Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1583217963
It amazes me how many immaculately restored high point 1932 to 1935 Ford have their spare wheels mounted incorrectly. When these 1932-1935 Fords left the Factory, the position of the Valve was always at the top, regardless of if the Spare was mounted at the rear or in the Fender. The reason for this was to prevent water sitting in the valve opening, which over time causes problems with rust. The other reason is that that any water that is trapped behind the hubcap can escape through a small hole that Henry designed for this purpose.
The next time you go to an Early Ford V8 Nationals or car show, take a close look at how many owners add the spare wheel with no thought of where to position the valve. The above photos of a very nice 1935 Ford Cabriolet is just one example. what do other owners of these fine 1932 to 1935 Fords think?

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1583218849
This photos shows the correct way to mount spare wheels on 1932-1935 Fords, showing the location of the Valve at the top and the Small Drain Hole to allow trapped water to escape at the bottom. This is how all Spare Wheels were mounted at the Factory by Ford Motor Company. Your Spare Wheel should be mounted in this position to be correct, "As Ford Built It".

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

I believe 32 Fords wheels had the valve positioned slightly off perpendicular, which was rectified from 33. Bent spoke Kelseys like I run, also have the valve located slightly off of centre

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1583228260
The owner of this beautiful 1934 Ford has mounted the Spare Wheel correctly, with the Valve at the top. This is how all Spare Wheels should be mounted, with the Valve at the top. Congratulations, job well done.

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

Don't know about spares but I always try and put the hubcaps on with the logo square to the valve. I also put the tyres on with the middle of the Firestone name centred to the valve.

Wheel and tyre OCD I suppose.

Mart.

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

Mart, in my experience with wide fives, the wheels themselves are not always perfectly balanced, which becomes useful in locating the tire heavy side opposite the wheel heavy side. This is especially good to know if using the modern (junk) lead-free wheel balancing weights.

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1583275780
Take a look at this beautiful 1932 Ford Five Window Coupe. The restoration looks perfect, but the owner has mounted the spare wheel with the valve at the bottom, ready to trap water, when it should be at the top.

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1583287855
Here is a Factory Photo of a 1932 Ford Roadster with the Valve located in the correct position at the top. Restorers should follow this example when mounting their spare wheels to 1932-1935 Fords.

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

I didn't know there was a correct way to have the valve when I mounted mine, but I managed to get it on top. I figured it was either top or bottom and since I also had a luggage rack, it was easier to access the valve if it was on top. Thanks for clarifying.

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

As evidenced by the photo of the 32, notice the valve, even though in the upper position, is not exactly centred. Ford corrected this in 33 and for all subsequent models. Stock Ford wires only.

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1583293884
JimG, Glad that you learnt something from this Thread. That is why I started it, to educate people in the correct way to mount their spare wheels on 32-35 Fords. It doesn't matter if the spare is on the rear, or fender mounted, the same rule applies.

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1583296626
Owners of 1936 Fords can only mount their spare wheels with the valve at the top, as if they don't, the metal cover will not sit correctly. The hubcap on this cover is hinged at the bottom to gain access to the lock. If the cover is not mounted with the valve hole at the top, the hubcap would sit at an angle. The problem of where to place the valve is only a concern to owners of 1932 to 1935 Fords.

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

I mount every one of my wheels with the valve at the top. The problem is, after driving I find they are all over the place.

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

Reminds me of a friend who owned a very nice 1956 Ford Customline Sedan. He managed to locate a set of NOS Wire Wheel Covers, the ones that don't have a hole for the Valve. He was not interested in pulling the covers away on those special retainers each time he wanted to check the air in his tyres, so he drilled a suitable hole in the correct position on each, and replaced the Wire Covers. He then went for a drive, and to his amazement, after returning home, no Valve was protruding out of the drilled hole. A set of NOS Wire Wheel Covers ruined. Regarding your car, I hope that the Valve on the spare wheel stays in the correct location?

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

I don't own one of the subject models, but am now informed so that I can carry the fight to the next concours field. Thanks for the information.

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

How interesting to note all the idiosyncrasies of Mr. Ford. …...


I wonder if any modern car manufacturers have similar criteria for autos coming off the container ships from China ??

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

I thought only Buicks were made in China and only for their domestic market...

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1583399978
This thread is about 1932-1935 Fords, not Buicks.
Here is another example of the Spare Wheel mounted incorrectly, this time in the Fender. When these cars were assembled, the Valve was always placed at the top, no matter if the Spare was on the rear or in the Fender. The reason for this is explained in Post 2. This very nice restoration of a 1934 Ford with Six Wheel Equipment is spoiled by this slight error when the spare was mounted.

Re: Incorrectly mounted Spare Wheels on 1932-1935 Fords
 

Notice the wheels are the bent spoke,accessory.Might be Motor Rim & Wheel.Curious to see if the bent spoke wheel valve stem location would be at 12 o'clock on the spare when mounted on the carrier. I had a '35 sedan with 16" Kelsey's and the valve stem on the spare when mounted was not centered at the top.