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Projects MODEL A WIRES... HOW DO THEY HOLD UP?

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by STUNNED MULLET, Mar 8, 2016.

  1. STUNNED MULLET
    Joined: Sep 10, 2012
    Posts: 178

    STUNNED MULLET
    Member
    from Fresno

    HI All, I really like the 19 and 21" model a wires on cars. I am considering putting on some. all the people I talk to say that's not a good idea for cars at our speeds and our roads. but I see them on peoples cars all the time. what would you say that the max is for these old wheels? I want to be safe, but I love the look of the big wire wheels!!
     
  2. 35 Dodge Hot Rod
    Joined: Nov 29, 2007
    Posts: 212

    35 Dodge Hot Rod
    Member
    from Mecca

    Come on, think about it. Your limiting factor is going to be the tires. It's not like somebody manufactures speed rated tires for those rims.
     
    czuch likes this.
  3. oj
    Joined: Jul 27, 2008
    Posts: 6,587

    oj
    Member

    They'll hold up until they don't.
     
    hipster likes this.
  4. czuch
    Joined: Sep 23, 2008
    Posts: 2,688

    czuch
    Member
    from vail az

    They'll take you all the way to the scene of the crash.
    50mph was rockin back then, and only holding up a Model A.
     
    LOU WELLS likes this.
  5. STUNNED MULLET
    Joined: Sep 10, 2012
    Posts: 178

    STUNNED MULLET
    Member
    from Fresno

    ha.... ok. well said... I will part ways with the thoughts of wire rims. thanks
     
  6. junk yard kid
    Joined: Nov 11, 2007
    Posts: 2,717

    junk yard kid
    Member

    Didnt you see the video of the nailhead powered truck power sliding all over the place?
     
  7. STUNNED MULLET
    Joined: Sep 10, 2012
    Posts: 178

    STUNNED MULLET
    Member
    from Fresno

    no I didn't! where can I see that?
     
  8. What engine are you running and how fast do you intend to drive? If you are running full fenders they will act like airplane wings and you probably won't want to drive much over 55 for very long.

    Charlie Stephens
     
  9. LOL I got 4 that have held up real well, of course they haven't been driven since '62 and they were only drive around town being pushed by a banger back then. :D

    I think that they work well on a Gow job but anything after that you are just asking for trouble.
     
  10. Texas Webb
    Joined: Jan 5, 2010
    Posts: 5,110

    Texas Webb
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Use some '35 wires.
     
  11. Nailhead Jason
    Joined: Sep 18, 2012
    Posts: 4,515

    Nailhead Jason
    Member

    Model a wires are not the greatest to use on any thing more than a stock banger. I know lots of people use them, but lots of people smoke crack too. There is a reason one of the first things people did back in the day was take the stock wires off and swap to newer wires or steelies. Better tire selection and stronger wheels. Model a wires are like fancy lawn mower wheels. Look nice but still a freaking lawnmower wheel.
     
    volvobrynk likes this.
  12. STUNNED MULLET
    Joined: Sep 10, 2012
    Posts: 178

    STUNNED MULLET
    Member
    from Fresno

    I like the look of the wires on a car. I just have to find a good set. I like the idea of the 16" 1935 wires. plus tires are a little easier to find as well!
     
  13. scrap metal 48
    Joined: Sep 6, 2009
    Posts: 6,128

    scrap metal 48
    Member

    Have 2 sets of wheels and tires.. One for around town and one for traveling...
     
  14. Atwater Mike
    Joined: May 31, 2002
    Posts: 11,618

    Atwater Mike
    Member

    There was a yay-hoo in San Jose that ran 18" wires on his fenderless '30 'A' pickup.
    He revved his 283 SBC way up and dumped the clutch, spun the center right out of the right rear. The little truck lurched forward, then dropped down and the wheel rolled past as he nearly ran 12 people down standing at the pick up counter of the Burger Bar, sparks showering out from the drum to beat the band!
    Amazing what can happen at 15 MPH when 'unexpected'...
     
