These are two wheels from my pile. One 16" with an unusually placed round hole. The other a 15" with a non typical center stamping. Why might someone have needed the hole, which is very round as if it was cut with a hole saw or electricians hole punch, in this location. The center stamping of the 15" wheel has the extra hump which is typical of the 16" wheels of the 1939/1953 era. All my other 15" wheels are a smooth transition from the rim to the hub cap opening. Any ideas?
I was just cruising eBay and found another 15" wheel with the extra hump in the center stamping. I'm 74 years old and have been playing with Chevy Cars and trucks from the 30s and 40s for more than 50 of those years. I do not recall ever seeing this wheel before today.
This is just a guess but could these have been part of a dually set up? The hole to reach the inner valve stem and the extra hump to change or fill in for back spacing? Not sure how it was done back then but just a guess.
I have found that having an old car is a constant project that is never done. I think that is a good thing. Keeps me learning new things. Having two from different eras is just a form of higher education.
. My guess on the hole is: To adjust the front brakes on a 1936 - 38 Master deluxe with Knee Action, the adjuster hole was in the brake drum instead of the backing plate cuz the Knee Action blocked access. That is NOT a 36, 37, or 38 wheel but the hole is in the approximate location of the adjuster hole. Other wise, the wheel must be removed for brake adjustment. . . . . The adjustment hole can be seen in the brake drum in the picture. Brake drums with out the hole can fit on but then you can't adjust the brakes. If your car has been sitting and the shoes are rusted to the drum, all you can do is cuss. . . .