Hot Rods Looking for a steel reverse wheel for early Ford. Just one.

Anyone ever seen one of these or know where I can find one or someone who can make one. They were on my 40 Ford back in the 50’s but one was lost.



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Is that a Merc wheel? We used to knock out the rivets and reverse the center, and re rivet or weld the center back in. After putting it back on a front spindle and checking for runout before welding. Looks like that was a home done wheel, as the valve stem is now on the inside.

 

It is a home built wheel for sure but not sure if it’s mercury or Ford. That’s what I’m hoping to find out.


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Don't the hubcap bumps on outside of center suggest Merc? I'm assuming '40-48 Ford, '49-50 Merc comparison.

 

For reference here's a stock merc wheel.

 

Thanks for sharing that photo. I need to pull my wheel off and get a photo of the inside.


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You must also remember that many of the early reversed wheels used a Ford center and a Buick outer. To my old eyes that is what the 'reversed one you have appears to be. Also, with Forty rims the hubcap is held in place from the inside. And, 16" inch Forty rims are on the endangered species list. My advice is to buy two reversed style rims from a reputable wheel Smith, or have a pair made. The chances of getting another 'just perfect' match is not going to be easy. PLUS, there are safety issues at play with modern highway speeds, not faced 'in the old days'; this in addition to straightness and wheel and tire balance. No matter your choice: Good Luck & Safe Driving.

 

Reversed '49-'51 Merc. Find another stocker & reverse it ….

 

This may not help much but the wheel on the left is an early ford center (not just like yours) but is in a Buick outer rim. Currently on the back of my sedan.

 

the f100 trucks used the same bolt pattern as the merc.

 

I appreciate everyone help. I plan to reverse another one to match the original. Just trying to find out what original rims I need to find. These were with the car since the 50’s so I would like to keep them.


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302GMC three posts up has your answer but beware as only the Merc caps from those years will fit those wheels as the cap nubs are bigger diameter than the Fords.

 

You'll occasionally find the Merc wheels with 3 or 4 round head 1/4''-20 screws in the web to hold early Ford hubcaps. Saw 1 with 3 blobs of weld that worked fine. I remember the '50 Merc caps were almost impossible to find used, but '49s were everywhere.

 

Here's a couple images from 62 with the wheels on the coupe.

 

I've had this old Ford coupe for 30 years now. Im ready to get some progress.

 

Is that the same '55 too from '62?

 

No thats a 57 hardtop. The 55 is long gone.