"wide wheel" measurements/template

[Ken H.]

Hey folks,

Can someone help me with a template or measurements for checking an 5 1/2" wheel for a big brake car?

I have a repopped set, but have been told recently that the wheels made by this person are commonly found not to be correct.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Ken

[Gary C.]

Re: "wide wheel" measurements/template

Ken, the spyder is not flush with the rim and sets in approximately 1/8". Recommend doing a search of this forum as there's been several good posts and photos previously posted. Gary....

[Ken H.]

Re: "wide wheel" measurements/template

Gary,

I did a search using RPO276, wide wheels, and big brake wheels before posting originally and info did come up, but only found one pic of a wheel and didn't find any specific measurements. THere is a schematic in Alan Colvins Corvette by the numbers book, but it gives measurements from the centerline of the wheel and I don't know how to find that on the wheel itself.

Sorry if I am just missing the boat, but trying to decide on next steps with these wheels.

Thanks,

Ken

[James G.]

Re: "wide wheel" measurements/template

I have photos and will try and post. Where do you live ? Perhaps a big brake owner may be close.

[Ken H.]

Re: "wide wheel" measurements/template

Thanks James!

I am in Austin, TX.

The pics/measurements you posted are consistent with what I have, but am looking for close-ups of the spider to see the GM stamp and want to know the measurements from the front and back of the rim (using a straight edge straddling the outer lip of the rim accross the middle of the hole) to a point on the spider. For the front I used the forward most part of the lip of the hole where the hub comes through in the middle of the wheel and for the back used the mounting surface of the spider where it contacts the brake drum).

For 2 of my wheels the front measurement was 2 3/8" and my back measurement was 3 5/8" (the other 2 were 2 1/2" and 3 3/4", respectively). Please let me know if this isn't clear.

Thanks again for your help!

Ken

[James G.]

Re: "wide wheel" measurements/template

Texas Chapter member DAVE EWAN recently moved to Spring Branch, Texas. I saw him at Bloomington last summer. He is a long time big brake 57 air box restorer, and probably has a wheel that you can go look at.

You really need to see a wheel, and compare it to the "real deal. " I have Dave's address and phone, but his email has changed. Send a PM and i will supply. i think it is the new address, but maybe not.