I'm in need of a set of new hubs to fit an early Ford. I'd like to find a set with a 5x4.5 bolt pattern. Is anyone selling hubs with that pattern or maybe a dual pattern (5x4.5/5x4.75)? Thanks.
You can buy a disc brake conversion kit that uses MOPAR rotors in the 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern from Super Bell, Chassis Engineering, Speedway and others for about $400. You will also need a master cylinder upgrade. MT Products offers new, custom drilled Ford reproduction hubs and brake drums. They are a HAMB Alliance vendor. http://mtcarproducts.com/ If you already have 39-48 Ford hydraulic brakes and want to keep them look out for a set of 42-48 Ford hubs with serviceable drums. They have the flange on the outside of the drum. Any machine shop can drill them to the 5 on 4.5" or 5 on 4.75 bolt pattern and tap them for 1/2" x 20 threads per inch bolts. If you can not find someone local to do the machining Bob Wilson of Wilson Welding and Machine can do it for you. Even with shipping he is affordable.
I'm not looking to run front brakes, I'm putting together a 23 T gas altered. I'd like to run a pair of spindle mounted vintage magnesium spokes or the aluminum re-pops from Radir, but both are pricey. Running a pair of these: http://www.newstalgiawheel.com/wheel_detail.asp?subcat3=1131108, on bare hubs seems like a reasonable way to go but I'm limited to 5x4.5 or 5x4.75. I figured I'd ask about a bolt on solution before I started cutting on the parts I have. I do have a pair of 55 F100 hubs and a pair of '31 A hubs, both are 5x5.5 (at least I think that's what the A hubs are) I'll dig them out of storage and see which is the best to mod. Thanks.
If you are using a Ford axle with '37-'41 or '42-'48 spindles (which you should be), the '55 F-100 hubs will fit with a 14116 inner bearings and a 450461 seals. The F-100 hubs can easily be re-drilled for either 4-3/4" or 4-1/2" bolt pattern. I wouldn't waste any time with the Model "A" hubs.
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