wheel covers for 'T' wires? is the such a thing?

Ok so I've got a set of 21" Model T wires for a project...but what I'm wondering is if you can get wheel covers for them..you know a full disc cover, not moon discs though..those scare me.

 

There are disc wheels that fit, something from a T-period Chevy. Cannot remember details of that!

 

Whoa...If YOU can't help me...no one can...


Ok so does any one else have any ideas? The disc wheels are sweet...as long as they are not split rims. I just need ideas..

Could a cover be made for the wires?

 

Look up some '20's Chevies and you'll come to whatever years use the disc wheel with demountable rim and tire size similar to T. All I know is that they exist and the guy I met using them said installation was easy.
I try to avoid T stuff...I am already 6.3 lifetimes behind on projects!

 

Only 6.3? your a little behind..

Well the first thing I typed in on google was '24 chevy..and found them. They look pretty cool...I wonder how hard it is to find a set?

 

I think they will be fairly hard to find, but cheap.

 

The early Chevrolet wheels are NOT covers, they are wheels with split rims. There WERE covers that a few companies that offered covers (flat and dished) for wood spoke wheels.

Back to looking for Chevrolet rims- there are a few sets on Espay. I have a set of 28's that I'll be using on my T. There were a few years that you can use- early 20's to at least '29.

You can also adapt the Chevrolet spindles ('28 and possibly earlier) to the T axle which will lower the car about 1 1/2" from stock T earlier than '26).

Bruce, I'm surprised... I thought you knew EVERYTHING!!!

 

I did say disc wheels, not covers! My eyes glaze over at early Chevies...

 

Yeah, I think you might be thinking of the solid early Chevy wheels. But some companies did make a cover for larger spokes. I believe Cadiliac made a set, etc. I see them at Hershey often, but they are usually out of my price range to purchase.

Look for a a gent who spins alluminum maybe.

 

Kevin Lee might be able to make you some spun aluminum covers

 

I have a 1920's airplane parts catalog showing spun aluminum wheel covers for airplane wire wheels...very similar in look to Spun products and Model T period.

 

Thanks for the input guys, What I wanted to do was... 49-53?(not sure on years) Olds horn button (the cool one with the earth with a ring around it and stars, under a plastic dome) and use them as centers on a set of covers (if I were able to find some or have some made), All you would need to do is drill a hole the size of the button, figure out how to mount it and your done. I think it would look really cool. I plan on using a '36 Olds straight 8, trans, and rear end in a T...

I'll get in touch with Kevin Lee to see what we could come up with...


Oh and if any one has pictures of the large disc covers, post 'em up.

Thanks,
Bobby

 

I can`t remember who owns the dark blue A with the gold discs , but that car is bitchin` , i`ll look for some pics

 

As for mounting the logo on the wheel, look at fifties Buick wheel covers, the insignia is mounted like a piece of chrome.

 

All ready know about it...with the Rocket? and the Stromberg WW's, I think they are Packard? discs...That car is beyond bitchin'...

But please feel free to post as many pics as you want.

 

what car are you planning on building ? might be able to post more useful pics

 

Found these in my files

 

Back in the day, as wire wheels were evryday commonplace there were several companies making wheel covers for spoke wheels of both the wooden and steel style. There is a book of T era accessories which I seem to remember has an ad or two for these accessories.

 

Huh, found all these random shots in my 1st file, I lucked out.

The last pic is of the solid wheels we thought you were talking about.

 

Well my idea involves, a T frame or DB frame, or Willys Whippet fram, '20 somthin' chevy cowl, some wood, a custom boat tail, '36 Olds engine, trans, and rear end, and possibly a dash if I can take it out without destroying it or the car...A set of either T or A 21" wires, and some other random stuff here and there...Can you find pictures of that?

 

maybe close ?

 

yeah! but a 2 seater, and not made of brass...but those give me some ideas.

 

WOW! I just realized you are describing a car that I have, or have access to, a lot of components to build.
27 Essex frame, 36 Olds 6 banger and drivetrain, a Dodge tubular axle, early T radiator and shell, Olds steering....
Another project?

 

Sweet! My Olds engines a straight 8 but the sixers are cool.

 

Just some free advice and a few questions. Do you have a full set of 1926-27 T wire wheels and hubs? They are a different bolt pattern than 1928-29 Ford 21" wire wheels. Hiding wire wheels with disks is not a new idea, but it will take some time making attachment hardware, unlike the Ford V8 wires the lug nuts are going to be under the disk, not the hub cap. I think inner disks will be needed on the front, just to make things look right. I may have a NOS headgasket for that Olds motor, will PM you if I do. Good luck with the project. Bob.................Just looked at my avitar and remembered dragsters has front wheel disks in the late 1970's, that may be a source to check out.

 

I've got a full set of T wires, but am thinking of going with 21" A Wires, I think I am going to use the A wires because they'll be easier to use with drum brakes. I like the disc on the back side idea too..

I'm not sure at the moment what I'm going to use for a front axle, I just need something stronger than a T axle, not sure how one would handle the weight of the straight 8.

 

here`s a link for you , they don`t list prices , so probably expensive..... http://www.lmarr.com/stock_discs.html

 

Oh and I think I solved my wheel cover delima, LowFat48 gave me the idea of using 21" Cymbals, shouldn't be to hard to come up with.

 

I like the idea of cymbals, but they may be rather expensive and NOT be very smooth (spinning them and sanding might smooth them out enough).

There have been some different ideas about disk brakes on T's- will see if I can pot some pics I've "borrowed" for ideas/inspiration. Powerwagonmaniac has a nice disk setup on his T chassis as well.

Oh, Bruce- I was just pickin' on you about "not knowing details" in post #2

 

Yeah, I know...also look in Snyders catalog. I remember they have various adaptors for T wheels, Model A, aftermarket '27 hubs, some startlingly expen$ive wire wheels...
Look at pics of WWI airplane wheels for neat covers...my catalog is mostly WWI surplus trainer stuff.