@vhprs

Wanted

vhprs · 2020-12-24T22:09:49.000Z

Wanted: Set of four wood spoke wheels prefer pre-1920 to be used on Early Detroit Electric Autombile. The original wheels have brittle rare Motz tires and we wish to preserve them. We need a wood center that is at least 8 to 9+ inch diameter to accept the exchange hubs. Prefer 24” Clincher style wheels to accept a 30 x 3 tire. We can have them picked up by FedX freight.

Dec 24, 2020 (edited)1.5K views

Replies (9)

· Dec 26, 2020

May I make a suggestion - while I admire your preservation efforts, perhaps just adapt on a set of Model T wire wheels and call it a day. Or hunt out of Horseless Carriage Club for a set of wire wheels. The reason I say this is that wood wheels while authentic are not something most people like to mess with (an appropriate time of year to reference "Ghosts of Christmas pasts) and while the dollar value of an electric car is pretty secure with whatever choice of wheels - the vehicle is much more sale-able with wires (and equally appeals more to a younger audience), plus easier to balance, easier to change if a flat, and .... ?

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· Dec 26, 2020

If not T wire wheels you could use T wood ones with good results as many have been rebuilt and spokes can be bought new.

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· Dec 28, 2020

Gentlemen....thank you for your experienced input...I really do appreciate it. Luckily...I can pursue the wood ones since I have the resources to generate new centers for "other make" wheels. I am not so much worried about the re-sale value here...I guess I just "like" the look of the woodies and wish to see them on the electric. Besides...when examining the original advertisements for early Detroits...Wood presentations take the majority of ads. Thank you again for your excellent suggestions.

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· Dec 28, 2020

Then look for the early Ford wheels, they should fit the bill perfectly.

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· Dec 29, 2020

I did not think that Ford wheels had centers as large as 9+ inches...am I mistaken about this ?

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· Dec 29, 2020

I missed the hub size. I will measure.

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· Jan 5, 2025

HI, I am thinking about casting some "display" MOtz tires.

WOuld it be possible to get some photos and measurements of your Motz tires?

I want a set for my 1907 Bailey electric, white of course.

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· Jan 13, 2025

Buy the size clinch rims you want and any of the wheel builders will make you wheels that look exactly like what came on your car. There are several I can think of.

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· Feb 1, 2025

HI Mike,

I have all the wheels, and they have Marsh clincher removeable rings..... I have new tires that came with the car, but I want the Motz cushion tires.

I may make my own molds and cast them from 90Dm urethane...wait 5yr and see if I did it!!

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