Hot Rods Adapting 35 Ford Wires

What is involved in adapting 1935 Ford wire wheels to a standard 5x4.5 Ford bolt pattern? How much wider does it make the track width. Thanks

 

I have no idea what the bolt circle diameter is on a '35 wire wheel, so I can't address that part of your question.

As to the 2nd part, how would changing the bolt pattern affect track width ? Track width is a function of width of the axle you're using.

 

Flip,

I just adapted 35 wires to my 31 roadster. I bought the adapters from Speedway. They were 5 on 5 1/2" to 5 on 5 1/2" and measured about 1 1/4" in thickness so that is how much the wheel moved out from the drum surface. I am running a dropped A axle in front with F100 drums and a Bronco 9 inch rear end. Some folks have mentioned they think they don't look good that way. Personally I think they don't look any worse than any other wheel combo. I would bet you can get a set that adapts from the 4 1/2" you have to the 5 1/2" you need for the wire wheel.

Gordon

 

Oh, almost forgot to mention that the adapters also have a ring machined on them that provides support on the inner mounting surface of the inside of the wire wheel. This is needed to properly support the wheel on a drum that does not have that ring built into it. If you have the correct bolt pattern of 5 1/2" already then you just need the support rings.