VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Wire Wheel Size for 1930

I've just realized that my '30 Phaeton has 18 inch wire wheels, which I believe are actually '32 wheels. Am I correct that the only correct wire wheels for 1930 are 19 inch?

Why does this keep happening to me? Next thing will probably be to find out that the seats are out of a '59 Impala!

I've checked it out in both the owner's manual and the engineering features and both say 19 inch wheels but I want to be absolutely sure before I put the '32 wheels and tires on the funeral pyre.

Thanks in advance for confirming.

Chip.

Chip,
Get out the diesel can a little newspaper and strike the match. 'tis true that the 1930 wire wheels are indeed 19". And that is not all they have the narrow center depression too.

Fire in the hole!

For Sale: One set of cherry 18" rims with original pre-war tires in nearly new condition. Available after I find and restore the 19" ones.

What next?

Chipper: Thanks for the info.

I might have some of those wheels for your '30. I'm familiar with what Chipper is talking about because i bought some that i thought were 31 type. E-mail me at jiaccino@cox.net.......Joe

Chipper,

I would like to know more about the narrow center depression unique to the 1930 wheel.

Roger

The raised area where the spokes are riveted into on the fellow (rim) of the wheel is higher and narrower on a 1930 19" wire wheel than on a 1931 19" wire wheel. On the 1931 wire wheel that same area is flatter and wider. The "1931" wire wheel replaced the "1930" wire wheel.

:) :grin:

Junkyard Dog,

Thanks, I purchased the leftovers from a street rodder's 1930 and likely have some of those '30's mixed in with my '31's. Better check them before I send them off to the powder coater.

Roger

Good idea since you probably want all of the wire wheels to match.

Good luck with your project.

:) :grin:

If you check your Aug. 02 issue of the G&D there is an article on wire wheels.

I had several people respond to my e-mail about wheels. It turns out that i have only one. If anybody else can respond back to Chip, he can still use 5 more unless he wants all six from one vehicle.....thanks, Joe

I am sure that I have a few. They are 120 miles away so can't check right now. Now to complicate things a bit there are more than one maker and type of 1930 wire wheel. Ever seen an adjustable spoke version? Yup, they were available and used in 1930. Then at least two different manufacturers each made the wheel a bit different. Not a biggy just an observation. The differences can be determined with the wheels side by side but is tougher if they are on opposite sides of the car. Hint!

I'm definitely looking for six. I figure I have about 18 months before I'm critical for them, so I'll just look around and try to find them a couple at a time. Chipper -- when you get home and see what you have, please send me a PM or an email and let me know.

If others have '30 19-inch wheels surplus to your needs, please let me know.

Man, am I learning a lot. This is fun, if a bit frustrating.

All the Best, Chip.

Chip - I just took an inventory of my extra 1931 wheels and came up with 8 that are for 1930. One has been blasted and was ready to send to the powder coater, 3 are good and 4 are fair. Only 4 out of the 12 extras were for my 1931. Thanks to your inquiry I saved some grief down the road, when a savvy judge picked it out. I hope you find some closer than me on the left coast.

Roger

Thanks, Roger. I think one could perform a real service by opening a "Chevy wire wheel exchange" to facilitate getting the right wheels back on the right cars.

I'll send a PM about the wheels.

All the best, Chip.

Do you know anyone going to the Southern Spring Tour next week in Oklahoma? I know a person from MD that is coming with his Suburban to pickup a '27 Cabriolet maybe he could take some wheels back with him. I could put a few in my trailer to transfer at the tour. Would that help?

Maybe so, but I don't think he'll pass anywhere close to me going from OK to MD .... I'll also look for someone who's going from my area (NC, SC, Eastern TN) and let you know. If not, we may have to freight them. Thanks for the offer. I'll send you an email when I know.
:grin:
All the Best, Chip.

Chip, the surburban chunked the trans and the trip will not
be made to Dallas for 27 pickup.. Maybe later.

Chipper - I found one 6 lug 16 inch adjustable spoke wheel in my stash of 61 wire wheels, but the hub cap opening is 6.25.

Wheels include size 16, 17, 18, 19(30s), 19(31s) and a set of 21 inch. All 6 lug wire spokes and take the 30 to 33 size cap.

Roger