  15. STUNNED MULLET
    Joined: Sep 10, 2012
    Posts: 178

    STUNNED MULLET
    Member
    from Fresno

    this is what I am talking about!
     

    Attached Files:

  16. Nailhead Jason
    Joined: Sep 18, 2012
    Posts: 4,515

    Nailhead Jason
    Member

    Those are the good wires!!!
     
  17. Jimmy2car
    Joined: Nov 26, 2003
    Posts: 1,707

    Jimmy2car
    Member
    from No. Cal

    I run wires on my 32.
    17" in the rear & 16" in front with Radial tires on both ends.
    It'll run 80 mph all day
     
    117harv likes this.
  18. UNCLECHET
    Joined: Dec 3, 2002
    Posts: 1,259

    UNCLECHET
    Member

    According to Rodder's Journal this particular truck's wheels were beefed up with extra, thicker spokes.
     
  19. woodz
    Joined: Feb 23, 2010
    Posts: 589

    woodz
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    ^^^^^RJ also states that the hubs eventually cracked and he opted to get rid of them instead off making new stronger hubs. I am sure you could make new hubs and make them stand up to modern driving.
     
  20. STUNNED MULLET
    Joined: Sep 10, 2012
    Posts: 178

    STUNNED MULLET
    Member
    from Fresno

    so what are "the good wires" ???
     
  21. These are good wires, I believe that they are '36? P7191500.JPG

    Or if you can find them bent spoke kelseys are not only durable but cool to the bone

    [​IMG]
    But if you simply must have them I happen to have 4 model A wheels. But I would suggest that you compare these pics and see why everyone is suggesting that you don't run them. Uh I guess I just shot myself in the foot didn't I. :D

    [​IMG]
     
  22. STUNNED MULLET
    Joined: Sep 10, 2012
    Posts: 178

    STUNNED MULLET
    Member
    from Fresno

    yeah.. I know about the Kelsey Hayes wheels..... hard to find, and expensive. I don't see what all the hoopla is with them anyways... they don't tickle my fancy.
     
  23. Minor correction, the black wires with the whitewalls in the first photo are 1935. 1936 was the first year of the wide five pattern, solid wheels.

    Charlie Stephens

     
  24. Charlie,
    Thanks I always get that confused in my head. :oops: :)
     
  25. Hitchhiker
    Joined: May 1, 2008
    Posts: 8,507

    Hitchhiker
    Member

    They're stronger ...that's the hoopla

    Sent from my SM-G900T using H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  26. Kelsey was actually reproducing them in the '70s.

    If you are going to throw any meat at it you want a stout wheel.
     
  27. the-rodster
    Joined: Jul 2, 2003
    Posts: 6,960

    the-rodster
    Member

    I see lots of people using them, but I just don't know.

    I would not hesitate to use 32 - 18s , 33-34 -17s or 35 - 16s.

    Rich
     
  28. STUNNED MULLET
    Joined: Sep 10, 2012
    Posts: 178

    STUNNED MULLET
    Member
    from Fresno

    I have seen the repro kelseys out there. all chrome kinda deal. I am no chrome fan though.. blast em and paint em I guess!!!
     
  29. Its like I said earlier, on a Gow job or even a speedster they would work just fine, hell they would probably work OK on a fair grounds cruiser. I would not run A wires on anything that I was actually going to drive. Some cars need 'em to fit the build most cars don't.

    The later wires are OK if you are not trying to run 160 on the interstate and get slowed down by the bottom of the ramp. :D

    I have only seen em raw. LOL
     
  30. rusty valley
    Joined: Oct 25, 2014
    Posts: 4,315

    rusty valley
    Member

    the 19" 30-31 wires are stronger than the early 21's. if you really want that look, 19" dodge wheels have the same bolt pattern, adjustable spokes, more spokes, and stronger hub design, much like the later ford wires
     

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