Wheels

ole_Bill

ole_Bill

Member
My '36 sedan came to me with juice brakes using (I think) '39 Ford hubs and wheels. I want to ditch the wide lug pattern wheels and go to a modern wheel and wider tire. Current tires are 6.00/16 and dry rotted. I have heard that I can switch to '40 Ford wheels with a 5 1/2" lug pattern. True? Exactly what parts do I need to find to effect this switch? Is it a big deal to do this?
 
It's not a big deal and can be done, as has already been said. Yes, You will need 1940 Ford hubs, backing plates, bearings, brake drums, etc. I think your 39 axle can still be used. I think aftermarket repro hubs and bearings are available. Original 1940 drums that don't need turning are getting hard to find. As for wheels the stock 1940 16x4 will work and so will 49-51 Mercury wheels, but they are 15 in. Early Ford 15 in pick up truck wheels work also. If you can get a complete 1940 front suspension it might even have the sway bar. Hope this helps. Oh, one more thing. this changeover will proabably cost you more than anticipated if you find you need new king pins, bushings, etc. Get a copy of the GREEN BIBLE and find all the 1940-41 front suspension part numbers that interchangeable with your 1939. You might even find someone who needs your 39 suspension. Have you checked the Fordbarn classified for parts you need?
All the best.
 
Last edited:
19Fordy said:
It's not a big deal and can be done, as has already been said. Yes, You will need 1940 Ford hubs, backing plates, bearings, brake drums, etc. I think your 39 axle can still be used. I think aftermarket repro hubs and bearings are available. Original 1940 drums that don't need turning are getting hard to find. As for wheels the stock 1940 16x4 will work and so will 49-51 Mercury wheels, but they are 15 in. Early Ford 15 in pick up truck wheels work also. If you can get a complete 1940 front suspension it might even have the sway bar. Hope this helps. Oh, one more thing. this changeover will proabably cost you more than anticipated if you find you need new king pins, bushings, etc. Get a copy of the GREEN BIBLE and find all the 1940-41 front suspension part numbers that interchangeable with your 1939. You might even find someone who needs your 39 suspension. Have you checked the Fordbarn classified for parts you need?
All the best.
Click to expand...
Why would you have to change backing plates? I always thought 39-40 brake backing plates were the same as is suspension axles etc,46-48 were different brake backing plates from 39-40. Only change I see would be what was posted before,get a set of 40 hubs and drums and bolt on.
 
The use of 46-8 backing plates does eliminate the lower adjustment and will bolt to your car... The backing plates you have will work just fine... Karl
 
I think you are correct in stating that 39 backing plates will work. Thanks for correcting me.
 
How about having new WHEELS MADE ?? that would fit your original drums and still keep your classic 39 hubcaps, "Wheels Vintiques" in Fresno,Ca. 559-251-6957 makes wheels in any size you want wider and 15 inch or 16 inch ?? I'll bet it is cheaper than finding someones old worn out drums,get em turned, new bearings?? now get some bent wheels
to work on ?? sounds like fun?? call Vinitques Wheels and please let us know what it will cost me when I do it, ...thats what I am goung to do for my 39. fordor..... OLD....BILL
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top