The Ford Barn

Brian · 05-14-2010, 11:49 PM

Today I purchased 4 only 15" Ford styled wire wheels; they look exactly like regular 1935 wires at first glance, but then you notice the spokes are heavier, then you notice the 'wells' aren't as deep, and the edges of the rims are rolled inward right around back into the rim, not merely flared out like a regular wheel. They are stamped MADE IN ENGLAND inside the well. Anybody out there in Fordland know the origin of these unusual wheels? I'll certainly be running them on my 35; gets the thing another 1/2 inch closer to the tarmac! And now of course, the hunt will be on for a fifth one as a spare. Gotta love these old things, Brian

Brian · 05-15-2010, 05:26 PM

Update....Upon further comparison with one of my Kelsey's, I have realised that they are not 15" after all; more like 15 1/2", maybe metric- 400 millimeter or so? Still most unusual- anyone have any insight into these oddball things? Brian

dudley32 · 05-15-2010, 05:59 PM

got any pics...

1932tub · 05-16-2010, 01:36 AM

There are different types of wheels out there ( in NZ ) that my Father called ' air wheels ' these were supplied by tyre companies to fit Model A's
and early V8's with more popular tyre sizes.
I have a set that have a split rim type of rim similar to truck rims that have adjustable spokes. I will post some pics when I get time.

Brian · 05-16-2010, 02:26 AM

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Yeah mate, I'm very familiar with the Firestone Air Balloon wheels; they have 40 adjustable spokes and a detachable chromed ring that forms part of the rim. These oddball wheels I have resemble the 'proper' 35 wires; they have 32 spokes but the spokes are heavier gauge. I will put up some pictures soon....Brian

05-14-2010, 11:49 PM	#1
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,834	15" wires Today I purchased 4 only 15" Ford styled wire wheels; they look exactly like regular 1935 wires at first glance, but then you notice the spokes are heavier, then you notice the 'wells' aren't as deep, and the edges of the rims are rolled inward right around back into the rim, not merely flared out like a regular wheel. They are stamped MADE IN ENGLAND inside the well. Anybody out there in Fordland know the origin of these unusual wheels? I'll certainly be running them on my 35; gets the thing another 1/2 inch closer to the tarmac! And now of course, the hunt will be on for a fifth one as a spare. Gotta love these old things, Brian

05-15-2010, 05:26 PM	#2
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,834	Re: 15" wires Update....Upon further comparison with one of my Kelsey's, I have realised that they are not 15" after all; more like 15 1/2", maybe metric- 400 millimeter or so? Still most unusual- anyone have any insight into these oddball things? Brian

05-15-2010, 05:59 PM	#3
dudley32 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: fayetteville n.c. Posts: 139	Re: 15" wires got any pics...

05-16-2010, 01:36 AM	#4
1932tub Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Nelson New Zealand Posts: 157	Re: 15" wires There are different types of wheels out there ( in NZ ) that my Father called ' air wheels ' these were supplied by tyre companies to fit Model A's and early V8's with more popular tyre sizes. I have a set that have a split rim type of rim similar to truck rims that have adjustable spokes. I will post some pics when I get time.

05-16-2010, 02:26 AM	#5
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,834	Re: 15" wires Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Yeah mate, I'm very familiar with the Firestone Air Balloon wheels; they have 40 adjustable spokes and a detachable chromed ring that forms part of the rim. These oddball wheels I have resemble the 'proper' 35 wires; they have 32 spokes but the spokes are heavier gauge. I will put up some pictures soon....Brian