The Ford Barn

Bill Lee/Virginia · 05-19-2013, 12:57 PM

I purchased a set of rims for my A but do not know their exact size or year of car they came off of. I do not know whether they are 16 inch or 17 inch, maybe even 18 inch rims. I have 3 people tell me 3 different points to measure the rims. At what exact points (From A to B) are measurements taken on the rim to determine their size? I appreciate all info and advice.
Bill Lee/Virginia Peninsula

Rowdy · 05-19-2013, 01:03 PM

Measure the OD of the rim and subtract an inch. Rod

Napa Skip · 05-19-2013, 01:10 PM

My understanding is that a 19" rim is made to take a tire with a 19" diameter measured from the inside lip-to-inside lip of the bead (i.e., the diameter of the tire center "hole" - for lack of a more descriptive term). As mentioned by Rowdy above, this results in a wheel OD (outer edge of rim-to-outer edge of rim) approximately 1" larger.

I just stepped out and measured the diameter of both a set of 19" wheel rims and a set of 16" wheel rims that I've been working on (as well as a new 19" tire waiting to be mounted): the OD for the 19" wheels was 20-5/16"; for the 16" wheels it was 17-1/4" so the "measure the rim OD and subtract an inch" approach will get you the answer you're looking for.

Rock Hornbuckle · 05-19-2013, 01:27 PM

If you're still uncertain after using the subtract an inch method as metioned by Rod and Skip, take one of them to your local tire store, they will know.

Ross/Kzoo · 05-19-2013, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rock Hornbuckle

take one of them to your local tire store, they will know.

Are you sure? LOL

Rock Hornbuckle · 05-19-2013, 02:47 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross/Kzoo

Are you sure? LOL

Well, I was sure, but now that you asked, I'm not so sure anymore!

Napa Skip · 05-19-2013, 04:30 PM

...Are you sure? LOL...

It's been my experience that many tire stores - particularly those who employ less than (shall we say) well trained personnel - can be very accommodating in this respect, especially with the modern high-pressure hydraulically- or pneumatically-operated equipment.

"Excuse me, can you tell me what size tires these rims take?"

"Yes, sir. Those rims will take any size tire we decide to put on them. You pick out the tires and we'll make sure they 'fit'. And pay no attention to any ripples or buckling in the rim after we get it mounted; those will smooth out with wear."

Afordman31 · 05-19-2013, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Lee/Virginia

I purchased a set of rims for my A but do not know their exact size or year of car they came off of. I do not know whether they are 16 inch or 17 inch, maybe even 18 inch rims. I have 3 people tell me 3 different points to measure the rims. At what exact points (From A to B) are measurements taken on the rim to determine their size? I appreciate all info and advice.
Bill Lee/Virginia Peninsula

Bill, I made this drawing and put it in my Smart Phone, so when I see a wheel at the Swap Meet I can measure it from these points to know the size. I didn't dig out a 18 inch wheel yet to get the measurement but you can tell if it is not either size shown on my drawing. My measurement is from the inside of the wheel where the hupcap locks in and to the edge of the rim (outer diameter). I hope this helps you.

QGolden · 05-19-2013, 07:32 PM

Happen to have a stack of 19's in stock. These rims are mounted with 19 inch tires. As you can see, measuring straight across the center.

05-19-2013, 12:57 PM	#1
Bill Lee/Virginia Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 295	Measuring Rims? I purchased a set of rims for my A but do not know their exact size or year of car they came off of. I do not know whether they are 16 inch or 17 inch, maybe even 18 inch rims. I have 3 people tell me 3 different points to measure the rims. At what exact points (From A to B) are measurements taken on the rim to determine their size? I appreciate all info and advice. Bill Lee/Virginia Peninsula

05-19-2013, 01:03 PM	#2
Rowdy BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gothenburg Nebraska Just off I-80 Posts: 4,893	Re: Measuring Rims? Measure the OD of the rim and subtract an inch. Rod __________________ Do the RIGHT thing - Support the H.A.M.B. Alliance!!!!

05-19-2013, 01:10 PM	#3
Napa Skip Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Napa CA Posts: 412	Re: Measuring Rims? My understanding is that a 19" rim is made to take a tire with a 19" diameter measured from the inside lip-to-inside lip of the bead (i.e., the diameter of the tire center "hole" - for lack of a more descriptive term). As mentioned by Rowdy above, this results in a wheel OD (outer edge of rim-to-outer edge of rim) approximately 1" larger. I just stepped out and measured the diameter of both a set of 19" wheel rims and a set of 16" wheel rims that I've been working on (as well as a new 19" tire waiting to be mounted): the OD for the 19" wheels was 20-5/16"; for the 16" wheels it was 17-1/4" so the "measure the rim OD and subtract an inch" approach will get you the answer you're looking for. __________________ Skip Keyser Napa Valley A's Olympic Vintage Auto Club (1980-1982) MARC of San Diego (1977-1978) MAFCA (since 1978) MARC (since 1977) ---------- Model A owners belong in their Model A’s; Model A’s belong on the road.

05-19-2013, 01:27 PM	#4
Rock Hornbuckle Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Noxon Montana Posts: 532	Re: Measuring Rims? If you're still uncertain after using the subtract an inch method as metioned by Rod and Skip, take one of them to your local tire store, they will know. __________________ '31 Fordor Deluxe 2W Briggs 170-B / blackwalls '41 Fordor Deluxe / 2-duece flattie '66 1/2 Dodge Charger '14 100th Anniversary Challenger Limited Edition. Semper Fidelis

05-19-2013, 04:30 PM	#7
Napa Skip Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Napa CA Posts: 412	Re: Measuring Rims? ...Are you sure? LOL... It's been my experience that many tire stores - particularly those who employ less than (shall we say) well trained personnel - can be very accommodating in this respect, especially with the modern high-pressure hydraulically- or pneumatically-operated equipment. "Excuse me, can you tell me what size tires these rims take?" "Yes, sir. Those rims will take any size tire we decide to put on them. You pick out the tires and we'll make sure they 'fit'. And pay no attention to any ripples or buckling in the rim after we get it mounted; those will smooth out with wear." __________________ Skip Keyser Napa Valley A's Olympic Vintage Auto Club (1980-1982) MARC of San Diego (1977-1978) MAFCA (since 1978) MARC (since 1977) ---------- Model A owners belong in their Model A’s; Model A’s belong on the road.