Thinking ahead to my banger powered '26 T roadster, I'm looking for some wheel discs, something similar to the picture below, or something similar to the ones in 4ever4's wheel disc thread. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76423 So I was hoping someone would have some clever ideas on what I could use to make a set, or where I could find something similar, or maybe somebody makes something? I have 21" wheels and I would need six (sidemounts). My first thought would be that there might be a metal spare tire cover from something that I could use. Haven't found any yet that look correct. Where did the racers get them back in the day? Anyone got anymore pictures?
there was an article years ago that the bob rufi tank used wheel discs made from old washing machine lids the old wringer type
I think there are likely plenty of things out there that could work as a wheel cover. I was looking hard until I decided to start producing my discs. Here are the problems I found. First, you are looking for something with the correct size and look. Then you have to consider offset - is it deep enough to cover the wheel without interference from the hub or axle or even the center of the wheel itself? So you're kind of dealing with size, shape, and depth (which falls under shape I suppose) all at once. As others have said you can use old washing machine lids. Great idea and I think older stuff has the greatest potential to provide something with a nice shape which works. Which brings me to what I consider to be the biggest problem. You have to find at least four of whatever it is you decide to use. I would be looking for old lids off of anything - washing machines, trash cans...maybe hit up a restaurant supply and see if they have big lids for cooking pots? (just thought of that one) Good luck. I sent you a PM if you're interested.
The lid off my old nonfuncioning electric wok fits to the drop in a 35 Ford wire wheel rim. Now, where to find 3 more 70s era Hamilton beach electric woks of the same size. Wait, that would be 7 more for a super cool look.
Incredibly good idea, Wayno. That's one I had considered but forgotten about. I had a set of Spuns done in copper - looked more like cymbals than wheel covers.
You could also try looking at some of the V8 air cleaner tops from the later '6o's or '70's american cars. Some of those were huge. I've never measured any of them and maybe none of them are big enough, but it might be worth a try. Chris
Thanks for the replies everyone. The cymbals, that's real interesting, as are some of the cooking/washing machine parts. Another HAMBer has some early wheel disks that would work for me, so I'm looking into that. If that doesn't work out, I'll be out scrounging. I think it would be worth the effort of finding them just to be able to say that my wheel discs used to be giant cooking pot lids or something like that. Lots of creative minds on here.
You might look in to metal spinning. I think there are some folks at: www.metalshapers.org who are into it. I also believe there is a video how-to somewhere on the site as well....let me know if you can't find it and I will search. Also check out: www.metalmeet.com John www.ghiaspecialties.com
Satellite TV dishes? You could pull down enough of those in one night run to keep you supplied for years.... Do it the night before the big game......
Any creative thinking out there on spinning processes?? Standard way would require a lathe the size of a small house for a 21" anything... How about some sort of horizontal platform...stout bearings in center...maybe a milling machine or (Horrors!) a drill press pretending to be a mill to cut a form...move the platform to a Hydraulic press with a roller, add support bearings at rim of platform...break stuff...die in the name of scientific experimentation... Maybe put Lars on the question?? Hydroform the ****ers in a mod made of reinforced cement, surface smoothed with epoxy?? Somebody find a way and blow our minds next tech week!
Jeez, I was thinking about spare tire lids, I don't know if I could fabricate a machine to fabricate some wheel disks. I guess I'm more Fred Sanford than I am Mr. Wizard. Thanks for all the replies guys, I appreciate it.
Some of the earliest wheeldisks came from airplanes. But, they would be even harder (and $$$$er) to find than six matching washing machine lids.
Yeah--I have a vintage 1928 catalog of aircraft stuff showing a big selection, along with WWI surplus Hispano and Liberty V8's... They'd sell you complete WWI trainers, too, in any condition from junk to new...oh, for a time machine and a thousand bucks in pre-depression currency...
How about some old Bonneville Moon disks. If I remember correctly, Moon manufactured some extra-large disks for the streamliners. Dont know about the size though. Have you tried one of the companies who make repro bodies for Model T Speedsters? They may already have them in stock. Here's another possibility: does the disk have to go all the way to the rim? Might look cool with the disk in the middle and the wires showing around the edge. Just a thought.
They're wood spoke wheels, and I want them to cover the whole wheel. But you do bring up a good point about the moon disks. They made some huge diameter disks at one point for bicycles. If the set I'm looking into right now doesn't work out, i'm gonna research those bicycle disks. That might be the ticket right there. Thanks for the post.
Theres a guy at the LA roadster show that make them to order or something like that. He has the replica of that old roadster/streamline that everyone bustes a nut about. They look real good but I think their price reflects the quality. I can't remember the name but their in the swap area at all the Father's day roadster shows in LA. good luck, I'm looking for some 21" myself
The moon catalog says they'll custom make them up to 46" in diameter. I think the knock of company is called spun ray? i could be wrong...
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