Can you run solid wheels on early brakes?

[Chris]

Hey everyone,
Just wondering if you can run solid 16" wheels (like what cae on 1940-1948 Fords) on stock 1933-1934 brakes? I have heard that the way they mount makes it unsafe? Any light shed on that??

Thanks! Chris

 

[Charlie Stephens]

There is a spacer ring required. Try Richard Lacy at earlyv8@aol.com, (626) 338-2282 for more info.

Charlie Stephens

 

[Chris]

I have heard of a ring to put wires on later brakes...is it the same ring to do the opposite?
Thanks, Chris

 

[Tim]

It's the reverse of that Chris. With the steels you have to take the bump out so the drums more flat like a '40. The thing you are looking for is more like a giant fender washer. The ring for wire wheels puts it onto a '40 drum to support the middle. Look at a model A-'36 drum and a '40 it'll click for you.


Tim

 

[Chris]

It's the reverse of that Chris. With the steels you have to take the bump out so the drums more flat like a '40. The thing you are looking for is more like a giant fender washer. The ring for wire wheels puts it onto a '40 drum to support the middle. Look at a model A-'36 drum and a '40 it'll click for you.


Tim

Gotcha, thanks a ton that makes sense. I'll try the washer idea, sounds like a good idea!
Thanks, Chris

 

[Al NJ]

Chris,
I have a set I got from Antique Auto/P.S.I. years ago. The problem I had was that when the ring is in place the wheel is spaced out a bit more and the lug nuts don't engage enough of the threads on the studs. This was on my '33 Woodie. Maybe some studs are longer?
Al

 

[Richard (EV8G)]

Chris,
I have a set I got from Antique Auto/P.S.I. years ago. The problem I had was that when the ring is in place the wheel is spaced out a bit more and the lug nuts don't engage enough of the threads on the studs. This was on my '33 Woodie. Maybe some studs are longer?
Al

This is the problem with using the spacer rings. The proper method is to machine down the 5 stands on the INSIDE of the lug stud circle so that they are on the same plane/level as that on the OUTSIDE of the lug circle. To my knowledge, all studs protrude by the same amount.

When putting wire wheels on 40-48 drums, there is a support ring that installs (glues) on the INSIDE of the lug circle that creates the support afforded by the 5 stands. Most of the so-called 46-48 hubs/drums (drum mounted on the INSIDE of the hub flange) have weights that interfere with wire wheel mounting. There was (is?) a spacer ring that fit over the lug studs and spaced the wheel outward to clear the weights, but which also resulted in loss of stud threads AND which did not provide the required support on the inside of the lug circle. There is currently a Wire Wheel Support Ring that fits over the lug studs which is intended for use on the NEW USA drums, which have longer studs, so there are enough threads available to properly install the lug nuts. These SHOULD NOT be used on original drums, as the studs are too short. For original drums, the "Glue On" support ring described above should be used, as there is no loss of threads, but there IS proper support.