Model A wheels.

[YBeNormal]

I have a set of 31 model A wheels I am going to be running. On the back side they are recessed kind of like a brake drum so I am worried about them hitting the caliper.

Is this a concern? Do I need to run a spacer?

 

[donsrods]

Yep, those wheels do not locate on the studs like normal wheels and will come loose because they have to depend on the hub registering on the brake drum. Speedway sells a special spacer that will let the wheel sit tight against the drum.

Now, I have never used disc brakes, so I am not sure how the spacers work with those. Maybe someone else can tell you that, David.

Don

 

[Willowbilly3]

80 year old wheels designed for cars that went 40 mph. Hmmmm..

 

[YBeNormal]

80 year old wheels designed for cars that went 40 mph. Hmmmm..

New used set from coker tire hopefully designed to go faster than 40 by now at 350 each new

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

They are the same as the original Ford design, and not suited for the weight and performance of a hot rod application.

Not only that, but early Ford wires depend on the brake drum for part of their strength. The recess you are seeing is called a "basket". It seats against the drum when tightened and forms a center structure for the wheel. Take that away and you have weakened the design even further. That's a no go for sure...

 

[YBeNormal]

Well it looks like it is going to break drums then. I wouldn't want my wheel to crumble at 45 mph.

 

[Willowbilly3]

350 a pop for repop model A wheels? Then new cokers for, what about $150 per? Yowsah! Makes me feel pretty ghetto for scrounging used tires to put on stock 15" steel wheels for my rod.

 

[YBeNormal]

350 a pop for repop model A wheels? Then new cokers for, what about $150 per? Yowsah! Makes me feel pretty ghetto for scrounging used tires to put on stock 15" steel wheels for my rod.

I know thank goodness I got a great deal on them. Beginning to think I should get some 23 inch spinners then. Would be able to run disc brakes and go fast.

I like the steel wheels and if done right they look great but just not the look I am going for.