Talk to me about wheels......

[Baileigh Inc]

I think its time to put my stock wheels in storage start looking for a different wheel. Here is what I have now....



This car is my daily driver. Work, home, store, kids to school, all over town, every day.....I have put over 1,000 miles on it since the snow melted. I love it, I love the look, don't get me wrong...

The original skinny wheels just don't ride well, especially on our roads that are trashed from the snow plows. Just wondering if 35 or 40 wheels will ride better. I do like the look of them and they are wider.

.....don't hate. Just throwing it out there.

Thoughts?

[Aerocraft]

Why spoil a very nice Model A?

[sphanna]

I'm thinking you are joking

[P.S.]

I see the stock wheels as the better looking choice.

If you're in the mood for some change, try black walls.

[C26Pinelake]

You certainly surprised some of us. You should give it a lot of thought beforehand !
Wayne

[cp5491r]

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I think the originals will cut through the WI snow better.

[Baileigh Inc]

Maybe I mis-spoke. I'm not chopping this beauty up, or changing anything, don't worry about that. Just thinking of experimenting with wheels and tires thats all.

35 spokes?

[glenn in camino]

Leave it the way it is or your Model A will look funny.

[Ray64]

I don't get it Sorry

[Smurkey]

It's yours so do what you think, but my guess would be here you're going to get lots of votes to keep it the way it was back in the day.

People like old cars for lots of different reasons, I personally like keeping things they way they were so I can experience what it is like to operate a piece of machinery built so long ago. What I am feeling, seeing, hearing is what someone felt, saw, heard 85 years ago...a tangible link to history.

[Baileigh Inc]

This car is my daily driver. Work, home, store, kids to school, all over town, every day.....I have put over 1,000 miles on it since the snow melted. I love it, I love the look, don't get me wrong...

The original skinny wheels just don't ride well, especially on our roads that are trashed from the snow plows. Just wondering if 35 or 40 wheels will ride better. I do like the look of them and they are wider.

.....don't hate. Just throwing it out there.

[Tiny]

I like my 17's a lot. I hear what you say about the skinny wheels, there was a huge improvement in ride quality with the smaller wheels and bigger tires.

I bet just getting rid of the whitewalls would make it ride better though!!

[Barber31]

Your cars pretty original to pull off a different wheel and not look funny but if I had to make a suggestion, I would say tall blackwall radials with black steelies. No beauty rings or nothing.

[Baileigh Inc]

Originally Posted by Tiny

I like my 17's a lot. I hear what you say about the skinny wheels, there was a huge improvement in ride quality with the smaller wheels and bigger tires.

I bet just getting rid of the whitewalls would make it ride better though!!

Ha Ha.....I think I like the white walls...

[ericr]

to hijack this thread, I see you work at Metal Shaping Heaven. Is there any room in heaven for any of us to get our poor repo sheet metal panels reworked somehow?

[Charlie Stephens]

My first choice would be the original wheels, second would be a set of 16 inch bent spoke Kelsey wheels. Remember wire wheels go with the mechanical brakes and solid wheels go with the hydraulic brakes unless you use adapters.

Charlie Stephens

[V8COOPMAN]

Here ya go...'35 Ford 16" wires on an "A"...more-modern size tires. Easy-to-find wheels! DD

[Baileigh Inc]

Originally Posted by ericr

to hijack this thread, I see you work at Metal Shaping Heaven. Is there any room in heaven for any of us to get our poor repo sheet metal panels reworked somehow?

Yes we have a small army of customers that do this....call me 920-482-3220

[Baileigh Inc]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Here ya go...'35 Ford 16" wires on an "A"...more-modern size tires. Easy-to-find wheels! DD

Perfect....will those bolt right up on my stock hubs?

[Purdy Swoft]

I'm a do em like you want em kind of guy. If it was mine, I would keep the original wheels, they just look better to me . If it was a rod, I would use different wheels and tires. Its your car !!! No matter what anybody says, do it the way that you want it.

[FL&WVMIKE]

I have the originals on mine, but I like the looks of '35 wheels on an "A". They are 16" and spoked.
Check the photo of V8COOPMAN'S post.
MIKE (mikeburch)

[hop2it]

Shane,I would put 35 16" wheels on,you would still have spokes and keep your 19" and put them on if you go somewhere loaded with purists. Doug

[Baileigh Inc]

Originally Posted by hop2it

Shane,I would put 35 16" wheels on,you would still have spokes and keep your 19" and put them on if you go somewhere loaded with purists. Doug

Will they bolt right on?

[V8COOPMAN]

Here...a little easier to see. Same bolt pattern as the A-bone hubs. DD

[LSGUN]

Originally Posted by Baileigh Inc

Will they bolt right on?

