The Ford Barn

rob63mess · 07-23-2016, 02:57 PM

Hey guys I'm thinking of buying some 16 inch wheels and tires for my stock 31 roadster. I'm keeping the stock wheels and tires as well, I would just like to change them out periodically for a different look. I'd like a solid wheel with baby moons and beauty rings. You know the look. Any suggestions on exact size and a supplier.

Gary WA · 07-23-2016, 03:04 PM

Early Ford Wire Wheel Tech - Hot Rod Forum : Hotrodders Bulletin Board
Click on above link may be of some help to you and others.

Charlie Stephens · 07-23-2016, 03:49 PM

Remember that you will need a spacer if you run solid wheels on stock Model A brake drums/hubs. Most people don't go this way and I don't know of anyone that makes the spacer, leaving you to make your own. The solid wheels need a flat drum and when you install them on a two step surface although they appear to fit you will be distorting the rim leading to eventual failure (and the wheel possibly coming off). Although written towards wire wheels on hydraulic brake drums there is enough information for you to understand the problem here: http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...=1#post1286293

Charlie Stephens

Russ B · 07-23-2016, 07:06 PM

I have hydraulics on mine, so a simple steel wheel works great without a spacer. 1940 to 1948 ford 16" wheels work, or 1949-51 Mercury or Lincoln 15" wheels work. the lug pattern on these wheel is the same as used by the Model A. My personal preference is to use the Mercury wheels and the flatter "moon" cap of the 1950 Mercury. ...but definitely not a restored car look.

the '35 wires have a look that 99% of ordinary folks think is restored. That is what most Model A's were driving around with in the 1960 when I grew up, so it is completely normal to me.

glenn in camino · 07-23-2016, 07:49 PM

16 " wheels will destroy the stock look of your Model A.

Big hammer · 07-23-2016, 09:04 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

IMO you won't like the wheels because of lower cruise speed, extra noise, etc. Unless you add over drive! Good deal keeping your original wheels, you will be reinstalling them IMO

07-23-2016, 02:57 PM	#1
rob63mess Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: newark ohio Posts: 569	Wheels Hey guys I'm thinking of buying some 16 inch wheels and tires for my stock 31 roadster. I'm keeping the stock wheels and tires as well, I would just like to change them out periodically for a different look. I'd like a solid wheel with baby moons and beauty rings. You know the look. Any suggestions on exact size and a supplier.

07-23-2016, 03:04 PM	#2
Gary WA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Clinton,WA/Whidbey Island Posts: 4,104	Re: Wheels Early Ford Wire Wheel Tech - Hot Rod Forum : Hotrodders Bulletin Board Click on above link may be of some help to you and others. __________________ www.whidbeymodelaclub.com

07-23-2016, 03:49 PM	#3
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,031	Re: Wheels Remember that you will need a spacer if you run solid wheels on stock Model A brake drums/hubs. Most people don't go this way and I don't know of anyone that makes the spacer, leaving you to make your own. The solid wheels need a flat drum and when you install them on a two step surface although they appear to fit you will be distorting the rim leading to eventual failure (and the wheel possibly coming off). Although written towards wire wheels on hydraulic brake drums there is enough information for you to understand the problem here: http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...=1#post1286293 Charlie Stephens

07-23-2016, 07:06 PM	#4
Russ B Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Millbrae, CA Posts: 504	Re: Wheels I have hydraulics on mine, so a simple steel wheel works great without a spacer. 1940 to 1948 ford 16" wheels work, or 1949-51 Mercury or Lincoln 15" wheels work. the lug pattern on these wheel is the same as used by the Model A. My personal preference is to use the Mercury wheels and the flatter "moon" cap of the 1950 Mercury. ...but definitely not a restored car look. the '35 wires have a look that 99% of ordinary folks think is restored. That is what most Model A's were driving around with in the 1960 when I grew up, so it is completely normal to me.

07-23-2016, 07:49 PM	#5
glenn in camino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camino, CA. Posts: 3,086	Re: Wheels 16 " wheels will destroy the stock look of your Model A.

07-23-2016, 09:04 PM	#6
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,131	Re: Wheels Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) IMO you won't like the wheels because of lower cruise speed, extra noise, etc. Unless you add over drive! Good deal keeping your original wheels, you will be reinstalling them IMO