I saw a thread from a few years back about these, but now that we are in mid 2023 I am wondering if there is a broader consensus on them now, and even better, first hand experience. I am doing a revamp on the '31 ford pick up and want to run steel wheels like I had originally intended to back when I first started building it in 2003. It seems that a nice set of OG 16 x 4.5 Ford wheels is damned near impossible to scare up these days, I have hit up everyone I know that I thought may be sitting on some to no avail, not even Vern Tardel has any, as told to me by someone close to him. That being the case, I would consider the Speedway offerings as a last resort if they are up to the task of surviving on our less than smooth CA roadways. Who's got the info? Picture of a sad vehicle on jack stands for internet tax.
The ones I got from Them are made by wheel smith I believe? In America. I’ve been driving on them for 6 or so years and have come into contact with plenty of Kansas City’s Kia sized pot holes at speed. They still look brand new and zero problems. Wouldn’t hesitate to run them
If you have to get new ones, then I second Wheel Smith in Corona, Ca. But LARS is coming up next month.....good excuse to go.
wow--too bad--guy here just sold a complete set of 40 wheels tires and caps off of a restored 40 woody cheap. My friend may have some
One thing to keep in mind is the WS wheels won't accept a factory cap. At least, that was what I was told when inquiring on them.
I have Bob Drake hub caps on my 3 window, roadster, and had them on my delivery and 5 window all with Wheel Smith wheels.
Aren't Drake caps a copy of the factory? I have Drake caps on my Vintique's wheels. Because I too need a 16x4.5" wheel, I called Speedway specifically to ask if factory caps fit the WS wheels. I was told they would not fit. What gives?
Bought a pair of 16-4.5 wheels with 4.5/4.75 bolt patterns from Speedway a couple of months ago. They came in Wheel Smith boxes and original '40 V/8 hubcaps fit well. I posted pictures on another thread concerning wheels.
I bought the ones that are big Ford bolt pattern and are single bolt pattern and the original caps fit just fine
Even though Speedway sells them I'd still support a small American company like Wheel Smith directly. Talk to Rex.
Thanks for the help everyone, got a lead or two now on some potential sources for the real deals. Much appreciated
From the Ford Barn cl***ifieds... "wheels, 4 1/2 in w, 16 in," https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=326749
Here's a great trick for running 16" steel rims on your rod with a Ford 4.5 bolt pattern. I used a set of 1940 Dodge 16' rims on my old Sedan Delivery when I first built it...and they are reasonably cheap (Epay). 30's-40's Mopar rims use a 4.5 bolt pattern same as later model Ford 8', 9' rears & disc brake kits, and bolt right up. The Mopar rims use "clips" to hold the hubcaps on, so I simply cut the guts out of the '40 Mopar and '48 Ford hubcaps and mounted the Mopar guts into the Ford caps so they would attach to the Mopar clips.
A set of vintique repop caps did fit on my chrome wheels but it was incredibly hard to get them off with out hurting the chrome. On a painted wheel it’s probably ok just very tight
Hello, The photo shows a nice wire wheel sitting under the hot rod. The color is nice, the wheels without the whitewall would give the hot rod a nice contrast of old and new custom. If the wires need help, get them aligned, balanced and perhaps color match if you do not like the black. But keep the shiny center cap for some contrast. It depends on the look you are going for, but the blackwall tires and nicely updated wire rims would give it a better look than just chrome rims. We have seen all sorts of coupes/sedans and trucks with chrome rims, which is ok, but the wires are special. With a few upgrades of paint or even if you want chrome, the look would give your hot rod a definite contrast. Jnaki The white walls will have to go unless that is your thing. The Black Cherry or Maroon color would look better with all black tires and contrasting wire wheels...YRMV
Yes those are the Kelsey Hayes wires that have been on the car since 2007, there is nothing wrong with them I just want to change up the look, plus they need a big spacer becasue of the Buick drums. I've even been eyeballing some artillery wheels that are on a well known internet auction site as well.
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