Wooden spoke question
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Darren J
Topic author - Posts: 7
- Joined: Wed Jan 14, 2026 4:30 pm
- First Name: Darren
- Last Name: Johnson
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Coupe
- Location: Middelton WI
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Wooden spoke question
I tightened up the hub and all the spoke are now tight. I was hoping for good measure I could just use something like Chair-Loc in the joints and tenons, epoxy at the tenon ends at the felloe, and Spar Varnish for protection. Will that for me based on what you see or are my spokes done for?
Thanks, Darren
Thanks, Darren
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speedytinc
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Re: Wooden spoke question
Need to see a picture of the tenons for a full evaluation. They must be solid & strong.
I don't like what I see, but if possibly still solid & that's only cosmetic, maybe...........
I don't like what I see, but if possibly still solid & that's only cosmetic, maybe...........
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TXGOAT2
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Re: Wooden spoke question
Those spokes look weathered and shrunken. It's likely that some or all of the tenons are decayed or worn. Wheels that have run loose will have wear on critical spoke surfaces in addition to shrinkage.
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TXGOAT2
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Re: Wooden spoke question
Tightening the hub bolts will clamp the spokes tighter, but it will not restore the necessary tight fit between the tapered inner spoke ends. In some cases, putting shim washers between the outer spoke ends and the felloe can restore the tight fit between the inner spoke ends.
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KWTownsend
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Re: Wooden spoke question
That wheel needs new spokes. Either professional, or DIY.
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speedytinc
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Re: Wooden spoke question
The last picture looks like a loose tenon. Loose or rotten tenons cant be safely repaired.
I would not try to save these spokes.
I would not try to save these spokes.
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Darren J
Topic author - Posts: 7
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- First Name: Darren
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Re: Wooden spoke question
Here is the fellow I have. I think it’s a Ford but my rim say Kelsey with a 7-6-09 stamped on each lug. There are 4 lugs I don’t know which spokes to order.
Thanks Darren
Thanks Darren
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Jerry VanOoteghem
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Re: Wooden spoke question
Darren,
Sorry to say, but your felloes are in poor condition. The wide flanges on the "backside" of the felloes are supposed to be angled. Yours have been badly bent over, flattened out & dented, probably from someone driving the car without rims mounted. As such, the rims will not properly seat on the angled flanges, (like they're supposed to).
The red line aligns with your flattened out flange, while the green line indicates the angle that we should see on the flange. (Obviously, not precise, but you get the idea.) Unfortunately, having those felloes re-spoked would not be a good investment.
Sorry to say, but your felloes are in poor condition. The wide flanges on the "backside" of the felloes are supposed to be angled. Yours have been badly bent over, flattened out & dented, probably from someone driving the car without rims mounted. As such, the rims will not properly seat on the angled flanges, (like they're supposed to).
The red line aligns with your flattened out flange, while the green line indicates the angle that we should see on the flange. (Obviously, not precise, but you get the idea.) Unfortunately, having those felloes re-spoked would not be a good investment.
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speedytinc
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Re: Wooden spoke question
Good catch Jerry.
I have straightened bent edges back into place with a large adjustable open end wrench.
That's a really abused set of wheels. Better yard art than candidates for restoration.
Makes getting a set of wire wheels a better idea.
I have straightened bent edges back into place with a large adjustable open end wrench.
That's a really abused set of wheels. Better yard art than candidates for restoration.
Makes getting a set of wire wheels a better idea.
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Steve Jelf
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Re: Wooden spoke question
Your wheels are demountables, with steel felloes. That makes installing new spokes a good DIY project.
https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG108.html
https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG108.html
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring
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TXGOAT2
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Re: Wooden spoke question
Felloes would need extensive straightening or re-rolling.