Kelsey Rim Question

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Oldav8tor
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Kelsey Rim Question

Post by Oldav8tor » Mon Aug 12, 2024 6:47 pm

I recently came into the possession of a Ford-type, fixed lug Kelsey rim (30 x 3.5) which appears to be stamped a number 188. I've been trying to find some info on it but so far no luck. Outwardly it resembles other Ford-type fixed lug rims I've got. Anybody have any more info?

FWIW - I did find mention of a "88" which appears to be a loose-lug Kelsey.

Photo - ignore the dark rub marks
Kelsey.jpg
Kelsey.jpg (66.8 KiB) Viewed 1016 times
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor

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TRDxB2
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Re: Kelsey Rim Question

Post by TRDxB2 » Tue Aug 13, 2024 12:41 am

Oldav8tor wrote:
Mon Aug 12, 2024 6:47 pm
I recently came into the possession of a Ford-type, fixed lug Kelsey rim (30 x 3.5) which appears to be stamped a number 188. I've been trying to find some info on it but so far no luck. Outwardly it resembles other Ford-type fixed lug rims I've got. Anybody have any more info?

FWIW - I did find mention of a "88" which appears to be a loose-lug Kelsey.

Photo - ignore the dark rub marksKelsey.jpg
From a previous discussion
https://mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=32502
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Allan
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Re: Kelsey Rim Question

Post by Allan » Tue Aug 13, 2024 8:18 am

Tim, the rub marks are an indication that the rim fitted correctly. Fixed lug rims are designed to wedge on the wider inner land on the felloe, and the marks show that this one fitted well. If the rim/felloe combination is worn, the rims can go further onto the felloe and the lugs can impinge on the outer face of the felloe. In this scenario, the four wheel bolts are doing the job of holding the rim in place on the felloe. Ideally all the four bolts should be doing is maintaining the wedge effect of the rim on the inner felloe land. This wedge is what should be taking the "drive".

Allan from down under.

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Topic author
Oldav8tor
Posts: 2243
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:39 am
First Name: Tim
Last Name: Juhl
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1917 Touring
Location: Thumb of Michigan
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: Kelsey Rim Question

Post by Oldav8tor » Tue Aug 13, 2024 11:04 am

Thanks for the info - I just found this rim to be interesting inasmuch as there's not too much info out there on Kelsey fixed-lug rims. It looks to me to be a well-made rim.
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor

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