history of reverse wheels??

Back on track to start building my 27 Model T coupe. I am building it tradional style to when the boys come back from the war. I am running 15" ford wheels and was thinking about reversing them. When did they start to reverse wheels and what was some of the reasons. I know some of you guys are history buffs..... well now is the time to strut your stuff.

Thanks
Matt Wilson
King Pin Customs.

 

Common in the 50s. Done for the look. Chromed reversed wheels were a high end upgrade.

 

Guys reversed wheels to gain clearance when they channeled an early Ford body and kept the original rear axle. The look became popular and then some people chromed thier wheels. Cost to much for me.

 

Think it would be a period correct modification for an early 50's style hot rod????

 

Probably more common on the left coast, but I can recall guys knocking out the rivets and reversing the centers by the late 50's on the right coast. By then chrome aftermarket wheels were available so those who could afford 'em bought 'em. If you saw a cool Cali car in Hot Rod Magazine, well ya just had to have the same thing in Des Moines or Boston.

 

I disagree. Channeled cars were more common on the East Cost and as stated earlier, the original purpose of the reversed wheel was to make clearance for the channeled body. But the look was then copied on cars that did not actually need the extra clearance.

 

as told by several "old timers" ....cut the rivets and flip the hoops....line up the holes and weld em up... those cool looking buick style hoops are too cool on a early hot rod... brandon

 

For Reference Sake

Merc Outers with Ford Centers Chromed in the 60's

 

Mostly looks. Got to where I could do two per period in high school metal shop if I didn't stop for a smoke break!

 

Do i do both front and back or just the backs???

 

I'll agree that this was for channelled car clearance at first, Then wider outers to accommodate bigger tires, lastly for looks. My .02.

 

We reversed ours at school also in the mid 50's. Chrome didn't start for the average
guy till the early 60's

 

I can remember in the mid sixties the hot thing to do was, use Buick outers and ford centers. Gave ya a deep dish and a wider rim. Looked very cool. I still have a set in my wheel collection with old chrome. And for fronts you just reversed em.--TV

 

I bought my first ones in 1966, cost me $100.00 for the set.

 

Some trivia for your history quest. Buick Grand Nationals (86-87) came with
chrome reversed wheels. Ugly centers(attempting a Nascar look) but still
chrome reverse from the factory.

 

Some gys did the fronts too,,, But I don't think it looks very good... Usually stock
in front...

 

That is what I thought originally until I picked up a copy of the April 1949 issue of Hot Rod Magazine and lo and behold! An ad for chrome wheels!