• Welcome to 28Q29U Plymouth Forum.
 

News:

NEW FORUM version is here. 
If you are experiencing any problems, contact chetbrz@aol.com
WELCOME Auto Registration is turned OFF. 
In order to register for this forum please contact chetbrz@aol.com to request access.

Main Menu

wood spoke wheels

Started by p4jim, October 29, 2008, 11:07:35 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

p4jim

Has anyone replaced their spokes?  If so, do you have any recommendations or other comments?
My front wheels have a lot of movement at the spokes.  thanks, jim

chetbrz

I have given this topic a lot of thought & research.  I have a spindle duplicator set up on my wood lath but have not gotten around to giving it a go.   Of course it is not recommended to replace some spokes but all should be done at the same time.  Once set into place the center hole for the hub is drilled slightly smaller and the hub is press fitted to the wheel.  Also the wood is kiln dried hickory.

Attached is an article about wood wheels. I don't remember where I got it from, probably JimYergin.  The last page from this article and another article is attached to my next post

Also for about $200 to 250 per wheel you can use the link below for a professional replacement.

http://www.calimerswheelshop.com/index.html

Chet...
http://www.1948Plymouth.info           Web Master - Forum Administrator - AACA member

chetbrz

http://www.1948Plymouth.info           Web Master - Forum Administrator - AACA member

chetbrz

http://www.1948Plymouth.info           Web Master - Forum Administrator - AACA member

chetbrz

Jim, From a post I made on the POC board a year or so ago.  Still haven't gotton around to giving it a try.

*********

I plan on providing a step by step description of what I will be doing including diagrams and pictures.  It costs somewhere in the $200 to $250 dollar bracket per wheel to have someone do this.  Most of the cost is labor so I think I can accomplish this for about $75 to $100 dollars per wheel.  Including the tools purchased.



I installed a spindle duplicating device on the wood lathe I purchased from another car buddy.  Cost $40 plus the duplicating device which was $150.  So I am into this at the moment for about $190 which is less then the cost for one wheel.

The wood is Kiln Dried Hickory and can be purchased form a couple of Pennsylvania wood shops cut to size and planed square.

**************

PS... with all the projects I am currently working on I think this will be a long time out, that is if I do it at all.

Chet...
http://www.1948Plymouth.info           Web Master - Forum Administrator - AACA member

29 doUg

Very interesting.

Say, while we are the subject of artillery wheels, does anyone know for sure if they were originally painted the same color as the rims? And what coordinating color is the pin-striping on the spokes? Was the striping always yellow/cream? Mine are clear-coated and I am sure they werent original that way, all literature I have seen shows them painted.

p4jim

Thanks, Chet and doUg.    What about parts?  I have some almost round nuts (for holding the tire to the wheel) I'd like to replace and I need a carrage bolt.  Jim

chetbrz

Doug,

I believe you are correct in that the wood spokes were painted.  As far as available colors I can't help you.  I recently purchased an original Plymouth Salesmen's reference for 1929 but unfortunately the page describing the wheel options was missing.  I would suggest posing that question on the Plymouth Owners Club forum.  You don't have to be a member to join the forum and they would most likely have good information concerning originality since it is a core objective of the club. 

Jim,

Sorry I can't help you with parts but if you find the hardware or a good facsimile please let us know.  It shouldn't be too hard.  Split rim wheels of the era were pretty similar.  Maybe Calimer's Wheel Shop might be able to steer you in the right direction.

Calimer's Wheel Shop
30 East North St
Waynesboro, PA 17268

Phone-717-762-5056

Good Luck,

Chet...
http://www.1948Plymouth.info           Web Master - Forum Administrator - AACA member

29 doUg

Good idea, Chet. I've been a member of the POC since '91, didn't even think of posting it there.

My dad seems to think you could get the wheels either way-- painted or clear-coated. He had a '33 PD and knows his old cars, particularly Plymouths, but he doesn't remember for sure.

chetbrz

Quote from: 29 doUg on October 31, 2008, 02:50:56 PM
Good idea, Chet. I've been a member of the POC since '91, didn't even think of posting it there.

My dad seems to think you could get the wheels either way-- painted or clear-coated. He had a '33 PD and knows his old cars, particularly Plymouths, but he doesn't remember for sure.

Hay Doug,

I don't believe the POC's 4 cylinder technical advisor is online with the forum but you should get a response from somebody or you could always check your newsletter for the phone number and call the guy directly.

I like your website I hope you do a lot of business.  I have tons of P15 and other parts lying around and one of these days I might clean up some for sale but then again someday I might need them.  Actually the biggest problem I have is finding the time to do anything.  Maybe if I retire.., but with the way the economy is going I will have to continue working 2 years after I kick the bucket just to break even.



Chet..

http://www.1948Plymouth.info           Web Master - Forum Administrator - AACA member

29UJohn

Doug,

The cowl lights and trim on your 29U look great.  Are they original?  Is your car a delux model U?
John
1929U 4 Dr

29 doUg

Sorry John, I wasnt blowing you off, I just didnt look at this thread for a while.

I believe the cowl lamps are original to the car, but who knows. I guess it could have been cloned it into a DeLuxe when it was repainted forty years ago, though I doubt it. However, it certainly wouldnt be hard to do and it does give it that classy look.

I picked up an old reprint of the Plymouth Model Q through PD parts list for $11, well worth it. Very interesting and a good source to have. It makes no mention at all of the artillery wheels being available as varnished/unfinished/bare; it only provides part numbers for wood wheels "painted" or "primed". Though there are no part numbers for different colored wheels, my guess is that parts departments just ordered the color you wanted from the factory.