How to straighten wire wheels
- Thread starter TDO
- Start date
Kevin in NJ
Well-known member
You figure out which spokes need to be shrunk and heat the ones up past their plastic point so the metal shrinks.
You are taking advantage of the fact that steel (most metals actually) will shrink at any point heated past the plastic point.
You are set up to measure the rims?
Are they really out?
Ford, as I recall (hopefully correctly), allowed .125". I measured a bunch of rims that looked a little wobbly to me but were within factory specs when I put a dial indicator on them.
You are taking advantage of the fact that steel (most metals actually) will shrink at any point heated past the plastic point.
You are set up to measure the rims?
Are they really out?
Ford, as I recall (hopefully correctly), allowed .125". I measured a bunch of rims that looked a little wobbly to me but were within factory specs when I put a dial indicator on them.
BRENT in 10-uh-C
Well-known member
TDO
Senior Member
Thanks, that's the one I was looking for.
BRENT in 10-uh-C
Well-known member
While a propane torch would probably work, I suspect the heat loss thru the mass of the spoke is going to be so quick I am not so sure you are going to be able to control the shrink. Can you find someone who has a larger torch for you to borrow??
SSsssteamer
Well-known member
A MAPP gas bottle used on a propane torch head will make a spoke red hot in a jiffy. There are also different sized propane torch heads where the hotter torches are very impressive. I have to preheat my fuel system on our Stanley Steam cars so I have had lots of practice with portable torches. I restored 8 wheels for our 1930 Standard Phaeton. I had forgot to check all of them for run out. After everything was painted, I found only four of the wheels straight enough to use. 
Two wobbly wheels are now used for my dual side mounted spares. The other two wobbly wheels probably won't see daylight for years to come. Always check for run out of the wheels before you pour your money into the restoration of them.
Two wobbly wheels are now used for my dual side mounted spares. The other two wobbly wheels probably won't see daylight for years to come. Always check for run out of the wheels before you pour your money into the restoration of them.
TDO
Senior Member
I also have an acetylene torch , when I get around to doing this I'll try both see which one works the best. All the rims I have to do are sand Blasted. I have 5, four of them need a little straightening. Thanks for all the input.