Hot Rods 16 and 18 divco wheel redo

Hello all:
looking at redoing the 18" wheel that All American Mfg did.. That wheel was a Divco style wheel and i would like to do a 16" front that matched. Looking to get a feel for the interest in this wheel, let me know.
also looking for 1 wheel from them, borrow or buy.
scott

 

depends on price

 

There is probably a good market for then as people are always looking for them real or repo

 

To reduce the features of a Divco from 18” to 16” but keep the use of a stock sized hubcap, everything gets so small that it’s almost not a match to the rear wheel anymore.

 

This would be great, definitely interested in a set if they are priced well.

Attached is a photo of 16" 1937-38 Chev wheel, same window count as High Clearance "DIVCO" wheel, If you match the window shape, proportions can work in 16"

 

The last run of 18 inch steelies Steadfast made were $395 each and Wheels Vintiques were just a tick over $500 each. There's dam sure a market for 18's and everyone needs 16 inch fronts to match. I've got 18's on the back of my Henry Highboy on Steadfast steelies and 18's on the back of my project roadster on 18 inch 32 wires widened by Bruce's Rod Shop. With shipping widening cost about $1200. Definitely a market.

 

I'd be interested.

 

Sign me up

 

I'm in...

 

Yep, do it!

Chris

 

I like the idea. Depends on cost.

 

The wheel would be lighter than a steel wheel for better ride, less un-sprung weight, and the target price 325 to 350 ea it will depend on the final weight.
As for the cap , plan is to use 2 different size caps to keep the proportions correct.

 

Definitely should fit the original Ford cap. Bonus points if the lug area looks like a Ford with the cap off (ins and outs).

 

I had a pair of the American Mfg. aluminum 'Divco' wheels on my roadster for a bit. The were HEAVY. I'm looking forward to seeing how light you can get your versions.

 

The 18's in steel are really heavy though! Considerably more mass in 18" than 16", which seems crazy for a measly extra 2" , but that's pi for ya!

Chris

 

Sign me up!

 

that sounds cool, but then how many options will you have for caps? And how much will the custom made caps cost? Will they be stainless like the other reproductions available or aluminum? Will a factory cap fit the wheels at all? And if not then will you have to buy a full set of custom caps so that they do all match?

Not trying to beat you up but these are all concerns I’ve recently been a party to with a very similar wheel quest.

 

Count me in!

 

That price I will be down for a set for sure, likely just 18" will hold judgement on 16" until I see finished design

Will the wheels be blank so they can be drilled for different stud patterns? The ability to run stock hubcaps is a big plus.

 

Not sure if this helps, from the Tyrods coverage by Wheeldog 57.

 

Here is the plan 2 sizes of wheels and 2 caps, so the wheel stays in proportion. Looking at plain cap , ie. no lettering , initial sizes 8.125" and 7.125" , but that may change. Caps will be extra.
wheel sizes 18 x 5.5 or 6 and 16 x 5, this will depend on the available tires.

 

I’m pretty sure that if the original caps don’t fit, your market will be smaller.

My opinion: don’t worry about smaller caps on the smaller wheels.

 

Just my opinion, I would go 18x6 and 16x4.5. People want skinny fronts and wider rears.

 

I'm in for a set of 18 x 6 and 16 x 5. Would that be 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern Sir ??

 

The closer to the original size the better, thats what made the American Mfg desirable. 18x5.5”, for original hubcaps would be my vote

 

I'll take two 18"s (and possibly the 16"s depending on the finished product)

 

What tire do you recommend for your 18x6? The 7.00-18 Firestone from Coker has a recommended rim width of about 4”.

 

If weight is a concern, do them in Mag like Halibrand did.

 

OK, as for the Mag comment, that is the .5% crowd, as the cost becomes to expensive. We do a small 13" x 10 wheel for a can-am car in lots of 12 ea. , it is a 2 piece with a bolted on inner half the finished face was $1500.00 ea last time i ran them about 10 years ago. Small run , poor yeilds, ect, as a point of reference.

Next we plan to use a Beanie style cap for the rear, so std cap would also work. But as for the 16" wheel, it may need a smaller version to keep the proportions correct for modern street rods. the initial plan is to make a standard smaller cap fit , and make a beanie to fit.

 

Checking to see if this ever took off....??.... I'd be interested in an 18" set and possibly a set of 16" for the front.