MTFCA Forum

Hi,
I purchased these four rims at Hershey last year, thinking I could use it on my '24, but they are a size smaller. They are in excellent shape and measure about 21 inches. I am hoping to sell or exchange for a 30 by 3 1/2.
Thank you

Mr. Jelf are you coming to hershey ? Im not bringing my measuring tape . Wondering if i can use yours . Thank you for the input.

You might want to bring one of the wheels with you to the swap meet. There are several types of 21" split rims and you need to find the right ones to fit your wheels. You will also need a rim spreader to fit your split rims. Note several other makes of cars also had split rims and not all rim spreaders will fit the 21" rims.
Norm

On my 24 i have 30 x 3 1/2 tires. so what rims do i look for ? im bringing all 4 to hershey to sell.

Mr. Jelf : I have my tires , rims and wheels all mounted. Im looking for a extra set of wheels and rims since some are not in a good shape. My tires are 30 x 3 1/2 tires . The set pposted are a different size i supposed . So: what size rims and wheels are the correct for a 30 x 3 1/2 tires and what size and for what year are the ones im posting the pictures ? Im looking to sell them or exchange for the ones i need.

As you see in the pictures I posted, 30 x 3½ rims are 24" across the rim. Demountable 30 x 3½ clincher rims first appeared on Ford cars in 1919. Balloon tires on 21" split rims (the wheels you want to sell) appeared in 1925.

Wheels with demountable 30 x 3½ clincher rims were supplied by Firestone, Hayes, Ford, and Kelsey. Any is correct. In fact, occasionally a Model T would come from the factory with more than one brand of wheel on it. For ease of shopping I would suggest that you look for Hayes wheels and rims, as they are easiest to recognize and seem to be more plentiful than the others.

Two things make Hayes demountable rims easy to spot. 1 They are the only ones with a lug that extends in past the bead on the inside of the rim. 2 They usually have HAYES stamped on the face of the lug.

The felloe on a Hayes wheel has notches to accommodate those Hayes lugs.


In shopping for wheels you can buy the best you can find, or you can buy the cheapest you can find with good metal and the wood rotten (or just hubs and felloes with no wood) and install new spokes with a Regan press. Not being in a hurry, I would take the second approach.

In shopping for rims, beware of the ones that have sat on the ground for so many years that the clincher edges are rusted sharp. It's very disappointing to have a tire cut up by a sharp rim.

The multiple suppliers of wheels to take 30 x 3.5" tyres on rims causes some difficulties, as not all rims and wheels are compatible with each other. You have done the right thing in asking here, but it would be advisable to have someone with experience to check any proposed purchases. That said,
following Steve's advice re Hayes branded rims and wheels makes good sense. Other Fixed lug rims will mount on Hayes rims, but Hayes rims may not fit other brands of wheels.

Allan from down under.

Good morning and COPY on the difficulties Allan from down under. Its a shame that i cant use them . They re in great shape.Thanks for the help from all of you and thanks Mr Jelf for showing the pictures and ill check your website.