Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

Can you tell from this photo if this is a standard wheel and not an AR?
This is my spare wheel I am working on.....very badly rusted rim, but I'm
smoothing it out with a airtool scaler and an angle grinder. I have a rubber
protector that fits down in the rim, but I am smoothing everything out so the tire will slide on better than the struggle it took to get it off!

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

They are so very cheap and plentiful why not just buy a used one?

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

I am sure that I could find a really nice used one, but out here conveniently situated in the middle of nowhere, I don't mind trying to make do.

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

I have seen far worse ones! At least yours has some paint left on it. All wheels require a lot of body work to look fantastic. I would say they are easily one of, if not, the most time consuming thing to restore on a standard model a.

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

Does the pictured wheel match all the rest of the wheels?
That would give you a quick indication

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1626906209
21" Model A Ford Wheel in question?

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

It looks like it was contacting the drum it was last on properly ---though it looks like a spot about 1 oclock that could be a crack

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

Definetely looks like a crack - good catch Kurt. That is an easy fix, just weld it up and grind it. Be sure to make sure that the drums you use will fit inside it (that's a test for the roundness of the wheel because of that crack).

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

Early '28 wheels (for the left hand parking brake cars) have a hub flange of 1 3/16 inches.
For the later '28 and '29 wheels, the hub flange measures 1 3/8 inches.

A picture of the wheel hub from the front side would help. The short spokes are much closer to the edge of the hub flange on the early wheels. Once you see the difference, you will be able to spot which type of wheel you have.

W. Michael

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

It could just be the photo but those lug nut holes sure look oversize. If they are it would be easier to start with a better wheel. I sure miss the Reno Swap Meet that Bill Harrah used to host.

Charlie Stephens

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

Good 21" wheels are not cheap or plentiful. They rust in the tube around the rim edge and won't balance when full of rust. BTDT and have 5 or so bad ones and four OK ones on the car.

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

So far so good. This wheel matches the ones on the car. I forgot I had another one that is in better condition....but I am going to use this one and use the other one when I can afford a new tire. I got most of the rough rust off and have sprayed them with gloss black Rustoleum (like the rest of my car). I am not worried about more rust out here in the high desert, but "Bessie" took a real beating after decades in rainy southeast Alaska.

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

Wheels that aren't too rusted and actually run true when spun on a lathe are getting hard to find!

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

Bought one decent set up at Carlisle out of 9 wheels the guy had for $400 last year and one was bent when I got it on the car. Couple other bunches of rusty junk for $80+. Hershey '19 I didn't see any and made it 3/4 of the way through the show. I did end up with a nice radiator and shroud and a restorable early column. Maybe I just got unlucky?

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

Remember also that you come from an area that uses salt on the road in winter months. That is not the case in many southern states.

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

Another thought. The wheel rim is 90 yrs old and if it was pitted and thin from rust i t can easily crack and blow out.

John

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?
 

I agree with Mc on the wheels. have bought many sets of 4-5 for a flat 100. bill.

hot rodders never want them...........

Re: Is this a standard 21" Model A wheel?