I am sorry to ask this question on a model t forum but I dont know where else to go. Could somone please tell me if 21" spoke wheels , i believe are 26 27 or 28 year rims, would fit what year hubs besides these years, like say would they fit a 40 model hub?If not is there such a thing as an adapter for these rims? Any info would be much appreiciated.I am very new to the old parts world and I know there is a lot of experience on here. Thanks, Jeff

Wire spoke, Model T wheels, have a five inch lug pattern. Model A wheels, have a five and a half inch lug pattern. My Speedster, has Model A wheels. The fronts are on Model A hubs. The rears, aren't installed yet, but for those, I'll need adapters.

Thanks. I know they are 5.5 lug pattern but would they fit other year hubs like 30's or 40's I guess is what I am asking?

If my memory is correct, they will fit Ford up to 48 and a lot later Ford pickups. With the exception of 36 and possibly 37 when a hub with very large bolt pattern was used

I believe a Model A wheel will properly fit up to and including a 35 Ford hubs. The 36 - 39 hubs are totally different. The bolt pattern for 40 thru 48 is the same as a Model A, but the A wheel will not be supported properly. I believe some of the Hot Rod shops sell a plate or adapter that will support the outer edge of the wheel. With out the proper support cracking in the bolt hole area could be a problem.

Thanks Jim and Thunder I love old cars and I love talkin about them to. There are some great stories on here in the archives.

Back in the old days when putting hydraulic brakes on an A it was necessary to get a little adapter ring for the center hole alignment. Although they will bolt onto a later drum, the center hole is not the same size. Plenty of guys ignored this, however, and just let the lug nuts carry the whole load.

Chuck brings up an important point: The Model A wheels are designed to be supported at the edge of the center, as well as at the lug bolt holes. The later Ford drums do not provide this support, although many folks have used them without altering them. This leads to cracked centers.
T'
David D.
PS The ford bulletins discuss this back when the separate emergency brakes were introduced.

If Model A Front hubs will fit on T spindles, what bearing would need to be used? I was wondering about that the other night.
Thanks

The INNER bearing & race, is Model A. The OUTER bearing, I'm still working on. The Model A spindle, is larger, at the outer end. So the OUTER model A bearing, is loose.

I'll post the correct part number, as soon as I get into town, to a bearing house, with the car, so that we can figure it out.

That will be great! My wood wheels and Tires are at the end of there life on Nellybell. I have a set of A front hubs, full set of 21 inch wheels and Good tires.
MarkG

I just went out to my shop and tried a T outer bearing, it dropped right in. I will have to scrounge up some inner bearing so I can try it on the car. The studs are good, but the drums are out of round so I do not have a problem with just cutting the drum off.

Maybe that what we need. A inner, T outer.

Well I tried to fit a Model A hub to Model T spindle! My findings; Model A hub is shorter, inner bearing fits but is looser on spindle then I would like. Outer bearing runs out of threads before it seats. Also, inner bearing, Model A, dose not have lip for seal to ride on. Conclusion, spend $1000 plus for new spokes and tires or about half that for adapters. Nether of which will happen right now. Even is I were to machine the spindles for bearings I would still have the rears to work out. Ok so I tried! Bummer! Anybody have a set of a to T wheel adapters they want to sell "CHEEP"
MarkG

You need an adaptor to make the Model A wheels fit a Model T. Use the Model T wood spoke hubs with the adaptor.
Norm

You need an adaptor to make the Model A wheels fit a Model T. Use the Model T wood spoke hubs with the adaptor.
Norm

Yes sdn, I know that I need adaptor for A wheels.