I am looking for a stock 14" wheel that was used in the 1957 Thunderbird, Station Wagon and Skyliner.  This wheel is different from the wheels used on other 1957 Ford models.  I am located in Southern California and can pick up if necessary.  Thank you

How does one identify such a wheel?

It would be a solid center wheel.

The picture is a Kelsey-Hayes Thunderbird wheel but you can get the idea.

Quote from: cokefirst on 2022-05-21 10:33I am looking for a stock 14" wheel that was used in the 1957 Thunderbird, Station Wagon and Skyliner. This wheel is different from the wheels used on other 1957 Ford models.

The 57 BIRD used a 14X5 wheel whereas the 57 SW and RHT used a 14X5-1/2 didn't it?

Not positive, but I thought the only station wagon that used a 5 1/2" wide wheel was the 9 passenger model.

The PASS CAR used a different style from the BIRD. The FORD had either a 14X5 or 14x5.5 for a larger/wider tire.

 

The part number for the Wagon in 1957 from the 1955-57 Ford Chassis Parts and Accessories Catalog shows that the wagon models 79C and 79E use a 14 X 5.5 wheel and the Thunderbird uses a 14 X 5" wheel they are similar in that they do not have the 4 slots between the wheel center and the outer rim as the wheel above.  I would prefer the Wagon wheel over the Thunderbird but I will take either.

QuoteThe part number for the Wagon in 1957 from the 1955-57 Ford Chassis Parts and Accessories Catalog shows that the wagon models 79C and 79E use a 14 X 5.5 wheel and the Thunderbird uses a 14 X 5" wheel they are similar in that they do not have the 4 slots between the wheel center and the outer rim as the wheel above

Can you give the PN called out in your chassis catalog for the 14x5.5 wheel?

Quote from: KULTULZ on 2022-05-24 06:25Can you give the PN called out in your chassis catalog for the 14x5.5 wheel?

... guess not ...

Anywho, it is true. There was such a wheel for the 1957-59 FORD - 1958/61 BIRD.

Early production were riveted, later production welded.

The 5 1/2" wheel from the 8 passenger wagon is B7A 1015-B  It was also used on the Skyliner.  The solid wheels were supposed to be more heavy duty than the standard passenger wheel with the openings.

Quote from: cokefirst on 2022-05-23 20:00The part number for the Wagon in 1957 from the 1955-57 Ford Chassis Parts and Accessories Catalog shows that the wagon models 79C and 79E use a 14 X 5.5 wheel and the Thunderbird uses a 14 X 5" wheel they are similar in that they do not have the 4 slots between the wheel center and the outer rim as the wheel above.  I would prefer the Wagon wheel over the Thunderbird but I will take either.

You have the advantage as you say you have on original 1955-1957 CHASSIS CATALOG and I only have access to the 1949-59 FORD MPC FINAL ISSUE with a printing of 1964.

Your catalog is going to give more original detail as to parts being later deleted/superseded, and it is more difficult to find the correct info.

So the CORRECT PN is B7A 1015-B (1957 KH 14X5.5in)?

I appreciate the comeback.

Quote from: KULTULZ on 2022-05-25 03:55You have the advantage as you say you have on original 1955-1957 CHASSIS CATALOG and I only have access to the 1949-59 FORD MPC FINAL ISSUE with a printing of 1964.

Your catalog is going to give more original detail as to parts being later deleted/superseded, and it is more difficult to find the correct info.

So the CORRECT PN is B7A 1015-B (1957 KH 14X5.5in)?

I appreciate the comeback.

Yes, that is the correct wheel.  I believe that it was also used in the later 8 passenger wagons and the later Skyliners.

Ford combines a lot of numbers after a few years so an MPC is not always correct to the original part that was installed at the factory.
If it will fit and function as original it could be used as a superseded part.
I have several "Superseded & Obsoleted" parts books and you can waste a lot of time tracing a old number but, sometimes you strike gold.

Good luck,

Ron.

The OP is looking for a very unique part (IMO) that was most likely used for one production run as is evidenced by a 1958 SERVICE PN service replacement..

Having the correct CATALOGING for the time period usually will give the correct SERVICE PN to make a parts search more easy. Had this poster not brought this up, how many would have known this style steel wheel was used on other lines other than the BIRD?

I certainly learned something.

Quote from: SkylinerRon on 2022-06-01 23:09Ford combines a lot of numbers after a few years so an MPC is not always correct to the original part that was installed at the factory.
If it will fit and function as original it could be used as a superseded part.
I have several "Superseded & Obsoleted" parts books and you can waste a lot of time tracing a old number but, sometimes you strike gold.

Good luck,

Ron.

You are correct.  I found this to be true on hardware.  The hardware used by the factory is one area where the parts books give you a suitable replacement.  The factory may have assembled the car with a washer face dog point bolt, but the attaching parts listed in the catalog will be a standard cap screw and a washer.  Do not use the parts books for locating restoration hardware.