Just picked up a '37 Ford front & rear suspension from one of my buds. The wheels are wide 5 pattern, I've never seen these (I suppose I might have but never gave a crap) but I'm diggin the look ... without caps of course. What other years did these come on? Are they the cheapo wheel for the '37s? Are there different wide 5 wheels? When I switch to juice backing plates, are the '37 shoes & drums compatible? Any help is appreciated WWS
36 thru 39 used the wide 5 bolt pattern. I have heard different stories about the drums. I think you need to use 39 drums to clear the wheel cyls.
Thanks guys, now if I could just get the rear drums off! I got a loaner 3-arm puller & started by removing the nut & washer. Started cranking the puller but not seeing any movement. It's just a splied shaft, right? WWS
There are about 7 different hubcaps for wide 5 wheels, but I think only two different wheel designs. The less common wheel is a 3/4 ton truck part, shown here with a '39 Standard hubcap. See the "raddest roadster" thread for the stainless Spider wheel covers that restorers like a lot.
[ QUOTE ] Here is my spiders [/ QUOTE ] Those are really sharp! I can see why they're the tough one to find. I'm going with the spartan look without caps like this little modified. Still can't get the rear drums off, thinking maybe a slide hammer instead of a puller .... WWS
You need to use a puller. They are keyed and tapered just like the rest of the early Ford stuff. There's a super good puller that might still be available on ebay...or you could do what I did and improvise (and risk bending your hubs/drums) with an old wheel, some bar stock, and a big ass nut and bolt. When properly seated those hubs are going to eat any generic gear puller's lunch.
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