MTFCA Forum

Hello,
I just purchased a 1926 Model T Coupe. This is my first classic car, and I would really appreciate any advice anyone can give me on where I can replace the wooden spokes for my car. Can this be something I can do on my own or should I let someone do this for me? If anyone can point me in the direction of a company or person who could do this for me I would be very grateful.

Regards,
Gary Carr

You can buy spokes from the vendors and do it yourself if you are so inclined.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/41 ... 1404960383

If you just want to send them off to be done, folks have good things to say about Stutzman's.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/70 ... 1488406055

Pretty common getting spikes replaced. Cost for spoke replacement if you send them off is around 7-800.00 maybe a little more. The folks mentioned that do the work are really good.
You can do it yourself for about half the cost. I used Anderson’s in Oklahoma and they are really good also. I think they are still in business. Not sure though.

I used Anderson’s in Oklahoma...

I think that would be Johnson's in Oklahoma. The last time I checked the website was still up but I go no response. (Anderson is in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.)

For those wanting a wheelwright, here are the ones that were still active the last time I checked.

Anderson’s Wooden Wheels
Dale Anderson – Owner-Operator
Box 1433, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
Canada S6V 5S9
Phone (306) 763-4049
Fax (306) 763-4018
dale@anderprop.com
http://www.anderprop.com/ww_index.html

Calimer's Wheel Shop
30 East North St.
Waynesboro, PA 17268
(717) 762-5056
http://www.calimerswheelshop.com/

Stutzman Wheel
33656 County Rd 12
Baltic, OH 43804
(330) 897-1391

Vintage Wheel Shop
George Garrigan
19842 Via Redondo
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 533-0468

Dave’s Wood Wheel
Dave Seiler
412 South Flower
Brea, CA 92821
(714) 501-7080
wheelguy221@yahoo.com

Your right about it being Johnson’s in Okla. Not Anderson’s. They were closest to me here in Texas. They did the wheels on 2 of my T’s and were super nice and very well crated. His crating was as good as the wheels. I read here on the forum that others weren’t packed so good and were damaged in shipping because they shipped them in cardboard. But of course you buy the spokes and prepare the steel fellows yourself and not worry about having them shipped and save money too.

Welcome to the hobby and especially to Model Ts.

A good start is to look around for the local T club (maybe someone can chime in with the directions).

Spokes are not that hard to replace yourself if you are careful, check twice and follow the good instructions available. Do a 'google search on this forum site to find several posts over the years with advice how to do it yourself. You don't have to be a mechanic to do so.

Spokes can be bought from the main vendors, be sure to specify your car model.

All the best

...be sure to specify your car model.

I would measure carefully before ordering, whatever the model. Not all T's have the "right" wheels.

I just had the wood spokes replaced on my 1915 Touring by Stutzman Wheel. They did an awesome job. Very helpful and friendly and at a great price. Call Mr. Stutzman at 330-897-1391.

If this is your first antique car/Model T Ford, why do you believe your wheels need to be re-spoked?

Re the why, I was wondering the same thing.

Living in Los Angeles I had to travel to Vintage Wheel Shop in Sonora, CA to have my wheels rebuilt. I couldn't find any of the vendors in So West who could replace wood felloes. I saw stacks of the wood felloe half's and asked George if he had just made them. He smiled and said he has them made by Amish carriage builders back east. He does make his own spokes. He has a great duplicating lathe. He makes spokes for several brands of cars.
My wheels are around $350.00 each.
Vintage Wheel Shop
George Garrigan
19842 Via Redondo
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 533-0468

Some 26 model wheels have tapered spokes and don't require a press, the last spoke goes in like a wedge
at least the spokes on my 26 (Canadian) model are that way. I removed all my spokes and sanded them in a lathe and reassembled with no issues, no press just tightened the hubs together.

David

I have found those in earlier demountables, too. If I remember correctly, they were always Kelsay wheels. It is a nifty design.

To do your own spokes you need: an 8/4 Hickory plank, an accurate saw (table), a lathe and probably a radial arm saw and lots of time. I found it fun.

Some years ago I decided to make a set of spoke for demountable wheels. Finding the wood in the west coast was tough and quite expensive. I make the first out of pine as it was easy to work and I could add a little where necessary. After I had the pattern I started and by the fifth I was getting pretty good. By the twenty fifth I was almost an expert but beginning to get bored. By the fiftieth I was absolutely bored and glad it was over.
I used a version of the Regan press and all the wheels are still in use.
So it can be done but it is a challenge.

I hope he is reading this as a guest because the last and only time he has been on was when he posted the question. If you are watching and reading, let people know if the replies have been any help and maybe tell us why you think you need new spokes.