WHEEL WEIGHTS... WHAT TO DO?

[DustDevil]

I'll finally be getting my 5 wheels back, powder coated. I will static-balance them, but I'm not sure which way to go on the weights. I'm sure this has been covered/asked 50 times before, but I need some good feedback soon. I've seen the sticky-backed weights to put on the rim (between the spokes?), and I don't want to risdk hammering weights on the rim by the tire, and chipping the powder coating. I've heard of someone wrapping the right spokes with some kind of weighted wire?
Also, should I get a rattle can to paint the weights to match the powder coat?

[Mitch]

FWIW i run with no weights and get no shimmy. Balance beads are a good alternative if your having a tire balance issue VS putting external visible weights on the wheel.
Make sure where the rim contacts the drum that you dont have a build up of PC there or it will cause a wobble, shimmy and or the lugs can come loose

[DustDevil]

Probably good advice, Mitch. I don't plan on driving much over 55 on tour, so unless I get the shake, rattle and rolls, I'm not going to worry. I'll worry if and when it is a problem I suppose.

[Ray Horton]

I took them off my coupe right after I bought it. I didn't notice any difference except the wheels looked better.

[CarlG]

When I got my Radial tires, and on freshly powder coated wheels, I used the balancing beads. Seem to work perfectly, even at highway speeds (~ 60 ±)

[BNCHIEF]

HL Chauvin also recommended them as well, see the thread do radial tires improve the steering HL put a lot of good info in there.

[plyfor]

Our recent experience: brand new 19" rims with new tires tubes/ etc. required balancing. Used old style clip-on weights attached to inside of rim edge and painted them black. The stick on weights can fall off. Surprising how much wt. was needed usually opposite the valve stem, etc..

[DustDevil]

I'm watching lots of videos on balancing beds. It looks like they might get the job done. There are several kinds out there... Dyna Beads (all ceramic), Checkered Flag (ceramic composite), there are steel beads and plastic too. I won't get any till I notice a problem. If I had to though, I think Checkered Flag has the best argument for not chipping or breaking down.
Thanx to everyone for the responses.

[DustDevil]

HL Chauvin also recommended them as well, see the thread do radial tires improve the steering HL put a lot of good info in there.

I will look for it and check it out. Thanx.

[Mitch]

https://www.vintagefordforum.com/forum/model-a/2047-do-radial-tires-improve-the-steering-and-ride-of-a-model-a

[Ray in La Mesa]

I went a different direction to balance my "21" wheels (before tires were added) as they were a bit rusted. I drilled a 5/32" hole on the inside of each rolled edge and rocked the wheel to flow the loose rust out ( each wheel had more than two ounces of rust) then poured in some thin paint to stabilize the fine stuff left. I then spun the wheel on a front hub to determine weight needed & where.Then I took old clip on weights and melted them in a tinfoil trough the width of the drop center of the rim to form specific weights for particular spots on the rim, filled the rough edges, bent them to fit the curve and JB welded them to the drop center. You can use rim liners or duct tape to cover before mounting. Besides the JB weld , the tube pressure will hold the weights in place. Lastly, I used the balance beads in the tubes for final balance. Just one way of saving rusty wheels.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

I went a different direction to balance my "21" wheels (before tires were added) as they were a bit rusted. I drilled a 5/32" hole on the inside of each rolled edge and rocked the wheel to flow the loose rust out ( each wheel had more than two ounces of rust) then poured in some thin paint to stabilize the fine stuff left. I then spun the wheel on a front hub to determine weight needed & where.Then I took old clip on weights and melted them in a tinfoil trough the width of the drop center of the rim to form specific weights for particular spots on the rim, filled the rough edges, bent them to fit the curve and JB welded them to the drop center. You can use rim liners or duct tape to cover before mounting. Besides the JB weld , the tube pressure will hold the weights in place. Lastly, I used the balance beads in the tubes for final balance. Just one way of saving rusty wheels.

Ray,
"Maybe" that RUST in the rolled edge could act as its' OWN balancing MEDIUM???--We could call it "DYNA-FLAKES"---I won't REPEAT whut the Dog: jist sed to me, I "might" git BANNED!!!:
Bill W.

[Patrick]

I just use the stick-ons, stick em to the inboard side and paint them.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Minervas' 19" Firestones had NO WEIGHTS & was smooth at ANY speed & she would really "FLY"---Very unusual for that to happen.
Bill W.

[DaWizard]

Since I went from the FedEx delivery truck, to the trunk of the modern, to the sand blasters, to the powder coater to America's Tire store, I let the guys at AT do a high speed spin balance and they weighted inside and painted the weight for me. I did get lucky, only having 1 of 5 with a ¼" run out. The other 4 Kelseys were true!

[Ray in La Mesa]

Bill, No, the rust just slides along very slowly, would be impossible to balance, would be easier tho. LOL