Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Late V8 (1954+)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-23-2018, 06:03 AM   #1
emf
Senior Member
 
emf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hudson, NY
Posts: 510
Default Custom Wheels

I've decided to put a set of Coker's new radials on my new to me 54 Sunliner. Along with the radials, I thought I might look at some MILD custom wheels so I could have a set to drive and also keep the Firestone bias tires on the original wheels. Here is my problem, I don't want the car to look hot rodded. I just want a simple wheel to jazz it up a bit. Any suggestions? Photos would be appreciated. I want to put them on this car...
Attached Images
File Type: jpg s-l16001.jpg (99.6 KB, 156 views)
emf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2018, 10:37 AM   #2
Daddio
Member
 
Daddio's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Prince Edward County, So Ont
Posts: 48
Default Re: Custom Wheels

You'll be real happy with the improved ride and handling on the radials versus bias ply, if my experience on my TBird and Caddy is any indication.
Daddio is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 08-23-2018, 11:37 AM   #3
miker98038
Senior Member
 
miker98038's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ
Posts: 1,373
Default Re: Custom Wheels

Nice car. Wheels are really in the eye of the beholder, like wide or pinner whitewalls. You might start over at Wheelsmith for ideas. The vintage and smoothie categories. The old standby in the mid fiftys would probably been different hubcaps. Lancers, flippers, moons or baby moons, trim rings. Up to you. Theres a social group here that might also have some ideas or pictures. Still got the 239?

http://www.thewheelsmith.net
miker98038 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2018, 11:39 AM   #4
dmsfrr
Senior Member
 
dmsfrr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Abq, NM
Posts: 3,598
Default Re: Custom Wheels

There's a fair amount of debate over who supplies the better tire, Coker or DiamondBack.
Of more than several conversations I've seen, DiamondBack has a fair number of converts from Coker. Whichever you choose an accommodating tire shop near you may be able to have the tires shipped in and save you some shipping cost.
https://dbtires.com/

Just to have pictures to look at...
Here's link to American Racing Wheels website, click the 'Browse by Vehicle' button and enter your year, make & model... select wheel size too.
I like their selection of 'old school' style wheels that don't look out of place on classic vehicles.
http://www.americanracing.com/

They have a 'Configurator' function I actually wanted to share that shows a generic image of your make/model/color vehicle with whichever wheel you select. BUT their image library doesn't seem to include '54 Sunliners.
dmsfrr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2018, 12:47 PM   #5
Alaska Jim
Senior Member
 
Alaska Jim's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Posts: 1,573
Default Re: Custom Wheels

to me , a set of chrome reverse wheels with baby moons is the mildest custom wheel, and was very common back in the day. I used to run a set on my '53 ford, and my '52 ford back in the late '60's and early '70's. I always thought they looked good on the '52-'54 body styles. just my opinion, and like has been said the beauty of any wheel is in the eye of the beholder.
Alaska Jim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2018, 12:54 PM   #6
emf
Senior Member
 
emf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hudson, NY
Posts: 510
Default Re: Custom Wheels

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Thanks, guys, I went to American Racing and also discovered that their configurator was lacking. I usually get my tires from Universal Vintage Tire. Been doing business with them for over 30 years... I have the Coker radial on my Model A and it does make a difference. I was thinking of maybe a just beauty rings and chrome centers with chrome lugs, but I would like to see my choices before I buy...


Frank
emf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2018, 01:19 PM   #7
dmsfrr
Senior Member
 
dmsfrr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Abq, NM
Posts: 3,598
Default Re: Custom Wheels

Quote:
Originally Posted by emf View Post
... but I would like to see my choices before I buy...
Frank
Try this... Do a google search for "1954 Sunliner images" and you'll get lots of photos. Most seem to have the stock wheel covers but some don't.
You might find a few you like.

https://www.google.com/search?q=imag...w=1366&bih=634
dmsfrr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2018, 02:11 PM   #8
Automotive Stud
Senior Member
 
Automotive Stud's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 831
Default Re: Custom Wheels

How about just a different set of hubcaps? If you don't like it or get tired of it, it's easy enough to swap them back or change them around. Any "custom wheel" will probably look more "hot rod." There's no shortage of cool hubcap choices from the '50's.
Automotive Stud is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2018, 05:39 PM   #9
5851a
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: NE Iowa
Posts: 1,661
Default Re: Custom Wheels

Quote:
Originally Posted by Automotive Stud View Post
How about just a different set of hubcaps? If you don't like it or get tired of it, it's easy enough to swap them back or change them around. Any "custom wheel" will probably look more "hot rod." There's no shortage of cool hubcap choices from the '50's.
I like the 55/56 covers on 52 to 54's, similar but different, all polished up the are smooth, flashy and simple.
5851a is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2018, 06:31 PM   #10
Ole Don
Senior Member
 
Ole Don's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: St. Michael, Minnesota
Posts: 1,713
Default Re: Custom Wheels

The American five spoke was introduced in 1956, so they are not out of place on a 54. I had them on my 55 and liked the look.
c
Ole Don is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2018, 09:08 PM   #11
emf
Senior Member
 
emf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hudson, NY
Posts: 510
Default Re: Custom Wheels

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ole Don View Post
The American five spoke was introduced in 1956, so they are not out of place on a 54. I had them on my 55 and liked the look.
c

I wouldn't guess you have a photo of them...
emf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2018, 02:53 AM   #12
KULTULZ
Senior Member
 
KULTULZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY
Posts: 6,413
Post Re: Custom Wheels

Quote:
Originally Posted by emf View Post

I wouldn't guess you have a photo of them...
Here you go-



Attached Images
File Type: jpg ford-custom-sedan-saloon-1954-blue.jpg (34.7 KB, 140 views)
__________________
*****

- DISCLAIMER -

The above posted information is in my opinion only (IMO) and may contain copy and paste material(s).

