The Ford Barn

w.michael · 04-14-2021, 10:38 PM

Can the early 1928 wheels (left-hand emergency brake cars) be used on later Model A's? Can wheels from later Model A's be used on early 1928 hubs and drums?

W. Michael

Synchro909 · 04-15-2021, 06:47 AM

Short answer - Nope!

Gary Karr · 04-15-2021, 10:32 AM

No, as both the wheels and drum hubs are different.

Robert/Texas · 04-15-2021, 03:34 PM

I think that the answer to the first question may be yes and no to the second. I own two 1928 Model A’s, both purchased in 1989. I bought the first one at the Pate Swap Meet in Texas (March ‘28 open cab pickup). This pickup has all the early features including the AR wheels. I bought the second (May ‘28 roadster) from a private owner. This car was in barely running condition when I bought it and has the later 1928 features. I spent about three years making both road ready.

Around 15 years ago, at a motel on a Model A tour, three Model A “experts” noticed that three of the wheels on the roadster were the AR type. Even though I had painted these wheels and changed the tires several times, I never noticed this.

I know that this has been controversial, but it has worked for me all these years.

Robert

redmodelt · 04-15-2021, 04:08 PM

Will they bolt up, yes. Will that fit properly NO. It is covered in the service bulletins why they should not be used.

Gene F · 04-15-2021, 04:36 PM

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My understand is that the lug nuts were different, and the shirt on the inner part where the spokes attached is deeper (I think). Are you a local chapter member? Maybe someone with a 29 will let you bolt one of his on and take it around the block.

w.michael · 04-15-2021, 10:03 PM

Thank you, everyone. I know they will bolt up, but I didn't know whether the wheels would contact the drums properly. I don't want to risk cracking a wheel or some other failure as a result of non-mating surfaces between the wheel and the drum.

Again, thanks for your answers.

W. Michael

04-14-2021, 10:38 PM	#1
w.michael Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 418	Do early 1928 wheels interchange with other years? Can the early 1928 wheels (left-hand emergency brake cars) be used on later Model A's? Can wheels from later Model A's be used on early 1928 hubs and drums? W. Michael

04-15-2021, 06:47 AM	#2
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: Do early 1928 wheels interchange with other years? Short answer - Nope! __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

04-15-2021, 10:32 AM	#3
Gary Karr Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,486	Re: Do early 1928 wheels interchange with other years? No, as both the wheels and drum hubs are different.

04-15-2021, 03:34 PM	#4
Robert/Texas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Burton, Texas Posts: 681	Re: Do early 1928 wheels interchange with other years? I think that the answer to the first question may be yes and no to the second. I own two 1928 Model A’s, both purchased in 1989. I bought the first one at the Pate Swap Meet in Texas (March ‘28 open cab pickup). This pickup has all the early features including the AR wheels. I bought the second (May ‘28 roadster) from a private owner. This car was in barely running condition when I bought it and has the later 1928 features. I spent about three years making both road ready. Around 15 years ago, at a motel on a Model A tour, three Model A “experts” noticed that three of the wheels on the roadster were the AR type. Even though I had painted these wheels and changed the tires several times, I never noticed this. I know that this has been controversial, but it has worked for me all these years. Robert

04-15-2021, 04:08 PM	#5
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,340	Re: Do early 1928 wheels interchange with other years? Will they bolt up, yes. Will that fit properly NO. It is covered in the service bulletins why they should not be used. __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!

04-15-2021, 04:36 PM	#6
Gene F Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,958	Re: Do early 1928 wheels interchange with other years? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) My understand is that the lug nuts were different, and the shirt on the inner part where the spokes attached is deeper (I think). Are you a local chapter member? Maybe someone with a 29 will let you bolt one of his on and take it around the block. Last edited by Gene F; 04-15-2021 at 04:37 PM. Reason: typo

04-15-2021, 10:03 PM	#7
w.michael Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 418	Re: Do early 1928 wheels interchange with other years? Thank you, everyone. I know they will bolt up, but I didn't know whether the wheels would contact the drums properly. I don't want to risk cracking a wheel or some other failure as a result of non-mating surfaces between the wheel and the drum. Again, thanks for your answers. W. Michael