I don't know if it isponsor an Image wheel.The wheel does have "GTD" and " GT Developments stamped on the inside facing of the wheel. I will look further tonight when I return home. In the alternative, I have contacted Vintage Wheels (GT40s sponsor) and have inquired about possibly going to 5 pin drive Halibrand style with bolt on adapters.Does anyone have any experiences with thier product ? Pros? Cons?

Thanks for your help.

Frank Catt · 03-07-08, 01:26 PM

Eric, Image did originally use a thin gasket between the two halves of the wheel, but have long stopped useing it in favour of a silicone joint compound both between the parts and as Tony says covering the joint on the inside of the wheel. The thin gasket was always problematical and sometimes allowed corrosion to start on the aluminium. Frank

Eric Johnson · 03-07-08, 01:55 PM

Frank,

Thanks..I'll bet it is an Image then. I'll try the silicone joint compound fix. Do you guys think I should shave away all of the exposed gasket first, say with a utility knife?

Thanks again,

Frank Catt · 03-07-08, 02:56 PM

Eric, yes, but I would always remove the gasket as first option ! Frank

Phil · 03-07-08, 09:24 PM

Eric
If your GTD was built here in the states it may have Compomotive wheels. I don't know if they are still in business, but they were in Pennsylvania, the contact was Alan.
Hope this helps
Cheers
Phil

Eric Johnson · 03-08-08, 08:28 AM

Phil,

I'm not certain if they are Comps or not. The car was built in the USA, but I have found that a lot of the parts are sourced from the UK. For instance the disc brakes look to be UK derived and the bolt circle of the wheels is an odd spacing (120mm).

Last night I torqued the wheel halve bolts down and have applied the silicone adhesive sealant material as advised. This evening when I get home from work, I'll fill it up and see how it goes.

Thanks all !

Eric Johnson · 03-08-08, 10:25 PM

Tony, You are the bomb!

Pumped the tire and all is well.Looks like the fix you prescribed worked to a tee.
Now if the weather would cooperate a little....

Brian · 03-09-08, 05:37 PM

Eric, are you just inside the NY border? If so you may wish to catch up with the Boston area guys when we have a get together. Heck if you bring your car we'll have at least ONE running replica!!! It's taking us east coast guys a bit to catch up.

Brian

Eric Johnson · 03-10-08, 09:48 PM

Brian,

Good to hear from another GTD owner in the states.Yes, I'm located in the Hudson river valley. About 1 hour south of Albany and 30 minutes from Ct and Lime Rock Park Racetrack.Maybe we could do a road trip to Scott Calabro's place to check out his Tornado build. We'll help bolt his seats in and then head off to Lime Rock. Lol...

Just kidding Scott!

Eric