MTFCA Forum

I have a 26/27 rolling chassis that was a depot hack kit that needed TLC on all the wood, and, after disassembly, I"ve decided to move in another direction. A WWI Model T ambulance replica. I've got model kits, plans from the HF museum and tons of pics. But, it will never be a faithful reproduction due to my starting donor vehicle and my budget. So, it will have high hood, incorrect fenders and running boards, coil box, etc., for a 1917 Model T. But, I'm good with that. A 10 ft test and a large wooden body with a large red cross on it will work for my needs. But, the wire wheels are sticking in my craw.
It is my understanding that these wire wheels are a sought after accessory, but not in my case. I want to go with wood spoke demountable wheels. But I have 11" large brake drums on the rear. I've gotta go look at the fronts, but wire wheels and new tires and tubes all the way around. Here are some pics of the rear wheel set up currently and the wheels.
A. What are these wheels? Model T? Model A? Something else?
B. How can I convert to wood spoke wheels and what do I need as far as parts. Large brake drum wood wheels? Different hubs? Brake rods, parts, shoes, etc.?

I have no other T projects, so the current wheels and hubs are up for grabs, either sell them outright and use the funds for wood wheels, or get lucky and trade someone who has the wood set up and wants to go wire.

Any direction as to how to proceed and any guideance on what parts I need is greatly appreciated. Please don't second guess the ambulance on a incorrect chassis decision as it is what it is.

The front is easy. Just find a good set of wood wheel hubs and wheels. The hubs with the wire wheels, both front and rear will sell better as a set than the wire wheels alone. Wood hubs will fit right onto your axle.
For the rear you can do the same. You will also need to find a set of good large drums for the wood wheels. The wood wheels for the 30x3 1/2 de-mountable rums should be easy to find, however you would do best if you replace all the spokes while you have it apart.
If you want small drums on your rear wheels, you will need to find a different rear axle because the backing plates will not interchange. Not sure about the brake rods. Might need to change them too.
Norm

Robert, Sent you a PM. Thanks, Dave

Norm is correct about the rear wheels. All you need is a pair of 30" x 3.5 standard wheels and then swap the brake drums over to large drums. You should not have to dis-assemble the spokes if the wheel is sound, but you will need six new hub bolts to have enough length to peen them over once installed.

Allan from down under.

From the number of PM's I'm receiving on this project, it is represented to me that a 27 T with wooden demountables is a plug and play option. If someone had the 27 wood wheel set up, it would be pull the wheels and hubs and swap them out with my wire wheels and hubs. Easy Peazy. Is this correct? Or, would there still be some modifications I would need to make. The demountable wheels give me the look I have seen on Model T ambulances with the tire and inner rim attached to the side of the ambulance body.
I have found a 5th Model T wire wheel and tire, so a set of five are available for trade. But, not the point of this thread, just inquiring how to get wood wheels on this current set up.
Thanks for the information so far.

The wood wheels for the 27 are a different size rims and tires than the older ones. However they would work. The drum for wood wheels is different bolt pattern than the one for wire wheels so both the hubs and drums would need to be replaced.
Norm

Robert, 26-7 wood spoke wheels are a plug and play swap for your wire wheels and hubs. if you find replacement wood wheels, you will still have to find split rims to mount the tyres. These are not all that plentiful in good condition. However, they are 21' wheels and will look heavier than the wheels normally fitted to an earlier car. Your choice. Be aware that your wire wheels and hubs are a sought after item, and should command a good price.

If you want the correct 23" wheels, they too are plug and play, with this exception. You will need to change out the usual 8" brake drum on the rear wheels to fit the larger 11" drums from some 21" wheels. This too is a plug and play swap but you will need a new set of hub bolts as I posted earlier.

Hope this helps,
Allan from down under.

Sent you an email.

signsup wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 07, 2024 5:57 pm

From the number of PM's I'm receiving on this project, it is represented to me that a 27 T with wooden demountables is a plug and play option. Or, would there still be some modifications I would need to make. The demountable wheels give me the look I have seen on Model T ambulances with the tire and inner rim attached to the side of the ambulance body.

Thanks for the information so far.
wire wheel spare.JPGwire wheel hub.JPG

Robert

Just my opinion, but to make a look-a-like Model T Ambulance, with the spindly looking high pressure 30" x 3 1/2" tires would be the best.

Way better than a fat set of balloon 4:40 x 21 tires from a '26-'27


Very easy to swap the wire wheel hubs and the detachable wire wheels off you chassis, and replace with any sets of standard '19-'25 wood wheels with demountable clincher rims and 30 x 3 1/3" tires all around. These wood wheels abound and tires too.

The only thing to change is the '25 and earlier wood rear wheels will have a 'small'rear brake drum p/n2818. Just swap the little drum for the p/n 2818B, the large drum axle brake drum.

Those are easy to find, they are on all wood wheels for '26-'27 cars, and have the same 6 bolt holes to mount to the clincher 30" wood wheel.

Then your wood rear wheel will fit to the '26'-'27 axle on your chassis

You should realize that good original wire wheels, hubs & brake drums are less plentiful than wood ones. Check out prices they sell for.
Your basically doing a hub swap. Since your thinking of a ambulance, heavy vehicle, you might want to consider adding auxiliary brakes. Looking ahead at parts required.... need seals etc too
Used hubs are available via the classifieds -