Spindels

Deco 1927

Deco 1927

Junior Member
Is it possible to change out Model T spindles with Model A spindles? If so what modification need to be done?
 
Anything is possible, but it would require a lot of modification. Model A spindles have a king pin about 1 inch in diameter, while model t spindles are a lot smaller. Model T spindles fit inside the axle opening, and Model A axle fits inside the spindle opening. The steering arm on the model A is much larger and longer than the Model T. The Model A tie rod and drag link fasten on round balls, where the Model T tie rid uses bolts. It would be easier to switch the whole front axle and steering than just change spindles. A close look at both units will tell you a lot. One might ask why would you want to do it.
 
Thanks I guess I will just get the adapter kit for the rims. I'm not prepared to do that much work for a set of rims.
 
Why do you want Model A rims instead of T rims? Both are available either new or used. A's have a 5-1/2" bolt circle and T's have a 5" bolt circle. My '27 has the late T style rims but all 5 rims use the larger AR style hubcaps.
 
There is a BIG price difference between 21" A wheels and 21" T wheels. On top of which, the cost of Model T wire wheel hubs if you don't have them, well lets just say, at current market the T hubs will be more then a bit higher then the cost of the adapters. In addition, if there is a problem with the key way or spun bearings with the wire wheel hubs you will not be out as much because you are using the wood wheel hubs with the adapters.
 
Can a Model A front hub be used, yes. Has it been done, yes. There are some pit falls in doing so. The inner T bearing is used and A outer bearing is used. The A hub is shorter then the T so the threaded part needs to be trimmed back and a new cotter pin hole has to be drilled. I recall reading that the outer bearing now will be riding on the threaded part. This would not be a first, people have used the A outer bearing in this location but I would not recommend it. If I was going to use an A type bearing in this location I would sleeve the threaded area where it rides and find a different outer bearing. I am not sure if the T outer bearing could be used, I think you would run out of threads before it was seated. There is some room to cut new threads but now you will be needing a left and right hand die $$.
The T wire wheel uses the hub center and studs for centering and support the A uses the studs and outer part of the brake drum for support. Then you still need to address the inner seal.
I had a pair of A hubs that at one time had been used on a T, the brake drum was trimmed to the allow the A wheel to have some support in that area.
The rear hubs, the T and A, the axle tapers, there is a size different. The Model A is larger and I would have to check more but might be shorter. So you cant just put the A hub on a T axle, then there are the brakes to contend with. Also, the A rear hubs are supported on the rear axle housing unlike the T that are inside the axle tube.
Lots of things can be done if you have a good shop, tools and skill.
Back to the front hubs, the T spindle arms can be used in the A hubs. I have read in several places about people using A spindle arms and A steering boxes on T frames for speedsters, I tried fitting a pair just to try it out and seem to work. That is about as far as I got.
 
redmodelt said:
Can a Model A front hub be used, yes. Has it been done, yes. There are some pit falls in doing so. The inner T bearing is used and A outer bearing is used. The A hub is shorter then the T so the threaded part needs to be trimmed back and a new cotter pin hole has to be drilled. I recall reading that the outer bearing now will be riding on the threaded part. This would not be a first, people have used the A outer bearing in this location but I would not recommend it. If I was going to use an A type bearing in this location I would sleeve the threaded area where it rides and find a different outer bearing. I am not sure if the T outer bearing could be used, I think you would run out of threads before it was seated. There is some room to cut new threads but now you will be needing a left and right hand die $$.
The T wire wheel uses the hub center and studs for centering and support the A uses the studs and outer part of the brake drum for support. Then you still need to address the inner seal.
I had a pair of A hubs that at one time had been used on a T, the brake drum was trimmed to the allow the A wheel to have some support in that area.
The rear hubs, the T and A, the axle tapers, there is a size different. The Model A is larger and I would have to check more but might be shorter. So you cant just put the A hub on a T axle, then there are the brakes to contend with. Also, the A rear hubs are supported on the rear axle housing unlike the T that are inside the axle tube.
Lots of things can be done if you have a good shop, tools and skill.
Back to the front hubs, the T spindle arms can be used in the A hubs. I have read in several places about people using A spindle arms and A steering boxes on T frames for speedsters, I tried fitting a pair just to try it out and seem to work. That is about as far as I got.
Click to expand...

!!!Right!!! Except I used the model A bearings, both inner and outer. made a 3/8" spacer to move the inner out a bit, so was unnessasary to rethread spindle. had to cut the spindle nose off tho. and used 2 washers.
 
You don't need to cut them shorter at all... Trust me.

All you need is a longer castle nut. How you make it longer is up to you...
 
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