Wheels

[fordlovr]

hi, will 40's Ford rims fit stock Model A Hubs? cheers

[glenn in camino]

Probably, but they'll make your Model A look funny.

[Jim Brierley]

They will fit the bolt pattern but need spacers to prevent the wheels from cracking. V8 wheels are made to fit against a flat surface, Model A wheels fit a stepped surface.

[Charlie Stephens]

I would like to expand on Jim's comment in Post #3, and raise the level of concern. I was riding in a Model A with solid wheels and stock brakes. One of the wheels actually came off of the vehicle. It happened so long ago (1962) that I can't verify exactly what happened but knowing what I do today I feel the problem was just the situation we are discussing. The adapters to use wire wheels on hydraulic brake drums are readily available but I don't know where you can buy the spacers that Jim is describing for putting solid wheels on mechanical brake drums. A lot of people make their own. I, and probably most people, agreed with glen in Post 2 and this results in there not being enough of a market to produce these spacers. Another problem you may have when using any spacer is that the wheel studs will be too short and need to be replaced. I would stick with the 1935 and earlier Ford wire wheels. This is a link to a write up about using Model A wheels on later hydraulic brake drums but it might be useful to understand the problem: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...=1#post1286293

Charlie Stephens

[ronn]

I have bought several derelict A's with much later ford wheels on them. Only used to roll them and spacers in general, are not a great idea for driving.

[Manager]

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I have been told the safest way is to have the later wheel centre machined to suit the bigger diameter centre of the early drum. But then the wheels would only ever be good on an early drum.

[fordlovr]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

I would like to expand on Jim's comment in Post #3, and raise the level of concern. I was riding in a Model A with solid wheels and stock brakes. One of the wheels actually came off of the vehicle. It happened so long ago (1962) that I can't verify exactly what happened but knowing what I do today I feel the problem was just the situation we are discussing. The adapters to use wire wheels on hydraulic brake drums are readily available but I don't know where you can buy the spacers that Jim is describing for putting solid wheels on mechanical brake drums. A lot of people make their own. I, and probably most people, agreed with glen in Post 2 and this results in there not being enough of a market to produce these spacers. Another problem you may have when using any spacer is that the wheel studs will be too short and need to be replaced. I would stick with the 1935 and earlier Ford wire wheels. This is a link to a write up about using Model A wheels on later hydraulic brake drums but it might be useful to understand the problem: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...=1#post1286293

Charlie Stephens

Thanks for all comments, not as easy as i thought. I will leave well alone!!