I am going to have Stockton Wheel make up some 15x15 or 15x14 steel wheels for my '35 Ply coupe. Granted, I would be able to run any of the newer 9" dog dishes on them but what I would really like to do is use the original '35 dishes.

Do you think that if I got my hands on some originals, I could cut the immediate centers out and have them welded into late model centers which can then be welded into the 15x15 hoops?

Has anyone had anything like this built? If so, I would love to hear about what you had built.

Yes. However usually what is done is to take the centers you want to use and simply weld those into the outers you want. I have done this many times with a wide variety of wheel types and sizes over the years.

- EM

Thanks for the reply EM. Off the top of my head, I can only think of artillery wheels that came on the PJs/PEs and I don't want to run a full artillery wheel center. I am wondering if there is a steelie with a 4.5 BP (with the clips needed to mount the '35 dishes) available. Does anyone know which years might work?

Don't suppose you have a pic? I had a 53 Plymouth Cranbrook that had some funky clips in the wheels...not sure if this is the correct style for what you are looking for, but if you've got some pics, I'd have a better idea...

Oh. I understand. You or someone could probably do a little research to find a wheel type that your 35' hubcap fit-up to nicely (geometry-wise) and then either mount your clips or find / make some others.
I have a set of series 09 Wheel Vintiques wheels (that I'm not sure if they even make anymore). However, they have a very small "hubcap hole" and were perfect for mounting my 33-34 ford V-8 script hubcaps to. I had to make special mounting rins with O-rings to make it all work but the result is stunning.

I don't have any pics right now because I didn't want to buy any original wheels if I couldn't use the centers. Maybe I should try and pick up one so I have an example.

I might have an original here...hence the reason a pic would help. If you can even find a pic online and direct me to it, I'll check mine and take some measurements so you've got something to work with.

4speed, thank you very much for your offer but I believe it has been figured out. Supposedly, I can use any '49-'53 center (which the original '35 caps will fit in) and place them in 15x15 hoops/outers. Again, thanks.

Glad you got it sorted. I'll be looking forward to seeing pics of the finished product!

I will make sure you do see them. Now, I just have to figure out if I want them powder painted before I get my hands on them or if I paint them when the car is sprayed. I have the colors somewhat figured out but just don't know exactly where on the car they are going yet. I will probably run them bare at least until the chassis work is complete.

My wheels are being built as I type. I decided to go with Rally America (out of Fresno, CA) on recommendation of several people (one being a Moparts member). I mailed one of my '35 caps to them to make sure they could match up a center. They received it yesterday (4/13) and matched it to a '49 center. The centers were cut out and installed in the 15x14 hoops today and are being shipped out tomorrow. Now that's service. There were some issues with Stockton and decided not to go with them. My fingers are crossed that they turn out as nicely as I foresee them turning out. I will post some pics once I receive them and also pics of the process. They took a couple of pics along the way.

This is the last piece of the puzzle for my '35 since I decided to cut the back half of the frame (incl. the shortened 9"/4-link out). Soon, I will be able to figure out what length I need on the 8 3/4, hang all the new parts (ex. Alston rails, CE 4-link, QA1 coil overs, etc.) and order the new axles. BTW: To add a little more stability to the car I opted to have the backspacing centered on the 15x14s where as before, I had approx 4" BS with the 9". I am looking forward to receiving them.

The 15x14s came in yesterday (with the test cap I sent to make sure the centers were correct). I am real happy with their work.

Today I had the 31x18.5s mounted.

And, one additional pic.

OK...ON THE CAR, buddy, on the car!

Those look NASTY!

Tuck 'em into the body for a pic...and you can take one of yourself "sitting" in the car too...I won't tell!

Those look awesome. We do need to see them mocked up under the body though.
Arno