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View Full Version : Early Ford Spoke Wheels and...DISC Brakes??


SlowLearner
10-10-2003, 11:40 PM
There’s been some recent posts on late drums to early Ford wires. And a coupla others, referring to a Magoo car, and about a guy in Vancouver B.C. named Reider (sp?). Got me to thinking, cuz I believe that both Magoo and Reider made kits to mount DISC brakes with early Ford wire wheels. Not strictly “trad” of course, but I’d be really interested if any one has done that.

I’ve got an old HR article by Jim Jacobs about mounting early Volvo discs to early Ford spindles, but nothing on early Ford wires. Seems to me there’d be a support issue, like with late drums.

I’m looking for any info or opinions on this. Specifically wondering about my Packard hubs/wheels. Roughly the same kind of set up as Ford, just bigger! From memory, fourteen inch dia drums??

Thinking maybe I could maybe have a shop rivet the (Volvo) disc hat BEHIND the hub. I don’t think the Volvo hat, or any other likely candidate, could accommodate the Packard bolt pattern (from memory: 6 on 6 ˝”) . And then maybe cut down the drum to just a face plate (for support) where the back of the wire wheel contacts it. Finally, get some 15”or so diameter aluminum cake tray kinda things, like faux Alfin drums, and use something similar (massage a pizza pan?) as a backing plate to hide the caliper (a la SoCal). Nuts??

My rough measuring suggests that twin Ford flatties might fit (in line!) in the (36) Packard “Eight” rails. Wouldn’t weigh much more than the (big) V12, the frame was designed to handle. Still, lotta weight suggests maybe go to discs.
Anybody?

SlowLearner
10-13-2003, 01:38 PM
Nobody wanna give it a try? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

10-13-2003, 03:01 PM
Slowlearner.... why not wait and see what happens with the Wilson welding Kinmont brakes? They would look killer on a speedster. The way I understand what you explained doesn't sound quite right. Brakes are something that is very important.
Is the pic under your name what you are planning on building? Can we see a bigger pic of it?
Instead of two flatheads(sounds like a lot of work to me) Why not try a modern V12 or V10? Just try to make the motor look old.
Clark

Deuce Rails
10-13-2003, 03:58 PM
Hey, Slowlearner.

There's a Bentley I've never seen before in the latest British magazine Classic and Sportscar. It's not the canvas-over-ash that you were talking about, but it is really cool.

I'm sorry, but I can't really help you with your current question. If I wanted disc brakes on early Ford spindles, I'd probably order a kit from Speedway.

--Matt

SlowLearner
10-14-2003, 09:48 PM
So, here's a bigger pic of the "Geo Hamm" poster. That's an Alfa Romeo...nice car, but not my plan.
http://photo.starblvd.net/~SlowLearner/2-2-3.jpg
I'll post one of the intended thing, and some more stuff on the Alfa soon.
I hear you on the brakes...I really have to get some dimensions. Also, on the engine...what I'd REALLY like is a "small" Seagrave flathead V12. (ex-Pierce Arrow) http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

SlowLearner
10-26-2004, 10:42 PM
Gonna run this by guys again, especially now that SoCal have their fake brakes. Anybody have any thoughts how to do discs to wires?

Paul2748
10-26-2004, 11:12 PM
Might work - one of the problems with early ford wires on late model drums is the outside of the hub of the wheel contacts the drum before the studs go through the holes. Since rotors are typically inset from the hub, you might not have the clearance problem. But it might hit the caliper. An adapter/spacer may solve this problem.

Dirty Dug
10-27-2004, 01:22 AM
Why not just use early ford drums? I tend to always follow the path of least resistance. It sure gets me on the road faster. Reinventing the wheel takes much longer.

296 V8
10-27-2004, 01:56 AM
Why go with old wheels if your going with disc brakes. Just buy the new wires that fit disc brakes.
Old wheels aren’t going to hide late model brakes anyway.

Dayzwalker
10-27-2004, 03:21 AM
I'm running the wilwood black gold disc kit with my 16" wires and I am happy with them. Pretty pricey, but a great bang for the buck! I'm not having any clearance issues since I have to use adapters to fit the wheels.