The Ford Barn

1929 · 02-10-2015, 08:07 PM

I have the 21 inch wheels now, but I saw the 16s on some other model As, should I make the switch, the 16s do look very good and I heard the ride is better. This will mean selling the 21s and buying used 16s powder coat and all.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 02-10-2015, 08:27 PM

Welcome, 29'er,
These 16's were on the car when I got it, painted with Rustoleum Spray Cans. I'm 79 years old & to me, I think they give Model A's a "proper" era look. Chief, my Dad, had a Conoco Filling Station in the 40's & 16" tires were somewhat more plentiful & cheeper than the 19's or the 21" tires. Most lookers think my wheels are "original" to the car.
Would you post a pic of your car for my DOG? He's panting in anticipation!
Bill W. & Buster T.

Russ B · 02-10-2015, 09:08 PM

While 21" wheels and tires were originally on the car, I grew up as a teenager in the 60's and most all Model A's I saw were using 16" or even 15" wheels and tires by then. As long as sufficiently tall tires are used, I think the Model A looks better with the smaller diameter wheels. ...and the ride will be more comfortable, and likely have a better tire contact patch for better stopping ability.

Hoogah · 02-10-2015, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ B

. . . and likely have a better tire contact patch for better stopping ability.

How so? Are these tyres always wider than standard 19" or 21"?

AND, if the circumference of the wheel is calculated by 3.17 X Diameter, and we allowed a further 5" diameter for the tyre, then changing from a 21" wheel (26" diam with tyre) to 16" (21" diam with tyre) would reduce speed at the same revs by around 20% (or by 8% for the 19" wheel swap).

I wouldn't want to sacrifice that for a slightly better ride!

UPDATE: THE ABOVE FIGURES ARE WRONG AND ARE CORRECTED IN POST #9:

Y-Blockhead · 02-10-2015, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoogah

16" (21" diam with tyre)

Is that correct? A 16" tire only has a 2 1/2" sidewall? A 600-16 has a diameter of ~28"

newshirt · 02-10-2015, 11:02 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Just a thought... In going to a 16" wheel, you will be giving up a little bit of that old-timey look that makes the Model A so unique. Every one of those tempting modern mods does that. So this can sometimes be a reflection of personality and attitude toward the car. Do you personally like the quirky antique look of the 1920's, or does modernization and comfort suit you better? In the end, it comes down to what you like.

I personally like every quirky aspect of these cars. Originality suits me. When I get into my Model A I don't want the feeling of a modern ride. I get that from my Honda. I like the old-time smells, sounds, and feeling of an antique car.

I like to point out original equipment, and contrast that against modern conveniences. Folks marvel and smile. I've learned that folks can spot modernizations right off, and they prefer viewing the cars in their original state. But does that matter to you? After all, it's your car not theirs. So make it suit your tastes and enjoy it.

Tom Wesenberg · 02-10-2015, 11:53 PM

I agree with Ray, and if I need more speed and comfort, then I'll have to drive my modern 1950 Studebaker.

1929 · 02-11-2015, 12:08 AM

good point Ray

Hoogah · 02-11-2015, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Is that correct? A 16" tire only has a 2 1/2" sidewall? A 600-16 has a diameter of ~28"

Nah, it's not. Oops!

I made that guesstimate while nowhere near the car. Turns out I was way out. My 21" wheels have an overall diameter of 30.5" including my Firestone 4.40/4.50-21 tyres, so the sidewall is 4.75".

So switching from 21 to 16" wheels would reduce ground speed by 16% at the same revs, and the 19 to 16" swap by 11%.

I still wouldn't want to sacrifice speed for a slightly better ride!

slackcat · 02-11-2015, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Welcome, 29'er,
These 16's were on the car when I got it, painted with Rustoleum Spray Cans. I'm 79 years old & to me, I think they give Model A's a "proper" era look. Chief, my Dad, had a Conoco Filling Station in the 40's & 16" tires were somewhat more plentiful & cheeper than the 19's or the 21" tires. Most lookers think my wheels are "original" to the car.
Would you post a pic of your car for my DOG? He's panting in anticipation!
Bill W. & Buster T.

Good to see your better Bill.

OBTW, what size of 16" tire are you running, they look good. I've some 16" wheels I'll be buying tires for this spring.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 02-11-2015, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slackcat

Good to see your better Bill.

OBTW, what size of 16" tire are you running, they look good. I've some 16" wheels I'll be buying tires for this spring.

Running 6:00 X 16, Coker Classic Blackwalls, still making payments on them
Bill W.

CT AV8 · 02-11-2015, 11:42 AM

I've seen some fendered A's here with 17" '32 wheels and to me they look perfect. Not sure about cost of wheels or tire availability but they give the car a very nice look.

mshmodela · 02-11-2015, 12:13 PM

To each A owner their own. However, I agree with Ray in keeping my car has historically true as I can... Just love old cars of any type that are kept that way.

Charlie Stephens · 02-11-2015, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CT AV8

I've seen some fendered A's here with 17" '32 wheels and to me they look perfect. Not sure about cost of wheels or tire availability but they give the car a very nice look.

The 17" wheels are actually '33-'34. The '32 wheels were 18'. Both the 17" and 18" are usually cheaper than the 19" or 21" model A wheels. Tires are about the same for cost and availability. Having said that, I don't like either on a Model A. The 16" bent spoke Kelsey's look better but I still prefer the stock wheels.

Charlie Stephens

Marvin/TN · 02-11-2015, 01:26 PM

My 30 coupe had 17" wheels on it when I bought it back in the mid 1950's and although I have a set of 19" wheels for it I will probably never use them.

