Morris Minor Owners Club

Does anyone know why there are holes at the edge of the rim. Were the for hanging during painting?

Only the person who made the holes could tell you why !

Sounds painful

The only reason I ask is , every mm rim I have has these two holes. I have rims from different autos that have these holes. I assume they are factory.

I've seen the holes in MM rims as well but I don't know the reason for them I'm afraid.

I can see why you suspect a factory procedure, as the holes look remarkably equal in position from the rim edge but as mentioned not sure how you’d find the reason, even if that was the case. You never know though !

As the rim looks to be riveted I wonder if it was a production exercise, form one side of a rim then the other and the two sides were sent to the next person to rivet the rim together in the correct orientation for finalising.

Two sides? It was only the centre that was riveted in place.

Oh well that's my theory out the window.

Well at least you had a theory!

Those rims must have started life as a sheet of plain steel. Perhaps the holes were to give it a start on the big roller that formed the shape and rolled it into a circle?

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4649253.html

Bottom left of page 5. Pin used to drive the rim round on the forming machine. Looks like the pin holes are opposite the hole drilled for the valve which I assume is near the weld line?

Rob,
Absolutely right. The valve stem hole is opposite the holes and that is where the weld is. Wonder if all rims are made this way. Have never noticed the holes any any other automobile rims. Will have to look at some other rims from different autos.
Thanks, That answers my question.

Rob,
Good answer. The valve stem hole is opposite the holes and that is where the weld line is. Have never noticed these holes on any other auto rim. Maybe other manufacturers fill in the holes.
Thanks for the replies