1927 Steel Wheels Tech Question

[toms32]

I have a 1927 Sedan and I read a restoration book that indicated that the 1927 steel wheels were carried over to the first Model A. If that statement is true would 1928 Ford steel Wheels fit on a 1927 and be correct ? Thanks Tom

 

[tmodelman]

Incorrect.

The early '28 A 21" wire wheel has different bolt pattern.
21" T wire is 5" bolt circle, the A wire is 5 1/2" plus the larger dia. drum area for the A's mechanical 4 wheel brakes.

Model T wires in red powder coat

Model A 1928 first issue 21" 'A/R' wheels in rust

 

[t42]

tmodelman is correct about the bolt circle dimensions being different. There is a question concerning the hubcap opening dimension on some late '27 wire wheels. This was discussed on the "A" forum at great length years ago, but there are a few T owners whose wheels will only accept a larger hubcap similar to the A/R style, and still have the 5 in. bolt circle. Good luck.

 

[Jack Innes]

A and AR wheels will bolt on to either an A or AR car but are really not safely interchangeable. The main difference is the depth of the dished area with the bolt holes in it. The A wheel has a deeper dish & needs spacers between the brake drum & the wheel to prevent bending the wheel center if used on an AR. The AR wheel does not contact an A brake drum around the outside edge & thus is only supported by the studs. Either case is not very safe.
I drove an AR for years that has A front drums. It took a while to figure out why the spare would not fit one end properly.

I think most of the A to T wheel adaptors available would be made to fit the A wheel.