Re: 1955 wire wheels
Posted by Brian Wilson On 2019/8/29 23:17:21
This discussion prompted me to take a closer look at the wire wheels with came with my 1956 Clipper Deluxe. Of course, these Junior cars never came with the factory option of wire wheels. It sounds like they were a fairly expensive option for the other 1950s Senior cars (except for Caribbeans?). The junior cars had different wheel stud spacing than seniors, so the factory (or repro) Packard wire wheels are not interchangeable. Mine were made to fit by welding Ford centres into the hubs (which have the same stud spacing as the junior cars). Quite a workmanlike job but obviously not original.
No sign of the Motor Wheel stamping on my rims, so they are presumably repros. The spokes are chrome plated steel - unlike many current repros. Maybe not a bad thing, given the reputation of stainless spokes. Although these ones are prone to corrosion. The hub covers are presumably also repros but look right. They are more like the "flat" profile in the picture.
These wheels were acquired and modified by a previous owner. They are at least 30 years old, and no idea where they came from.
Notwithstanding all of the above, I think that wire wheels improve the rather staid appearance of most 1950s Packards, which helps to explain their current popularity. Yes, they're wrong for my Clipper but they do look good so what the heck!
Brian
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No sign of the Motor Wheel stamping on my rims, so they are presumably repros. The spokes are chrome plated steel - unlike many current repros. Maybe not a bad thing, given the reputation of stainless spokes. Although these ones are prone to corrosion. The hub covers are presumably also repros but look right. They are more like the "flat" profile in the picture.
These wheels were acquired and modified by a previous owner. They are at least 30 years old, and no idea where they came from.
Notwithstanding all of the above, I think that wire wheels improve the rather staid appearance of most 1950s Packards, which helps to explain their current popularity. Yes, they're wrong for my Clipper but they do look good so what the heck!
Brian
Attach file:
(410.74 KB)
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