Tom Wesenberg · 02-11-2015, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshmodela

To each A owner their own. However, I agree with Ray in keeping my car has historically true as I can... Just love old cars of any type that are kept that way.

I agree, plus wider tires steer harder. Of course we can overcome this by adding power steering.

mshmodela · 02-11-2015, 03:32 PM

Power steering? Is that not like a tractor steering knob on the wheel?

glenn in camino · 02-11-2015, 08:31 PM

16s will make your Model A look funny.

fredski · 02-11-2015, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glenn in camino

16s will make your Model A look funny.

I knew this was coming

daveymc29 · 02-11-2015, 11:45 PM

I have 16's on a 29 roadster with a 3:54 rear end and Mitchell 26% OD, The stock speedometer when checked with a GPS was right on the money. So in OD it is laying down the rubber just like it did without the OD before I changed out the 3:78 gears. Or so Mitchell tells me. I like the look and the ride, doesn't follow the ridges in the concrete roadways either. Stops somewhat more reliably with the wider patch on the ground, but that's not enough to make the change. The ride is, for me, yet I like the look of the 21's. So you may as well do what you like, it's your car.

02-10-2015, 08:07 PM	#1
1929 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New York Posts: 943	16 inch wheels I have the 21 inch wheels now, but I saw the 16s on some other model As, should I make the switch, the 16s do look very good and I heard the ride is better. This will mean selling the 21s and buying used 16s powder coat and all.

02-10-2015, 08:27 PM	#2
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: 16 inch wheels Welcome, 29'er, These 16's were on the car when I got it, painted with Rustoleum Spray Cans. I'm 79 years old & to me, I think they give Model A's a "proper" era look. Chief, my Dad, had a Conoco Filling Station in the 40's & 16" tires were somewhat more plentiful & cheeper than the 19's or the 21" tires. Most lookers think my wheels are "original" to the car. Would you post a pic of your car for my DOG? He's panting in anticipation! Bill W. & Buster T. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

02-10-2015, 09:08 PM	#3
Russ B Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Millbrae, CA Posts: 504	Re: 16 inch wheels While 21" wheels and tires were originally on the car, I grew up as a teenager in the 60's and most all Model A's I saw were using 16" or even 15" wheels and tires by then. As long as sufficiently tall tires are used, I think the Model A looks better with the smaller diameter wheels. ...and the ride will be more comfortable, and likely have a better tire contact patch for better stopping ability.

02-10-2015, 11:02 PM	#6
newshirt Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 868	Re: 16 inch wheels Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Just a thought... In going to a 16" wheel, you will be giving up a little bit of that old-timey look that makes the Model A so unique. Every one of those tempting modern mods does that. So this can sometimes be a reflection of personality and attitude toward the car. Do you personally like the quirky antique look of the 1920's, or does modernization and comfort suit you better? In the end, it comes down to what you like. I personally like every quirky aspect of these cars. Originality suits me. When I get into my Model A I don't want the feeling of a modern ride. I get that from my Honda. I like the old-time smells, sounds, and feeling of an antique car. I like to point out original equipment, and contrast that against modern conveniences. Folks marvel and smile. I've learned that folks can spot modernizations right off, and they prefer viewing the cars in their original state. But does that matter to you? After all, it's your car not theirs. So make it suit your tastes and enjoy it. __________________ Ray White

02-10-2015, 11:53 PM	#7
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: 16 inch wheels I agree with Ray, and if I need more speed and comfort, then I'll have to drive my modern 1950 Studebaker.

02-11-2015, 12:08 AM	#8
1929 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New York Posts: 943	Re: 16 inch wheels good point Ray

02-11-2015, 11:42 AM	#12
CT AV8 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Cos Cob, CT Posts: 295	Re: 16 inch wheels I've seen some fendered A's here with 17" '32 wheels and to me they look perfect. Not sure about cost of wheels or tire availability but they give the car a very nice look.

02-11-2015, 12:13 PM	#13
mshmodela Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,763	Re: 16 inch wheels To each A owner their own. However, I agree with Ray in keeping my car has historically true as I can... Just love old cars of any type that are kept that way. __________________ -Mike Late 31' Ford Model A Tudor, Miss Daisy I don't work on cars --I'm learning about my Model A. Cleveland, Ohio

02-11-2015, 01:26 PM	#15
Marvin/TN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chattanooga, TN area Posts: 832	Re: 16 inch wheels My 30 coupe had 17" wheels on it when I bought it back in the mid 1950's and although I have a set of 19" wheels for it I will probably never use them.

02-11-2015, 03:32 PM	#17
mshmodela Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,763	Re: 16 inch wheels Power steering? Is that not like a tractor steering knob on the wheel? __________________ -Mike Late 31' Ford Model A Tudor, Miss Daisy I don't work on cars --I'm learning about my Model A. Cleveland, Ohio

02-11-2015, 08:31 PM	#18
glenn in camino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camino, CA. Posts: 3,086	Re: 16 inch wheels 16s will make your Model A look funny.

02-11-2015, 11:45 PM	#20
daveymc29 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,554	Re: 16 inch wheels I have 16's on a 29 roadster with a 3:54 rear end and Mitchell 26% OD, The stock speedometer when checked with a GPS was right on the money. So in OD it is laying down the rubber just like it did without the OD before I changed out the 3:78 gears. Or so Mitchell tells me. I like the look and the ride, doesn't follow the ridges in the concrete roadways either. Stops somewhat more reliably with the wider patch on the ground, but that's not enough to make the change. The ride is, for me, yet I like the look of the 21's. So you may as well do what you like, it's your car.