I put Model A wheels on my T...

[Flivver]

...good idea? you be the judge. Two videos in the series, so far: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... -UCp61k7IG

[George House]

Those danged above axle wishbones

[Scott C.]

Steve, I noticed that you are running without the caps on the end of your front hubs. Are you not concerned about contamination getting into your wheel bearings?

[Flivver]

I am also concerned about that, yes. I just haven't got the hub caps yet. I will though.

[Rich Eagle]

Some folks like 16" wheels on their Model A too. It's a choice.
Rich

[Scott C.]

So, you didn't have them on there before you swapped wheels too? There is a dust cap for the hub and a hub cap for the wheel. Images from Lang's website.

[George House]

Yeah, I had 16” wheels (1935 only) on my ‘29 A open pickup. It looked like a Beach Boys album cover. Sold it….Too modern

[John Codman]

I understand that all things considered, wire wheels are better then wooden wheels (my '27 has the wood wheels and they are staiyin') but why go to all of the trouble of adapting Model A wheels when there are factory wire T wheels that will bolt right on? I realize that the OP stated a better ride through lower tire pressure was an advantage, but the Factory recommended tire pressure for an A is 35PSI. The recommended pressure for my '27 T is 32 - lower then the A and even my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica (36PSI). I do realize that the A is heavier then the T, but I would doubt that unless he is running the tire pressure at some really lowball number - to the point of getting into handling issues, that there would be a significant difference in ride quality. As an aside - My '27 T was the first (and so far only) T that I have ever driven with the balloon tires. The very first thing that I noticed was how well it rode.

[Flivver]

So, you didn't have them on there before you swapped wheels too? There is a dust cap for the hub and a hub cap for the wheel. Images from Lang's website.

Scott, thanks for pointing that out! The depths of my ignorance are vast... I did not know about the dust caps. Never had them (!) I see them now "2886". I will get some of those new repro hub-dust-caps at the very least - then I can hunt around for old beat-up wheel-caps. I would rather not buy new repro shiny wheel caps; they just won't look right on my beat-up old car!

[Flivver]

I understand that all things considered, wire wheels are better then wooden wheels (my '27 has the wood wheels and they are staiyin') but why go to all of the trouble of adapting Model A wheels when there are factory wire T wheels that will bolt right on? I realize that the OP stated a better ride through lower tire pressure was an advantage, but the Factory recommended tire pressure for an A is 35PSI. The recommended pressure for my '27 T is 32 - lower then the A and even my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica (36PSI). I do realize that the A is heavier then the T, but I would doubt that unless he is running the tire pressure at some really lowball number - to the point of getting into handling issues, that there would be a significant difference in ride quality. As an aside - My '27 T was the first (and so far only) T that I have ever driven with the balloon tires. The very first thing that I noticed was how well it rode.

John. Not sure if you were hoping for a reply from me, or from the others. I look forward to what others have to say, but for my part, here goes... I chose to use Model A wheels now because I could afford them (Model T wheels are expensive here) and they allow me to take my time restoring my original Model T wire wheels, which are in desperate need of repair and restoration. I have no opinion on 'recommended' tire pressures. My Runabout is light, and I think I can run the 19" tires at below-recommended safely. I am currently trying 20psi and it seems pretty nice on this car. But I will try other pressures too, and will monitor wear patterns as well. So far, at 20 psi, the ride and handling are improved over the 21" balloon tires. I have no intention of taking this even farther. 16" wheels, for example, are not for me. This was just an interesting, affordable option that didn't compromise the appearance of the 'original' car too much, and also offered potentially incremental ride improvement.

[John Codman]

I sure do understand the cost factor. I didn't realize that you didn't live in the USA. BTW: Paris is a beautiful city. Am I correct in my understanding that Paris is or was putting restrictions on pre-emission era cars?

[Scott_Conger]

Different Paris, John

[Flivver]

I sure do understand the cost factor. I didn't realize that you didn't live in the USA. BTW: Paris is a beautiful city. Am I correct in my understanding that Paris is or was putting restrictions on pre-emission era cars?

I am in Paris Ontario, a small town just in-between Detroit and Buffalo. No pre-emission restrictions here, yet But T parts are fairly hard to find here, and quite a bit more expensive than in the USofA.