MTFCA Forum

Found a 21 in. Wire wheel to be used as a spare on my Speedster. The ID for the cap is 2.65 in. My other wheels are 2.44 in. Wheel is identical in every other way. What would this wheel be off of so I can get a cap?

28-29 Model A ??
They look very similar to T, but the cap is larger.

Also, Model A would have 5-1/2" bolt circle T only 5". Would make it worthless as a spare tire.

Took the wheel out to Snyder’s and found that a ‘28-‘29 Model A cap fits.

Might maybe could be one of those half year only early AR wheels?
Without a picture?

Still would 5-1/2-5 bolt circle.

Mark G, I wasn't sure about the bolt circle, but thought it was like the rest of the A wheels. I do know a lot of people over the years have been fooled by the early A wheels when they wanted T wheels. And unless I missed it? I haven't seen the question about the bolt circle for this wheel being answered.

Check to see ilf the rim fits on the wheels. The bolt pattern is different on a T from early A. They won't fit on T hubs. Some T hubs have been adapted to fit A wheels, so check first. All is not lost though. I'm sure someone with a Model A could use the wheel.
Norm

Tried to post picture, but it’s beyond my pay grade.
21 ln wheel with ‘28-‘29 hub cap fits the T bolt pattern. I can see no differences in the wheel other than the larger hub cap.
Email me for pictures. divco100b@icloud.com

Model T is 5" X 5.

Been texting back and forth to Robert, and he sent these photos of his large hub cap opening Model T wire wheel.


Sure seems to be. Have read in the past that Ford made some of the early 1927 production '28 Model A's with the AR style, and that an early AR was just like the T, with 5" bolt circle ??....don't know about that. But seems this wheel of Robert's is so like a T, every feature, but has large hub cap opening.

Can't find ref. part# for Ford T wire wheel with large cap opening, nor a large T cap in the parts books.

So can anyone shed more light on this


Note large opening, hub is tapered, and smooth like T, wire welded spokes like T

Rear view shows smooth hub center, not fluted like Model A, or even typical AR. Bolt holes seem to have some bit of weld repair at a few edges, but clearly not re-drilled for 5" bolt centers.

Lastly, this wheel with large Model A hub cap fitted. The wheel is sitting on a std. T front hub, showing fit to T 5" bolt center.

What in the origin of this wheel, was it made at the end of T production, for using Model A caps that may have been in process for mfg. of the New Model A?

could the hole have been reamed out when t caps were Not available anymore????? charley

That is one explanation, but T caps could be found long after the T was discontinued. Even aftermarket too, or old Ford stock, and repros were made in the 1950's. Plus a least 3 other poster's on forums over the years have come across what they describe as 5" bolt center Model T wires, but with these large hub cap opening

IF, .....there were 1927 made Model A AR,.... with smooth centers,... did they have 5 1/2" or 5" bolt centers? Dan Hatch should chime in, he posted a few years ago seeing AR wheel with smooth hub center like T. Looking closely at the inside bolt holes in Robert's yellow wheel , some welds can be seen on 4 holes, maybe this means this wheel had 1/2" larger circle too, along with the larger hub cap opening? Early AR?

The AR Model A wheels fit the early Model A rear brake drums that had the single brake system, that is the service and parking, (emergency), brakes used the same brake. This was illegal in many states which required separate service and emergency brakes, something that even the 1925 T with the transmission service brake and the small 8" rear drum complied with. Ford had to change the design to a separate emergency brake and the brake drums are stepped for the two brake system requiring a different shape in the wire wheels at the drums. The lug bolt centers were the same for all Model A's and do not fit the Model T hubs. That yellow wheel looks like a Model T wheel that has had the hub cap hole enlarged, maybe for some type of Model A after market special hub cap.