In addition, any above tech information is supplied in good faith. No responsibility implied or otherwise can be accepted for the way others use or interpret provided data.

Your experience(s), opinion(s) and mileage may vary.

DIAGNOSED CDO - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)
KULTULZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2018, 06:13 AM   #13
emf
Senior Member
 
emf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hudson, NY
Posts: 510
Default Re: Custom Wheels

Of all the wheels I looked at, those are the best looking. The price is very reasonable too. I'll have to give them serious consideration...


Frank
emf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2018, 08:17 AM   #14
KULTULZ
Senior Member
 
KULTULZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY
Posts: 6,413
Smile Re: Custom Wheels

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alaska Jim View Post


to me , a set of chrome reverse wheels with baby moons is the mildest custom wheel, and was very common back in the day.
Remember these-
- CRAGAR SMOOTHIE CHROME REVERSE -

Attached Images
File Type: jpg CRAGAR Smoothie Chrome Reverse Wheel.JPG (101.2 KB, 176 views)
__________________
*****

- DISCLAIMER -

The above posted information is in my opinion only (IMO) and may contain copy and paste material(s).

In addition, any above tech information is supplied in good faith. No responsibility implied or otherwise can be accepted for the way others use or interpret provided data.

Your experience(s), opinion(s) and mileage may vary.

DIAGNOSED CDO - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)
KULTULZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2018, 09:15 AM   #15
Automotive Stud
Senior Member
 
Automotive Stud's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 831
Default Re: Custom Wheels

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ole Don View Post
The American five spoke was introduced in 1956, so they are not out of place on a 54. I had them on my 55 and liked the look.
c
I think they came out closer to '63. Regardless, they are a great looking wheel but I'm not sure they would look good on his convertible.
Automotive Stud is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2018, 01:13 PM   #16
KULTULZ
Senior Member
 
KULTULZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY
Posts: 6,413
Wink Re: Custom Wheels

Quote:
Originally Posted by Automotive Stud View Post

... they are a great looking wheel but I'm not sure they would look good on his convertible.
Several choices but for this car these are needed (IMHO)...




Attached Images
File Type: jpg 1955 FORD- Early Smooth Outer Rim.jpg (112.2 KB, 11 views)
__________________
*****

- DISCLAIMER -

The above posted information is in my opinion only (IMO) and may contain copy and paste material(s).

In addition, any above tech information is supplied in good faith. No responsibility implied or otherwise can be accepted for the way others use or interpret provided data.

Your experience(s), opinion(s) and mileage may vary.

DIAGNOSED CDO - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)

Last edited by KULTULZ; 08-25-2018 at 01:33 PM.
KULTULZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2018, 02:08 PM   #17
emf
Senior Member
 
emf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hudson, NY
Posts: 510
Default Re: Custom Wheels

Now THAT I like.... What year ford are these from??


maybe 55 TBird?
emf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2018, 02:23 PM   #18
emf
Senior Member
 
emf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hudson, NY
Posts: 510
Default Re: Custom Wheels

WOW! I just found a full set of 5 with clips on ebay for $425. They have the hubcap to go with them. That's as much as a set of new aluminum wheels....
emf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2018, 03:38 PM   #19
dmsfrr
Senior Member
 
dmsfrr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Abq, NM
Posts: 3,598
Default Re: Custom Wheels

Quote:
Originally Posted by emf View Post
WOW! I just found a full set of 5 with clips on ebay for $425. They have the hubcap to go with them. That's as much as a set of new aluminum wheels....
If you think that price is high don't look at the new/re-pop ones, about $880 to $940 for a set of 5.

Quote:
Originally Posted by emf View Post
Now THAT I like.... What year ford are these from??
maybe 55 TBird?
Yes, optional wire style wheel covers for a '55 T-Bird. (even if it has a '56/'57 porthole top)
Center caps with a white background for the letters are from '56
Lots of folks don't like the original spring clips that hold the wire portion onto the wheel.
.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_20180623_141337749c.jpg (131.4 KB, 11 views)
File Type: jpg wire wheel cover c.jpg (41.4 KB, 12 views)

Last edited by dmsfrr; 08-25-2018 at 04:13 PM.
dmsfrr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2018, 04:39 PM   #20
Daddio
Member
 
Daddio's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Prince Edward County, So Ont
Posts: 48
Default Re: Custom Wheels

There's also a rubber block that slides onto each of the spring clip, which is intended to prevent the trim rings from rattling and squeaking while under way.
I can tell you these rings are a bit of a PITA when checking air, especially (in the case of my '56 Bird) where the skirts have to be removed.

But it's really just a start-of-the-year PITA.
Daddio is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:52 AM.