Yes.

[modelAtony]

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I think your car looks great but I like orig. style better than bigger wheels. OPTION , KEEP WHEELS YOU GOT AND MOVE TO SUNNY STATE. Nice looking car. have fun modelAtony Lafayette,LA

[Baileigh Inc]

Originally Posted by modelAtony

I think your car looks great but I like orig. style better than bigger wheels. OPTION , KEEP WHEELS YOU GOT AND MOVE TO SUNNY STATE. Nice looking car. have fun modelAtony Lafayette,LA

Ha Ha

[Baileigh Inc]

Originally Posted by LSGUN

Yes.

I don't have to change my axles or anything, just buy 35 spokes and bolt em on?

[V8COOPMAN]

Or maybe you like WHITE WALLS on '35 wheels.

I'm not a Model A guy per se, but I'm sure these '35 wheels bolt right onto Model A hub/drums without any mods. I've heard there MAY be a problem only with very early '28 drums properly supporting the wheel. The REAL "A" guys can answer your compatibility questions. Check the WWs below...I love 'em. Do it! DD

[Baileigh Inc]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Or maybe you like WHITE WALLS on '35 wheels.

I'm not a Model A guy per se, but I'm sure these '35 wheels bolt right onto Model A hub/drums without any mods. I've heard there MAY be a problem only with very early '28 drums properly supporting the wheel. The REAL "A" guys can answer your compatibility questions. Check the WWs below...I love 'em. Do it! DD

No pic?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Baileigh Inc

No pic?

You better put some new points and plugs in your computer. I have picture! DD

[Baileigh Inc]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

You better put some new points and plugs in your computer. I have picture! DD

For some reason its not showing up on mine

[V8COOPMAN]

Bummer! How 'bout now? DD

[Baileigh Inc]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Bummer! How 'bout now? DD

Now I see it!

[Farrell In Vancouver]

"The original skinny wheels just don't ride well"
Shane, maybe its just the look your needing to change, but from what you said about the ride quality perhaps its the tires you are currently rolling on? I had a set on my coupe that I just hated for drivabilty (and the fact they were whiteys) I changed them out for a set of Universal 21" Black walls and improved both the look and the ride quality. They handle the snow way better as well as the rain and seem so much more stable in a corner then the old set.
Cheers!

[Tom Wesenberg]

Now I see the picture, but it's distorted. The top is too low.

[Russ B]

Shane, the Ford Barn's Model A forum has a strong bent towards pure restoration. A good number of us here are not restoration guys, but still love our four cylinder Model A's, and we like to make alterations (improvements) to Henry's original design. This forum is still a great source of information about most aspects of Model A ownership. Discussion of alterations are often, but not always tolerated, so we take our chances every time we bring them up.

I like to run 15" tires on my Model A's, either wire spoke or steel centers. My visual taste is toward bias ply, but I have radials on one A and it rides pretty nice. Of course, do what you want, but you might want to hesitate posting photos of modified cars that will upset the purists.

I grew up when most all running Model A's had sealed beam headlight and 16" wire spoke wheels, so that is how Model A's look best to me. It was a rare Model A that had been "restored" with 21" wheels and original style headlights.

[Bill in Al]

I just installed cast iron drums and '35 16inch wheels with 205 radial General blackwalls and am very happy with the results.I kept the 19inchers for some reason as I'm not easily embarrassed.

[Baileigh Inc]

Originally Posted by Russ B

Shane, the Ford Barn's Model A forum has a strong bent towards pure restoration. A good number of us here are not restoration guys, but still love our four cylinder Model A's, and we like to make alterations (improvements) to Henry's original design. This forum is still a great source of information about most aspects of Model A ownership. Discussion of alterations are often, but not always tolerated, so we take our chances every time we bring them up.

I like to run 15" tires on my Model A's, either wire spoke or steel centers. My visual taste is toward bias ply, but I have radials on one A and it rides pretty nice. Of course, do what you want, but you might want to hesitate posting photos of modified cars that will upset the purists.

I grew up when most all running Model A's had sealed beam headlight and 16" wire spoke wheels, so that is how Model A's look best to me. It was a rare Model A that had been "restored" with 21" wheels and original style headlights.

Yeah, I did notice I struck a nerve......

[SLPreston53]

I had a very similar Tudor and put on 21" wheels that had been cut down for 16" rims. That way they maintained the look and yet gave me the ride and handling of the bigger tire. They did these "cut downs" back in WWII because 16" tires were much more available than 19s and 21s. Today, they are not too hard to find, and I had a million conversations with folks who knew the wheels weren't "right," but couldn't put their finger on just what was "wrong."

