21" Split Ring Question

[Vietvet]

Brand new to the Forum and T ownership. Purchased a 1917 Touring a couple of weeks ago. The previous owner obviously babied the old girl. The only problem is the spare tire. Somehow the split ring is badly deformed. The question is can it be straightened? It looks round OK but definitely not straight. If it can be straightened, where would I start looking for someone to do it.
I'm in the High Desert of Arizona and driving without a spare is taking a chance.

[speedytinc]

A 17 should not have 21" tires.
They can be straightened. I have done it. It takes a large press, some blocks & lots of patience.
I don't know where you could find someone to do the job other than a local T guy that has the experience.
There are several Arizona T guys out there. Maybe they will chime in.

[Kevin Pharis]

Assuming this is car is equipped with 21” wood wheels and split rims. Rims are tough, but are often abused during tire changes leading to twists and bends that cause straight and roundness issues. Nothing stopping you from attempting to straighten your rim… but 2 wrongs rarely make a right, and these rims are not terribly difficult to find. Reproduction rims are also available, but unable to provide any insight as to fitment.

[Vietvet]

Speedytinc, I'm certainly not going to argue with you about what should be on the car. Like I said, this is all new to me. I do know however that the tires on this car are 21". I thank you for your response. I'll see if I can find someone locally who might be able to straighten the ring.
Kevin, my first thought was to buy a new or used ring. The only ones I was able to find were a couple on eBay that didn't look much better than the one I have. My straightening the ring is not an option. I guess I'll just keep on looking. I'm still learning how to drive the car without doing any damage. It's difficult to unlearn 65 years and start over. Fortunately I live in an area with plenty of unpaved and unused roads.

[John.Zibell]

Speedytinc, I'm certainly not going to argue with you about what should be on the car. Like I said, this is all new to me. I do know however that the tires on this car are 21". I thank you for your response. I'll see if I can find someone locally who might be able to straighten the ring.
Kevin, my first thought was to buy a new or used ring. The only ones I was able to find were a couple on eBay that didn't look much better than the one I have. My straightening the ring is not an option. I guess I'll just keep on looking. I'm still learning how to drive the car without doing any damage. It's difficult to unlearn 65 years and start over. Fortunately I live in an area with plenty of unpaved and unused roads.

Normally, 21inch rims overlap at a split to demount and mount a tire. There is a special tool to assist in this task. A picture of what you have would help. If it truly has a locking ring like a truck tire, it should only be inflated in a tire cage when you change a tire.

[John kuehn]

It’s got 21” wheels and tires probably because the car would ride a little smoother than the original 30x3 1/2” size. Over the years T owners would “up grade” their cars with T parts that came from later cars. Not surprising to find this on Model T’s. Since your car is a 17 it came from the factory with a wood firewall. Don’t be surprised if your has a firewall that’s metal.
From 1917 thru early 23 Model T body parts are pretty much interchangeable. Not all but more than a few. Around 1920 Ford started using the steel firewall and when that happened dealers had them as well as salvage yards. People upgraded their cars with the steel firewalls. Good luck owning and driving your T.

[Dennis Prince]

If you have a LARGE vice you can straighten a rim with pressure and leverage, they really aren't that tough. I have found the best way for me to check for straightness is to roll it across the floor and you will be able to tell if it is straight. Take your time and you will get it done.

[Mike Silbert]

Kenneth,

Most Model T's have been "customized" or "upgraded" in the years since they left the assembly line so it is common to have the "wrong" parts on it.
Everyone has their own opinion of what is "right" ranging from factory perfect to loaded with every accessory possible.
Remember to properly identify what you have and what you want when ordering parts so they fit your car.

If you have trouble identifying something send out a picture and you will get responses.
Model T's were designed and built for the average person to repair them.
And don't forget that local chapters and local T owners can be your best resource
https://www.mtfca.com/chapters/#az
https://modelt.org/chapter-directory

Welcome to the hobby and enjoy the ride.
Mike

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Is it possible that the OP has accessory wire wheels that use lock rings? Depends maybe whether it truly has "rings" or "rims".

Maybe some pictures would help...

[Vietvet]

I hope these are shown.

[jsaylor]

Wow! One very badly bent/sprung rim.Surprised you got it to lock. Definitely look for a replacement rim.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Wow! One very badly bent/sprung rim.Surprised you got it to lock. Definitely look for a replacement rim.

Agree completely!

[Mike Silbert]

Wow, that is an impressive amount of damage.
And that would be a 4.50-21 split rim originally available from Ford on 1925-1927 cars and trucks.
While it could be fixed it will not be a quick repair.

You can always post a WTB (Wanted To Buy) post in the classifieds section if you are not wanting to fix the one you have.
Flea Market Season is kicking off now so there might be one for sale at one.
And ask other Model T owners in your area to see if they have a better one for sale.

Mike