Hey I am building a 31 Model A Hot Rod. I am using a 250 hp sbc 350 with a 700R4 transmission. I have a set of original wire wheels that I love the look of my question are there any issues with these wheels as far as functional for street. I am going with the bias ply tube tires as well. Thank you for any input.
Those look like the 16 inch (I looked at the size on the tire) wire wheels used in 1935. The one thing you need to allow for is that all wire wheels 1928 through 1935 had a mounting surface at 2 different levels and if you are running the 1940-48 drums (I assume that is what you are running) you need to add a spacer. See: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/40-ford-wheels-on-a-model-a.750368/#post-8330045 Charlie Stephens
Yes the front are 16 inch the rear is 17 inch. I am running wheel adapters the brakes are disc. View attachment 6249457 View attachment 6249457
Nope, you still need a spacer to support the surface inboard of the lugs. https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Search?query=Wire wheel spacers
You seem to be a handy fella, so this probably is already in your head. To anyone who does a search and finds this, please make sure to retorque spacers. Yes, that means taking the wheel off and then after the spacer stays put, retorque the wheel too. Some will stay torqued like good parts should. Some will need a retorque or 2 to stay put.
I thought the question was more about if spoked wheels (particularly rears) were okay handling the torque of a V8 engine. Would they be?
I've heard tales of OHV v8 equipped cars ripping the hub out of the spokes... That being said, its always someone's friend, uncle, cousin, uncle-cousin, half-sisters baby daddy, the dog, etc. I have not seen any visual proof of this happening or being common. I do think that reputation was likely related to racing and a wire wheel coming in contact with another moving object at speed, I could see them getting out of round real quick. I could also see how if you were doing a burnout and suddenly got traction, you might break the spokes. But again...I haven't seen photo evidence. I say, give it a top fuel style burn out, and let us know if it fails. So? To answer. I'm not sure...but I'd run them.
I’ve had the original 18” ‘32 Ford wheels on my sedan up to 80 MPH before. Commonly cruise the interstate at 70. Nothing broke yet.
As said above get the right adapter / support for the wells . a guy near here runs 16" and i ave seen him do lots of smokey burn outs and he drives it every were . that said Id be inspecting 90 year old wheels made for 50 hp close every now and then .
You should also consider if the wheels can handle the stresses when hard/panic braking. At least the same and maybe more stresses than accelerating. .bjb
Thank you all for your input. I’m gonna run’em! I have ordered the support spacers they should be here on Wednesday. Onto finishing this build!
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