wood spokes

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Philip
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wood spokes

Post by Philip » Tue Feb 04, 2020 10:40 am

im going to look at some wheels that have new spokes. they were done prior to the current owner. what should i look for
to tell if they are hickory
t2.jpg
t3.jpg

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Humblej
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Re: wood spokes

Post by Humblej » Tue Feb 04, 2020 12:04 pm

Color and grain, but if you are not a knowledgeable wood guy you may not be able to tell. Older usa made hammers, axes, and similar wood handles were typically hickory. Find an older tool and scrape the surface of the wood and compare the color and grain against known other species of wood. If you can see a difference you should be able to do the same to the wood spokes.


otrcman
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Re: wood spokes

Post by otrcman » Tue Feb 04, 2020 12:47 pm

This thread raises a significant point:

Wood spokes are a major factor in the safety of a Model T. The condition of the wheels & spokes will be an important selling point when it comes time to sell your car.

If you have wheels rebuilt by one of the well known rebuilders, it's a good idea to save the receipt to verify who did the job and what type spokes were used. Or if you do the rebuild yourself, the invoice for the new spokes should not be discarded.

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Steve Jelf
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Re: wood spokes

Post by Steve Jelf » Tue Feb 04, 2020 12:58 pm

For those who are new to the subject I'll point out that Philip's question is important. Some folks have made the mistake of using oak or other unsuitable woods for their spokes. If I was at home I'd post a picture of the unfortunate results that can have. Don't do it.
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring

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Ruxstel24
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Re: wood spokes

Post by Ruxstel24 » Tue Feb 04, 2020 1:42 pm

I would love to see a comparison of the 2 types in their natural, naked beauty.
I have a small box of “new” spokes from years ago. Didn’t do a head count, but maybe enough for 2 wheels. ;)


jab35
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Re: wood spokes

Post by jab35 » Wed Feb 05, 2020 10:50 am

This topic has been discussed in previous threads which include some photos, not all of them great however. Here is one example:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/50 ... 1437802483

As stated above, hickory tool handles are good examples, if you can find a hardware store that sells hickory handles, stop in take a look, the wood is distinctive once you've examined it. Good luck, jb


Topic author
Philip
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Re: wood spokes

Post by Philip » Wed Feb 05, 2020 1:01 pm

thats a great idea i will buy a handle and take it with me. philip


Mike Royster
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Re: wood spokes

Post by Mike Royster » Wed Feb 05, 2020 4:51 pm

If you don't have the time/energy to do your own, Noah Stutzman does superior work.


Chris Haynes
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Re: wood spokes

Post by Chris Haynes » Fri Feb 07, 2020 2:37 pm

My Non-demountable wheels are currently at Vintage Wheel in Sonora, CA He makes new spokes and installs new wood felloes. He makes spokes for many brands of cars besides Ford. He has a duplicating lathe.


SurfCityGene
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Re: wood spokes

Post by SurfCityGene » Sat Feb 08, 2020 5:15 pm

Chris, When you get your rims back from George and Before you mount the tires make sure you do not have any run out!! Just mount on the spindle and rotate the wheel with a pointer fixed near the rim. If you do you'll never be satisfied with your new wheels. Art Wilson and I had to demount and true up the fellows on a set of wheels so they would run true on the road!
Let me know if your wheels end up with excessive run out.
1912 Torpedo Roadster

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