Friends, It's fairly well known (and confirmed) that Kelsey Hayes wheels won't fit over upgraded cast iron mechanical (rear) brakes. The recommended solution is to grind down the tops of the spoke ends off. Are there other solutions for this? Has anyone found or refactored a spacer to avoid this? Another question is, how much do you think grinding the spoke ends off will weaken the wheel? It seems like it would be minimal. Just thought I'd ask before the grinder comes out. Thanks, Raaf (1929 Model A Roadster)
I've got mechanical brakes, with cast iron drums, on my '31 Cabriolet. 3/16" spacer between the hub and wheel. My water jet buddy zipped some out real fast 5 X 5-1/2" pattern. Center hole 4-11/16" and took the die grinder, with a carbide burr, to chamfer so it will fit flat. 7-1/4 OD. Several spokes had to be massaged (by grinding a little shorter). Wheel lug nuts torqued to 50 ft/lbs. many, many trouble free miles....yes, don't get carried away grinding away the spoke end and you should be fine.
Thanks @winduptoy! This spacer from Speedway is pretty close to what you have described, but closer to 1/8" thick. https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Spee...0wZiBX8ZPELlOKRrvxSYREY39uyiWdn8aAip7EALw_wcB I wonder if it is thick enough to make it worthwhile. Maybe I'll just skip the spacer and take off the spoke ends. Sounds like one way or another it's time to get the grinder out.
look to be about the same as what my buddy makes up and the description says it is for the application
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