New 16x3.5" wheels

We are thinking about making a 16x3.5" rim, so we would be able to produce a replica of the original 40 Ford V8-60 wheel. We would rivet them together just like they were, instead of welding them so they would be as authentic as possible. Also we would use actual 40-48 ford 16" centers out of the 16x4 and 16x4.5" wheels. Is this something that anyone would be interested in?

 

I personally wouldn't as I can't tell the difference from a 4" wheel, but I bet you'd sell some. Just make sure they are exactly like original, with no safety bead. Maybe "age" some of your new rims in a moist mud bath for authentic rust pits.

 

I'd personally like to see someone make a 16x4 40 Ford wheel and a 16x5 Ford truck wheel for the 7.50x16 Firestone tires.

 

yes, w/ 5x5.5 bolt pattern....

 

Personally I think a 16 x 5 would be a more successful wheel for you.
A) No one makes one.
B) The 7.00 and 7.50 Firestones look better on a 5 rather than the available 4 1/2 or 6" rim.

 

I would jump on a pair of 16"x3.5"

 

The plan is to have the safety beads, but the way this rim would be constructed you would be able to see the from the front of the wheel

 

sounds very cool

 

We are also thinking about the 16x5, making it with the correct taper on the backside. Is this more in demand?
Jimmy

 

Are these to be multi-lug? I actually prefer them not being multi-lug. I know it's more cost efficient but I hate the look. Means I can't run them with out hub caps. I also think a 16 x 5 would be in more demand. They're better for rears and no one makes them as stated.

 

I would think the 16 x 3.5 would be better. You can find 16 x 4.5 wheels all day long but it is tougher to find good 16 x 4's. Fewer of them made, I guess.

And yes, 5 on 5.5 bp.

Don

 

i think so

 

No, they wouldn't be multilug, The centers would be actual, old, original Ford centers.

What do you guys think people would be willing to pay? I'm thinking they'd need to be about $200 each

 

The 16x3.5 would be cool to see, but I think from a marketability standpoint, the 16x5 would be more successful.

 

I've never seen an actual 3.5 wheel. I do know that I looked a long time for my pair of 16x5's.

 

They would be to me, but it's gonna be a little while before I can afford to vote with my wallet.

 

16x5's were available on Lincoln in 41 only... not sure of others... but wide rears are always a problem... in most cases narrow fronts aren't as big a deal... but when they are I can recommend a good solution provider... these may look familiar...

 

According to Bruce Lancaster My 16x5's are Mercury. Not trying to hi-jack the thread though.

 

I'm sure there are even some trucks with 16-5's but still - not common... here are the Lincoln one's they have tabs for the cap



Anyways... make both and I'll buy a set...

 

Does seem like the ideal set.

 

My vote is for the 16x3.5, it's a safer option for guys to run the 450/475-16 Firestone!

 

dont wheel vintiques make the centers already? you just need the rim or hoop 3.5 or 4in cant they make custom 3.5 or 4in wheels?

 

I vote for both but some say I may have a TINY wheel fetish. Wheels!...Wheels!...Wheels!.. I must buy more WHEELS!!!!!!!!

 

They do make a center, but it's a different size than the originals. So in the interests of originality we would make them to fit the ford centers
Jimmy

 

Ford made 16x5 wheels for the 1948-1956 trucks also. I had a pair on my coupe and the 1946 hubcap fit perfectly.

 

I would hate to see all the original wheels destroyed just for their centers........

 

yes, 16x5 and 16x3.5

 

me too

 

I would buy 16x5s. I think $200 is steep, but I'm broke. I have paid $150-$200 for a good full set of 16x4s and 16x4.5s. I have been on a hunt for the pickup 16x5s and know about 6 others on the same hunt.


Sent from my POS phone.

 

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