History 18" 12 spoke mag front wheel

I'm gathering parts for an early shorty gas dragster recreation. Somewhere around 61-66,maybe a bit later. K88 style.
I was planning on motorcycle wheels, but that requires Anglia spindles and I already have a Model A front end with later 41-48 spindles. Plus, motorcycle wheels for even Anglia spindles are hard to find, and pricey when you do.
I was at a swap meet last weekend, and ran across a pair of the 18" 12 spoke alloys, and it got me thinking, when did they first appear?
Photo research shows them fairly early on altereds, and I found one photo of them on a shorty little gas dragster, but nothing in the photo tags when.
I can't find any history on them. I know Radir makes them now, but who started these wheels? Anyone know? Thanks, Mike

 

IF you really want motorcycle wheels @rottenleonard has a thread going here for his no frame model a build, and he just modified a set of Harley sportster wheels to fit early ford spindles. I believe he said he is set up to do it for model A spindles and 37 to 48 spindles. might want to check that out.

 

here is the thread. check out post 38.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...model-a-modified.1079177/page-2#post-12281432

 

18" mag spokes were run on a lot of fuel altered's. I can't recall ever seeing any on a dragster. If you want the car right, figure out a way to use wires.

 

I've got a nice set of American wheels (magnesium) sitting in my bedroom (!).
Machined for Ford spindles.
If interested, send me a PM and we can talk.

Mike

 

Dean,
some of the double engine cars ran them when the NHRA put an 1800 lb limit on dragsters with wires.

Roo

 

I definitely remember them on both iterations of The Freight Train, when it ran Chrysler’s and the SBC’s.

 

I do remember them on the Train. John ran the American 15" 12 spokes before the 18's were available.