kelsey Hayes '32 Ford wires, how do you measure them?

I have a set, but i can't figure out and forgot what size they are or how to properly measure them

what size are these?
they are the bent spoked ones ...did these only come in one size?

thanks,
CAB

 

32's should be 18" in diameter, throw a measure on it you'll know the diff from a 16"er

 

But on my A coupe when i actually measure the rim from edge to edge, it measuress 16" in diameter, I know they are "15 steelies by the tire size.

But you are right, the kelseys do measure "18 in diameter, but if i was to order tires for them, what would they be?

 

Take into account the rim bead, and deduct that from the inches. so if the rim bead is half inch add the other side of the rim for a total of one inch. I also have a set of rim calipers, takes the thinking away if at a swap meet

 

Just read the 18" down your thread, there is also 17" rims, that should be confusing right?

 

I know they are also made- "16s,
BUT....I assume you are asking about the bolt pattern though?
If so, you measure from the center of a lug hole [skip one] to NEXT the one after that.... It will measure 5-1/4",which would indicate they are a 5-1/2" bolt circle......

 

You measure the inside of the tire bead. So if you're getting 18" at the outside there probobly 17" '33-'34 wheels.

 

Cab... there's about 1 extra on your measurement. You actually need to measure between each side where the tire bead seals up. So your tire is actually 1" smaller than the outer diameter of the rim. if it measures 18" it's a 17 in tire, 17" it's a 16" tire and so on...

 

My bad, i measured from the tire bead on the backside of the rim ( since it's easier to measure and much flatter on that side) and it measures "17, so i'm thinking these are going to take a "16 tire.

so since these are 16's bent spoke that makes them 32's right?

thanks you guys for all the help and info so far
best wishes,
CAB

 

No. The 16" wires were unique to '35s. It goes '32 - 18", '33/'34 - 17", '35 - 16". From '36 on they were still 16" for many years, but they were solid steel wheels rather than wires.

16" bent-spoke Kelseys were aftermarket items for '35 Fords, and have been the favorite wire wheel for hot rods since the dawn of time. Here's a picture.

 

Gotcha

that clears up alot of confusion about these rims, thanks 50 Fraud!
Those look like exactly what i have (in black even) and they are the 16" bent spoked wires, now that i know how to measure them correctly.
For some reason i always thought these were from 1932, but this break down makes much sense now. So they are from 1935 ...got it now

So the "bent spoke" kelsey Hayes only came in 16's then and the 18's and 17's were all "straight spoke" Ford wires ...correct?

thanks again for all your help!

 

Bents spokes were also made in 18", 17" and 15", but are pretty rare, Motor wheels also made some wheels that are very similar to the bent spoke kelseys.
Jimmy

 

How do you tell the difference of the brands between the bent spoked manufacturers?

 

The motor wheels wouldn't be that hard to spot if you were able to lay a real KH wire next to it. I believe the Motors wires are the ones that Coker sells. Go online or check out there catalog.

The best way to describe the difference is with the Motors version the spokes look cramped and not as "organic" as a KH wheel. I don't know if that makes sense. I mean organic in the flowing lines sense and not in the tree hugger sense.

I hope this helps.

 

kelsey's have a KH stamped on the back side near the lug holes. As do lot's of steelies which were made by kelsey hayes company.

 

You can look on the hub on the bottom spokes, If the dimples fo in, its a kelsey, if they go out, its a Motor Wheel.
Jimmy

 

chaddilac,

I checked and they do have a small KH stamped on the back, they are 40 spoked and they are a 5 on 5 1/2 bolt pattern.

Now to order from Coker, some nice 16" black walls for these guys

thanks again for all the info fellas!

 

Old Motor wheel have 36 spokes.