The Ford Barn

Phred · 02-02-2016, 09:02 PM

I suspect my frustration with fitting the lug nuts into the '35 Ford wire wheels might be shared by many and has been around for a while (since 1935).

The deep recess of the wheel prevents a standard socket and extension from getting straight on to the nut and 50+ year old fingers don't reach well into the wheel to get the nuts started.

A short thin wall 3/8" drive socket and extension might create some extra clearance/alignment. Strategically placed notches ground into the inside diameter of the hubcap opening might also help.

Are there any tips from "back in the day"

Thanks in advance Fordbarn.

Houdini · 02-02-2016, 09:31 PM

Being a new guy here, I don't have old school advice, but I also have 36 16 inch wheels and found a regular socket with 1/2 inch extension works and doesn't seem to be crocked. I suppose you could gain a little clearance using a 1/2 socket and an adapter to convert to 3/8 inch so you could use a 3/8 extension. Then the decision would be to use a 3/8 wrench or convert back to 1/2 inch. But in my case, I'm able to go 1/2 all the way without any problem.

CWPASADENA · 02-02-2016, 11:49 PM

I just use a 1/2" drive socket and a 1/2" extension.

I do not seem to have a problem and have been doing it for more than 50 years.

My experience,

Chris W.

TDO · 02-03-2016, 11:03 AM

I use a 1/2" drive socket and a 3/8" extension

BILL WILLIAMSON · 02-03-2016, 11:12 AM

They're NO problem, using an "X" type lug wrench. I use the later lug nuts, that helps also.
Bill W.

Afordman31 · 02-03-2016, 11:35 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Phred

I suspect my frustration with fitting the lug nuts into the '35 Ford wire wheels might be shared by many and has been around for a while (since 1935).

The deep recess of the wheel prevents a standard socket and extension from getting straight on to the nut and 50+ year old fingers don't reach well into the wheel to get the nuts started.

A short thin wall 3/8" drive socket and extension might create some extra clearance/alignment. Strategically placed notches ground into the inside diameter of the hubcap opening might also help.

Are there any tips from "back in the day"

Thanks in advance Fordbarn.

Wobble Extension video to show you how the extension works. You don't have to buy snap-on , they are available at different prices. This might be helpful to you plus they come in handy many places you might wrench. I have had a set for a long time and use them mostly when I need a extension. Just a thought.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bcpjf6_vCk

katy · 02-03-2016, 11:44 AM

Phred, if you're having trouble w/a regular 1/2" drive socket and extension you might try a wobble extension, it'll give you about 15º of flex.

02-02-2016, 09:02 PM	#1
Phred Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: IL Posts: 303	Lug Nuts 35 Ford Wheels I suspect my frustration with fitting the lug nuts into the '35 Ford wire wheels might be shared by many and has been around for a while (since 1935). The deep recess of the wheel prevents a standard socket and extension from getting straight on to the nut and 50+ year old fingers don't reach well into the wheel to get the nuts started. A short thin wall 3/8" drive socket and extension might create some extra clearance/alignment. Strategically placed notches ground into the inside diameter of the hubcap opening might also help. Are there any tips from "back in the day" Thanks in advance Fordbarn.

02-02-2016, 09:31 PM	#2
Houdini Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Central Texas Posts: 113	Re: Lug Nuts 35 Ford Wheels Being a new guy here, I don't have old school advice, but I also have 36 16 inch wheels and found a regular socket with 1/2 inch extension works and doesn't seem to be crocked. I suppose you could gain a little clearance using a 1/2 socket and an adapter to convert to 3/8 inch so you could use a 3/8 extension. Then the decision would be to use a 3/8 wrench or convert back to 1/2 inch. But in my case, I'm able to go 1/2 all the way without any problem.

02-02-2016, 11:49 PM	#3
CWPASADENA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: PASADENA, CA Posts: 1,884	Re: Lug Nuts 35 Ford Wheels I just use a 1/2" drive socket and a 1/2" extension. I do not seem to have a problem and have been doing it for more than 50 years. My experience, Chris W.

02-03-2016, 11:03 AM	#4
TDO Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Enterprise, WV. Posts: 460	Re: Lug Nuts 35 Ford Wheels I use a 1/2" drive socket and a 3/8" extension __________________ I've been doing so much for so long with so little that now I can do almost anything with nothing.

02-03-2016, 11:12 AM	#5
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Lug Nuts 35 Ford Wheels They're NO problem, using an "X" type lug wrench. I use the later lug nuts, that helps also. Bill W. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

02-03-2016, 11:44 AM	#7
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,046	Re: Lug Nuts 35 Ford Wheels Phred, if you're having trouble w/a regular 1/2" drive socket and extension you might try a wobble extension, it'll give you about 15º of flex. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!