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by SLPreston53

I had a very similar Tudor and put on 21" wheels that had been cut down for 16" rims. That way they maintained the look and yet gave me the ride and handling of the bigger tire. They did these "cut downs" back in WWII because 16" tires were much more available than 19s and 21s. Today, they are not too hard to find, and I had a million conversations with folks who knew the wheels weren't "right," but couldn't put their finger on just what was "wrong."

I have a set of the 19" cut down wheels, just haven't convinced myself to buy tires for them yet.

[larryf]

I have 16" Kelsey and really like them but hav e stock 19" on my other A and also like them. Personal choice?

[Duffy1]

What do you need : a safer wheel or looks . Try a 1935 FORD ; 16 in wheel with radials . If looks override safety then you can sell the 16 . There are lots of folks looking for 16 .

[1931 flamingo]

My intention is to put the 16" wires on mine that I have but haven't accumulated funds for tires yet (only been saving for 3 yrs..............)
Paul

[Tiny]

17's and Blackwalls. Be different everyone runs 16's!!!

[montanafordman]

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Your issue is about ride quality but I've seen no mention or discussion regarding the shape of your springs and shocks. I installed some rebuilt shocks, replaced my front spring and went through all the steering and the difference was amazing. Are you sure tires are the issue?

[Charlie Stephens]

I thought you might find these photos interesting. Sixteen inch Kelsey's (2)(my favorite except original wheels), 1935 Ford 16 inch (2)(note spare is still 21), a 19" converted to 16" (2) and finally a 21" converted to 16"(note spare is still 21").

Charlie Stephens

[CarlG]

Charlie, What size tires are on the red ccpu? I have a set of the 19>16's I would like to use on my PU.

[bgarrett]

I remember seeing the 35 Wire wheels on A's when I was a kid in the 50s and 60s and I like them. I got tires for the all electric RAV4 for mine. The tread is only one inch wider.
I am using the fully synchronised 3 speed with overdrive

[bgarrett]

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

My intention is to put the 16" wires on mine that I have but haven't accumulated funds for tires yet (only been saving for 3 yrs..............)
Paul

The RAV4 tires are less expensive than A tires and tubes

[Ronnie Lawson]

My wheels are 16 Ford wheels. With the Ford wheels you don't have to put tubes in them.
My tires are from Diamond Back (www.dbtires.com).
Tire size is 215/85/R16, 30.4 inches high.
They grind the letters off of the side and vulcanize the white wall on.
I have driven them and have 15,000 miles on them and they ride great.
It is your Model A do what ever you want and enjoy it.
Good luck and hope to see you on the road.
1929 Christmas 2012.jpg

[Purdy Swoft]

i AGREE !!!!!!!

[John LaVoy]

How about a solution that keeps the original wheels but gives you 50,000 mile tread life, is a radial and a little larger than the tires currently on the car. We have put them on two cars for the article coming out soon, the are Excelsior tires from Coker. They are more money but you get two to three times the mileage out of them. The article is in the next issue out in July.

[Purdy Swoft]

Originally Posted by Tiny

17's and Blackwalls. Be different everyone runs 16's!!!

, I agree, The 17 inch wheels are cool as hail. They are taller and give a slight overdrive effect. I like them better than 16 inch wheels because you see more spokes, they just look better to me. Original wheels can allways be returned as long as you save em.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by CarlG

Charlie, What size tires are on the red ccpu? I have a set of the 19>16's I would like to use on my PU.

When I blow up the original photo the tires are 600-16, Goodyear Deluxe All-Weather.

Charlie Stephens

[gweilbaker]

Yeah I'm going there, who is doing the the rating?!!!! This question is very valid! I vote 5 star, and I challenge you all the way, take it else where and lighten up, life is too short!
Want to propagate the hobby, shelve the attitude, simple!

[Tiny]

Originally Posted by triumphleroy

The little model A with the 17's that Tiny posted is what I remember as being utilized for daily transportation in the late 40's 50's era. Like that big an little look too! Just happen to have an good used set handy on an 31 "PHAKINGTON"
TINY What do you know about this photo?

That's my coupe. I just did some digital aging to the photo. Those were are my17" Kelsey Hayes bent spokes. I have 17" Ford straight spokes, powder coated black on it now. Thanks for the compliment, thats the look I'm going for 1938 modifications that the average guy would do!!!

