The Ford Barn

sphanna · 10-19-2015, 05:07 PM

I would like to learn what possible wheels to use for the new radial tires. I do not have the rims yet and request to know what you knowledgeable barners would recommend. Perhaps I will stay with the 19 inch if I can get radial tires for them. But I am looking for a smooth safe comfortable ride for my touring 1930 Fordor. I have heard that some modifications are required to make some of the 32-34 wheel changes. Anything I need to know beyond just replacing the 19's with the newer wheels?

Thank you for any input on this.

CarlG · 10-19-2015, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphanna

I would like to learn what possible wheels to use for the new radial tires... Perhaps I will stay with the 19 inch if I can get radial tires for them...

Check out Coker tire Excelsior Stahl Sport Radials. They make them in 19".

Check out this thread: (especially post #24)
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...t=radial+tires

Charlie Stephens · 10-19-2015, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphanna

I would like to learn what possible wheels to use for the new radial tires. I do not have the rims yet and request to know what you knowledgeable barners would recommend. Perhaps I will stay with the 19 inch if I can get radial tires for them. But I am looking for a smooth safe comfortable ride for my touring 1930 Fordor. I have heard that some modifications are required to make some of the 32-34 wheel changes. Anything I need to know beyond just replacing the 19's with the newer wheels?

Thank you for any input on this.

What modification are you hearing about? To the best of my knowledge they just bolt on. You may have to let some air out for a fender mounted spare (and carry a tire pump).

Charlie Stephens

sphanna · 10-19-2015, 06:12 PM

I thought I heard that inorder to keep the wheel from rubbing somewhere, that a spacer or washer or something had to be added.

CT AV8 · 10-19-2015, 06:19 PM

Charlie, the one thing I recently read about here is the lug nuts should be swapped for B-1012 ('32-'48) when using '32-'35 wheels on a Model A. The taper is different and it allows better fitment. I've run the original A-1012 nuts with my 16" wheels for many years and haven't had any problems, but it seems like a good idea to change them. It's cheap and easy to do.

CT AV8 · 10-19-2015, 06:21 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by sphanna

I thought I heard that inorder to keep the wheel from rubbing somewhere, that a spacer or washer or something had to be added.

No spacer or washer required for '32-'35 wheels on Model A.

sphanna · 10-19-2015, 06:27 PM

CT AV8: Yes, now that you jogged my memory, that is what I heard that the lug nuts needed to be changed in order to not have the tendency to crack the wheels at the lug nuts.

sphanna · 10-19-2015, 06:29 PM

I really appreciate the answers I received. It looks like the way to go is to go with the 19 inch wheels. Just wondering now if I can use my tubes or do I need to purchase special tubes for radials?

CarlG · 10-19-2015, 06:30 PM

It also depends on if it has been changed to Hydraulic Brakes. And what kind.

sphanna · 10-19-2015, 06:51 PM

Standard mechanical brakes, Flat Head Ted

Charlie Stephens · 10-19-2015, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CT AV8

Charlie, the one thing I recently read about here is the lug nuts should be swapped for B-1012 ('32-'48) when using '32-'35 wheels on a Model A. The taper is different and it allows better fitment. I've run the original A-1012 nuts with my 16" wheels for many years and haven't had any problems, but it seems like a good idea to change them. It's cheap and easy to do.

Good point. Also a problem would be if the studs are too long the Model A lug nuts would bottom on the stud before the wheel.

Charlie Stephens

steve s · 10-19-2015, 08:32 PM

Talk to these guys:

http://www.mtcarproducts.com/index.html

Barry B./ Ma. · 10-20-2015, 10:46 AM

I had 17 inch wheels on my roadster and they rode really well. I found the size to be closer to the 19s and more space between the spokes than the 16 tor easier cleaning. No spacers were needed but they were a pain to mount because you couldn't eyeball the stud locations when mounting.

10-19-2015, 05:07 PM	#1
sphanna Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Polk City, Iowa Posts: 526	16-17-18 inch wheels and tires I would like to learn what possible wheels to use for the new radial tires. I do not have the rims yet and request to know what you knowledgeable barners would recommend. Perhaps I will stay with the 19 inch if I can get radial tires for them. But I am looking for a smooth safe comfortable ride for my touring 1930 Fordor. I have heard that some modifications are required to make some of the 32-34 wheel changes. Anything I need to know beyond just replacing the 19's with the newer wheels? Thank you for any input on this. __________________ Steve Hanna, Polk City, IA

10-19-2015, 06:12 PM	#4
sphanna Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Polk City, Iowa Posts: 526	Re: 16-17-18 inch wheels and tires I thought I heard that inorder to keep the wheel from rubbing somewhere, that a spacer or washer or something had to be added. __________________ Steve Hanna, Polk City, IA

10-19-2015, 06:19 PM	#5
CT AV8 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Cos Cob, CT Posts: 295	Re: 16-17-18 inch wheels and tires Charlie, the one thing I recently read about here is the lug nuts should be swapped for B-1012 ('32-'48) when using '32-'35 wheels on a Model A. The taper is different and it allows better fitment. I've run the original A-1012 nuts with my 16" wheels for many years and haven't had any problems, but it seems like a good idea to change them. It's cheap and easy to do.

10-19-2015, 06:27 PM	#7
sphanna Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Polk City, Iowa Posts: 526	Re: 16-17-18 inch wheels and tires CT AV8: Yes, now that you jogged my memory, that is what I heard that the lug nuts needed to be changed in order to not have the tendency to crack the wheels at the lug nuts. __________________ Steve Hanna, Polk City, IA Last edited by sphanna; 10-19-2015 at 07:39 PM. Reason: Miss interpreted user name

10-19-2015, 06:29 PM	#8
sphanna Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Polk City, Iowa Posts: 526	Re: 16-17-18 inch wheels and tires I really appreciate the answers I received. It looks like the way to go is to go with the 19 inch wheels. Just wondering now if I can use my tubes or do I need to purchase special tubes for radials? __________________ Steve Hanna, Polk City, IA

10-19-2015, 06:30 PM	#9
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,192	Re: 16-17-18 inch wheels and tires It also depends on if it has been changed to Hydraulic Brakes. And what kind. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

10-19-2015, 06:51 PM	#10
sphanna Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Polk City, Iowa Posts: 526	Re: 16-17-18 inch wheels and tires Standard mechanical brakes, Flat Head Ted __________________ Steve Hanna, Polk City, IA

10-19-2015, 08:32 PM	#12
steve s Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kalamazoo Posts: 1,656	Re: 16-17-18 inch wheels and tires Talk to these guys: http://www.mtcarproducts.com/index.html

10-20-2015, 10:46 AM	#13
Barry B./ Ma. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southbridge, Ma. Posts: 1,614	Re: 16-17-18 inch wheels and tires I had 17 inch wheels on my roadster and they rode really well. I found the size to be closer to the 19s and more space between the spokes than the 16 tor easier cleaning. No spacers were needed but they were a pain to mount because you couldn't eyeball the stud locations when mounting.