FORD Model T n A WHEELS...When is it too late?

[sandtrooper]

I know that this may be a stretch but ask. There must be a point when Wheels are un-restorable. If one can look at these pics and determine whether they might be 'over the hill'?  ....or perhaps one might have to examine in person with a chipping hammer or whatnot. thanks in advance

[Terry Bond]

The Model T wheels are shot.  The steel parts may be salvageable but the wood is beyond hope.  New spokes are readily available from the T parts suppliers, or the numerous T wheel rebuilders could re-do them with new spokes if you are unable to tackle the project yourself. 

 

Model A wheels are plentiful.  Photos 2 and 3 above are Model A.  The others are later.  It's hard to tell by looking at the photos.  The A wheels don't look too bad but can't be certain until you sand-blast them to see what condition the metal is in.  The spokes look relatively straight. 

 

Same basically with the others - you need solid, straight spokes, no jagged or sharp edges, no thin spots on the steel caused by rust, nothing "out-of-round" and no unsightly rust pits.  Otherwise, there is a lot of work to make them safe and nice looking.

 

If you're just looking to make a few bucks on them good luck.  There isn't much value there.

Terry

[JFranklin]

I like that cut-down model A 19" wheel. I used to run cut-down wheels with 6:00x16 recaps when I was young.

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Tap the spokes on the A wheels with a screwdriver, they should all ring vs. Thud. Thud or no noise means the spoke is broke.  Unless the wheel is really rare then it is not likely worth hassling with it. 

Minor bent spokes can be straightened out easilly enough. 

21" A wheels in nice shape are harder to find than 19" wheels.

[1912Staver]

Due to the design of the 21 " Model A wheels , the rims are more prone to serious rusting. The bead area of the rims are formed in a full wrap leaving an internal space where moisture can be trapped . And the rim can be significantly rusted from the inside of that wrapped section, but you don't see it until the steel gives way.  The 19 " wheels have a conventional section rim. Still prone to rusting over the decades, but the extent of rust is easily visible with the tire removed, and it is easy to see if a wheel is still usable. 

[JFranklin]

Some of the cut-down model A wheels I had were the early 21" ones and that got rid of the rust prone rim.

[Bloo]

How did you do this exactly? Buy new 16" rims and weld the spokes in?

[JFranklin]

My rims came with the car but I think that is how it was done. 

[jpage]

On the Model A wheels, check each lug hole to make sure they are not distorted, worn or cracked. The A wheels, if they are all about the same condition as the one pictured should be restorable.  Also look for really deep pitting in the spokes. Minor bends in spokes can be straightened fairly easily. On those wheels, you are looking at a ton of filling work to get them nice again, but they could be restored if you are prepared to put in the work. I restored a set much like yours years ago. I did drill a couple of holes in the outer rims to clean out rust particles laying in the rim, then welded them up. The alternative; find a better set. be advised there are 2 different styles of the 21" rim. The early rims have a shorter hub depth than the later wheels, which can be hard to see by eye. although, those are most likely they later the later style. They both will fit but the early wheel hubs do not contact the drum when mounted on later style drums.