Here it is in color

[V8COOPMAN]

Tiny...I could be seen in that. I like it! DD

[Russ B]

Originally Posted by triumphleroy

When these A Models were brand new they had all original parts and pieces. As they aged whatever a poor man could find was what they used to keep them going. I was born in 1942 and rode in my Dad's 1929 Sport Coupe with hand made pick up box in place of rumble seat. Highly likely that there were more modified's than stockers that survived! What ever could be found,modified and used was used. My 1929 Sport coupe has an hand made galvanized sheet metal roof which is laid over the original cloth top. Most likely the rumble seat will be replaced by an hand made pick up bed. I dearly wish my father was around to help me with building that bed...... In my youth we did what we could mostly with nothing and model a's were used by all of us as daily transportation, and we were dang proud to have anything. The wealthy folks bought new cars, us poor folks were survivors. I still till this day like riding in what many refer to as "Depression Cruisers" If you were lucky all four wheels and tires were the same size and brand tire?
So do as you please and leave the new "FaceBook" Mentality to someone else why ask their opinions? I personally don't need others opinions.

You remember Model A's as I do, they were survivors of the depression and WWII shortages. …but most of all they were daily transportation. I kind of like retaining some of that look of an A as I remember them, but with a little freshening up.

[Purdy Swoft]

Put a set of hub caps on it and it'll be real purty !!!!!!!

[Tiny]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

Put a set of hub caps on it and it'll be real purty !!!!!!!

I've gotten used to it without caps and I can't make up my mind if I want B caps or blank ones

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by Tiny

I've gotten used to it without caps and I can't make up my mind if I want B caps or blank ones

I like the B caps. Can you borrow some long enough to make up your mind?

Charlie Stephens

[zzlegend]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Here...a little easier to see. Same bolt pattern as the A-bone hubs. DD

Perfect.

[Purdy Swoft]

The B caps are WAY expensive but look best. I bought a set of V8 hubcaps on eBay for $49.95 for my farm truck. They are nice but because of the V8 in the center of the caps, I can't bring myself to use them.

[rocket1]

I ran 35 ford wheels years ago,a little hard to turn from a stop but great on the open road,also 49,50 Merc 15 inch wheels will fit.

[Purdy Swoft]

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Originally Posted by rocket1

I ran 35 ford wheels years ago,a little hard to turn from a stop but great on the open road,also 49,50 Merc 15 inch wheels will fit.

My september 29 had 15 inch mercury wheels when I got it in the spring of 1960. Here is a pic of me and the car in feb 1962. I turned 16 nov. of that year. I've still got the car but run 15 inch aluminum wheels on it now.

[29ModelA]

16"ers on mine.... and Vanspeeds.

[whizzernick]

Just my thoughts. No one seems to address the question. Will the car ride better with smaller wider tires? My answer is if you go to radial tires I think the ride will be better. On my phaeton I have 14 inch general jumbo wheels with large tall 14 inch tires. I run the lowest pressure I can in the tires. This helps the ride. Any other comments on what I have said?

[29ModelA]

Originally Posted by whizzernick

Just my thoughts. No one seems to address the question. Will the car ride better with smaller wider tires? My answer is if you go to radial tires I think the ride will be better. On my phaeton I have 14 inch general jumbo wheels with large tall 14 inch tires. I run the lowest pressure I can in the tires. This helps the ride. Any other comments on what I have said?

Honestly my coupe with the 16" bias plys doesn't ride much different then it did on the 19's, but I only drove it 12 miles on the 19's as they were so rotten.

That might just be the lack of functioning shocks though.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by John LaVoy

How about a solution that keeps the original wheels but gives you 50,000 mile tread life, is a radial and a little larger than the tires currently on the car. We have put them on two cars for the article coming out soon, the are Excelsior tires from Coker. They are more money but you get two to three times the mileage out of them. The article is in the next issue out in July.

John, In the meantime, what size tire did you end up getting? I notice that they have several sizes listed. Also, are you running them with tubes?
Thanks, Carl

[msmaron]

Originally Posted by Baileigh Inc

This car is my daily driver. Work, home, store, kids to school, all over town, every day.....I have put over 1,000 miles on it since the snow melted. I love it, I love the look, don't get me wrong...

The original skinny wheels just don't ride well, especially on our roads that are trashed from the snow plows. Just wondering if 35 or 40 wheels will ride better. I do like the look of them and they are wider.

.....don't hate. Just throwing it out there.

So is mine a daily and i put on about 9000 miles a year and use Universal Tires and it drives PERFECT...EVERY single Day...I don't see any reason to change at all...

[Tiny]

I'm with Purdy. The B caps are too expensive for what they are and V8 caps are just wrong. It may never get caps. I do like the trim rings on the black coupe with red wheels though. Does anyone know where to get 17" trim rings?

[1931 flamingo]

Try Sacramento Vintage ?
Paul in CT

[Tiny]

Holy crap!!! Sacramento Vintage has them $120 each!!! And i thought B caps were expensive!!!