replace wheels with steel wheels. help please.

TerryO said:
Not trying to take sides but it plainly says "most wheels". I don't see where it says "all wheels"... just saying...:)


TOB
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Terry, I am just suggesting for member who was asking for suggestions , after trying dodge, ford, jeep wheels I came up with rims suggested from another site, I was only offering a simple cheap solution. it is well know about the Model Hub. I am using a proven direct fit wheel which a fellow Model A Owner shared. my final post on this, I dont want to be Banned , I need the information shared here because I dont know everything and enjoy sharing what I have learned.
 
Jim was talking about another type wheel, like a 40-46 ford. He was not referring to your type wheels. Try reading again before you bash some one. Good luck with your type wheels.
 
Well with all that was said I learned alot about alternative wheels both with and without spacers. I have noticed some cracking in my wheels and was looking for cheaper alternatives.
I suspect wider wheels and tires would also help with braking. You guys using wider tires, is there a big difference in braking?
 
Roxo said:
Well with all that was said I learned alot about alternative wheels both with and without spacers. I have noticed some cracking in my wheels and was looking for cheaper alternatives.
I suspect wider wheels and tires would also help with braking. You guys using wider tires, is there a big difference in braking?
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I think there’s enough of a difference from standard 19” wheels/tires to 16/17” wheels to justify the cost.
I’ve swapped on two different cars.
The ride is better, the braking is only slightly noticeably better, but better.
Just my opinion, but I also prefer the look.
Here’s my Tudor with some 17”s.
 

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walls said:
I think there’s enough of a difference from standard 19” wheels/tires to 16/17” wheels to justify the cost.
I’ve swapped on two different cars.
The ride is better, the braking is only slightly noticeably better, but better.
Just my opinion, but I also prefer the look.
Here’s my Tudor with some 17”s.
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I forgot about the ride difference. I just put new radial tires on last year. I should have asked questions about the cracks before I spent that kind of money. I have been reading in other threads where some think radial tires cause cracking. I did my research on tires but not the rims.
 
The talk of adaptors for the wheels is academic. They are banned here but I guess that is only if you are caught. The insurance company would use it to deny a claim. Being an insurance company, they will use anything to avoid a patout.
 
Those that can be used to mount later solid wheels having the same 5 on 5-1/2" bolt pattern onto Model A hubs aren't really adapters as such, basically just spacers. They space the entire mounting surface of the Model A hub to be flush with the raised inner ring. At one time these were commonly sold by vendors, but I don't believe anymore. The pictured ones were custom made.


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424891
 

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Roxo said:
Well with all that was said I learned alot about alternative wheels both with and without spacers. I have noticed some cracking in my wheels and was looking for cheaper alternatives.
I suspect wider wheels and tires would also help with braking. You guys using wider tires, is there a big difference in braking?
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I run 16s ply, fairly large/wide tires on my Truck and have noticed.


Ride is stiffer. More effort required to turn at low speed and parking. The tires I have are fairly hard composition and being quite large actually skid sooner under very hard braking. Not a lot of weight on a large contact patch area.


A different tire would probably help, but have to wait for these to wear out, and I personally like the "look".
 

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Roxo said:
I forgot about the ride difference. I just put new radial tires on last year. I should have asked questions about the cracks before I spent that kind of money. I have been reading in other threads where some think radial tires cause cracking. I did my research on tires but not the rims.
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Can you direct us to where you read this, perhaps a link to it? I have not heard of this before and there are plenty on here that are running radials. I don't have radials now but was thinking about getting some when/if my tires ever wear out. Thanks.
 
I could not find any one thread with a good argument on both sides of the subject. I got my info from multiple threads. The disagreement was on the mechanics of the bia's vs radial tires and how the pressure was different with radial tires on the rim.
I found only the guys who have not tried the radial tires to question this. I went with the radials and the way they handle won me over. Smoother ride, no tracking issues with grooves in the road, handles railroad tracks and potholes just fine.
 
I found only the guys who have not tried the radial tires to question this.

The above is from Roxo. I believe that is true with many things regarding Model A's, probably others as well.
 
I have used Coker 16" radials on my Tudor for 27,000 miles. I am on set 2 now due to tire age. I use 35 Ford wire wheels which fit Model A hubs.. You must have good non rusted out wheels. Never had any cracks.

On my AV8 roadster I use original 1940 Ford steel wheels with no cracking from radial tires. They need a flat drum mount as mentioned for A hubs.

John
 

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Tidbit of info, not sure if true - have been told multiple times that larger tires were used on the A during WW2 years since finding larger tires was easier to find due to the shortages/war effort.
 
I have a new set of Coker radials that I have not mounted yet. I have Kelsey bent spoke wheels in really good condition that they are going on. I think condition of the wheel is the main factor (I hope) as to cracking. I have had several folks who do a lot of touring really praise the radial and their handling. I guess I'll find out soon.


TOB
 
I have not heard of or read were someone has said they had a rim crack or fail in anyway do to radial tires. If anyone has Please let us know. I know a lot of model A's are running around with radials today.
 
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