Steel wheels. Rivets and new hoops

1

1932chevy

Member
I know some will say find a more suitable wheel, but I'd rather repair this wheel. In general These 16" ford wheels are getting much harder to find in suitable condition. I feel capable of the task of repairing them. The hoops on theses were very pitted. I could have left them alone but the stem hole was rotted out

I have my source for a replacement hoop, but am unsure on the original rivet size. My plan it to set the replacement hoop onto the center and adjust it until I get the correct backs pacing, lateral and radial run out. Then spot weld the two in three areas. After which I will recheck my measurements, mark my holes for for the rivets, drill the holes, and finally set the rivets. For added security I may run a few welds, but probably not.

I could use some information on the proper tools required for riveting. I will document this as I go
 

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I am not a wheel expert, but I think you would be better
off just welding the center in place with some strong welds
like on modern wheels. No rivets needed. Plus, you'll avoid the potential for leaks.
 
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19Fordy said:
I am not a wheel expert, but I think you would be better
off just welding the center in place with some strong welds
like on modern wheels. No rivets needed. Plus, you'll avoid the potential for leaks.
Click to expand...

A good rivet is a known factor. A pretty weld is... pretty.
 
http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/Chapter_04.pdf

The above Advisory Circular will provide useful information regarding riveting, tools needed, etc.

Tools can be obtained from aircraft supply places likes "Wicks" and the "Yard Store". You will need a rivet gun/hammer or a squeeze sufficient upset the steel rivet you use. If you use a rivet gun you will need an appropriate "rivet set" for the rivet head, that fits the rivet gun, and a "bucking bar" to form the "shop head". I have never shot large diameter steel rivets but am told that ironworkers of old used to heat the rivets cherry red before shooting them in bridges and whatnot. Practice with a good helper before you try it on the wheel. Good luck, take pictures.
 
I just took another look at the photo, measure the original hole to determine the rivet size. If the holes are egg shaped ream them out so they are round and pick your rivet to the new hole dia. You won't need to do any welding if you hold the center in place with bolts while you rivet. Personally I would not rivet and weld, one or the other, my concern being possible cracking due to the transfer and concentration of flex-stress at different points, and with joints of different stiffness, but that's just my opinion.
 
When I was a kid in the early '60's, I was the "go-to" guy in our town for reversed wheels. I'd drill the rivets out, turn 'em around, mount 'em on a fixture I had and spin 'em to get them aligned and welded 'em up. Welded the rivet holes up and on the back of a wheel. Never had a crooked wheel, or any leaks. I must have done dozens that way with no complaints. Life was simple back then.
 
I reversed a pair of wheels once by cutting the rivets out (with a cold chisel) turning them around and putting everything back together with bolts, sealing washers & lock nuts. Ran tubeless tires on them for years with no leaks at all.
 
I might have the only pair of fifteen inch "wide five" Ford wheels. Many years ago I took a pair of 16 inch wide fives and a pair of newer Ford 15 inch wheels to a welding shop. Got them to cut the centres out of all wheels and weld the wide five centres into the 15 inch rims. It worked well and allowed me to use 15 inch tires on the 39. which, at the time, were much more plentiful and cheap than 16s.
 
RalphG said:
I might have the only pair of fifteen inch "wide five" Ford wheels. Many years ago I took a pair of 16 inch wide fives and a pair of newer Ford 15 inch wheels to a welding shop. Got them to cut the centres out of all wheels and weld the wide five centres into the 15 inch rims. It worked well and allowed me to use 15 inch tires on the 39. which, at the time, were much more plentiful and cheap than 16s.
Click to expand...
Go to any modified race; you'll see tons of them. You can make 'em or buy 'em.
 
I should have known I wasn't the first to come up with the idea. Here is a picture of one of mine. The tire is a "vintage" 800x15 BF Goodrich Silvertown Express.
 

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I have some 6 lug wheels that have the rim profile the same as 40 Ford wheels. I have thought about using the 42-48 Ford centers and making an extra set of 40 style wheels. Maybe the 6 lug wheels are worth enough that it would be a bad idea. I have not checked the value of them yet. Rod
 
I just picked up a wheel hoop , glad I just bought one. Od of the wheel center is 1/8 larger than the id of the hoop

I need a hydraulic press
 

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I widened the ones on the back of my roadster, changed the "hoops" with Buick ones. Nice tight fit, get them stright, then tack them, check for straight a second time, weld alittle at a time. My have thousands of miles with no problems
, Chuck S.
 
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