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

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!!

 

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.

 

They'll hold up until they don't.

 

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.

 

ha.... ok. well said... I will part ways with the thoughts of wire rims. thanks

 

Didnt you see the video of the nailhead powered truck power sliding all over the place?

 

no I didn't! where can I see that?

 

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

 

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.

I think that they work well on a Gow job but anything after that you are just asking for trouble.

 

Use some '35 wires.

 

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.

 

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!

 

Have 2 sets of wheels and tires.. One for around town and one for traveling...

 

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'...

 

this is what I am talking about!

 

Those are the good wires!!!

 

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

 

According to Rodder's Journal this particular truck's wheels were beefed up with extra, thicker spokes.

 

^^^^^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.

 

so what are "the good wires" ???

 

These are good wires, I believe that they are '36?

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


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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Charlie,
Thanks I always get that confused in my head.

 

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

Sent from my SM-G900T using H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Kelsey was actually reproducing them in the '70s.

If you are going to throw any meat at it you want a stout wheel.

 

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

 

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!!!

 

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.

I have only seen em raw. LOL

 

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