Stroppe Steel Wheels

[Bad137]

Hi all,

I'm looking to replace the aluminum aftermarket wheels from the PO with some stock looking steelies. I'm pretty sure I know the look I want, but I feel like I've gotten to the end of the internet and not found them. Not sure if a build from a place like Stockton Wheel is the answer, so hopefully you all can point me in the right direction.

Current wheel is 15x8 with a 3.625 backspace (90% sure, it could be a 3.5). I'm measuring backspace from the outermost of the inside edge of the wheel to the mounting surface using the spare tire. I get a smidge under 3 11/16 to as I move a block of wood around the rim, so I’m going with a 3 5/8 measurement. If I measure from just inside the outermost lip when the wheel inside ”flattens” out a bit, I get 3.5 (like measuring the wheel width and diameter). I’m somewhat obsessing about this measurement because the 1977 front end knuckle just barely clears the current wheel. In fact, in an area it looks like it is inside the wheel and would contact if it was a 14 inch wheel (hope that makes sense). So I think I need something with a 3.5 back space. Tires are 32x11.5R15 BFG A/T. I want the same look/stance with the new wheels, so am keeping the same size tire and wheel combination.

I do not want to go to stock steelies because I want the option for smaller (7, 7.5, or 8.125 inch) hubcaps--inspired by attached photo of an ICON Bronco with small caps. I think the Stroppe steel wheels had the inside cap tabs for the smaller caps, and those wheels also have a deeper look to them (less backspace?). I cannot find a new wheel that mimics this, and other wheels that are close do not have the backspace I need. I could do a reverse OE steelie from wheelvintiques and probably get what I’m looking for, but wanted to check with you pros.

I plan to paint (powdercoat?) the wheel to match the white top of my two tone. It’s Ford “Ultra white” and not wimbledon.

1. Am I measuring backspace right, and it is the very outermost edge as the “datum”?
2. Any 15x8 stock steelies with small hubcap tabs out there?
3. Is there a reproduction of the Stroppe steelies?

Thanks for the help guys.

Brett

 

[markatherton]

wheels

The last time I checked I think Stockton wheel was no longer producing these.

 

[AZ73]

Your backspace is correct at 3.675. You might have to look for used wheels, else have a set of alloy wheels cut to match, then paint. Or call these guys, they may make what you're looking for:

http://www.classicchambered.com/classic/wheels.html#quote

 

[Joe473]

Hi all,

I'm looking to replace the aluminum aftermarket wheels from the PO with some stock looking steelies. I'm pretty sure I know the look I want, but I feel like I've gotten to the end of the internet and not found them. Not sure if a build from a place like Stockton Wheel is the answer, so hopefully you all can point me in the right direction.

Current wheel is 15x8 with a 3.625 backspace (90% sure, it could be a 3.5). I'm measuring backspace from the outermost of the inside edge of the wheel to the mounting surface using the spare tire. I get a smidge under 3 11/16 to as I move a block of wood around the rim, so I’m going with a 3 5/8 measurement. If I measure from just inside the outermost lip when the wheel inside ”flattens” out a bit, I get 3.5 (like measuring the wheel width and diameter). I’m somewhat obsessing about this measurement because the 1977 front end knuckle just barely clears the current wheel. In fact, in an area it looks like it is inside the wheel and would contact if it was a 14 inch wheel (hope that makes sense). So I think I need something with a 3.5 back space. Tires are 32x11.5R15 BFG A/T. I want the same look/stance with the new wheels, so am keeping the same size tire and wheel combination.

I do not want to go to stock steelies because I want the option for smaller (7, 7.5, or 8.125 inch) hubcaps--inspired by attached photo of an ICON Bronco with small caps. I think the Stroppe steel wheels had the inside cap tabs for the smaller caps, and those wheels also have a deeper look to them (less backspace?). I cannot find a new wheel that mimics this, and other wheels that are close do not have the backspace I need. I could do a reverse OE steelie from wheelvintiques and probably get what I’m looking for, but wanted to check with you pros.

I plan to paint (powdercoat?) the wheel to match the white top of my two tone. It’s Ford “Ultra white” and not wimbledon.

1. Am I measuring backspace right, and it is the very outermost edge as the “datum”?
2. Any 15x8 stock steelies with small hubcap tabs out there?
3. Is there a reproduction of the Stroppe steelies?

Thanks for the help guys.

Brett

There was a thread a while back on those icons. Wheels. They are 17" which will help with tie rod clearance but they are pricey aluminum that look like steel from what I remember.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[fordfan]

Most of the steelies that were used by Stroppe were 15 x 8s made by Kelsey-Hayes. I'm not exactly sure on the backspacing, but I can check..

 

[1sicbronconut]

Some good info on Ford steel wheels, don't think Ford used the "inner" style of poverty hub cap mounts past 1964. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/ford-steel-wheel-tech.115542/

 

[Unknown]

I ended up going with Wheel Vintiques from Summit Racing. They are 15x8 with 33's. No plans to run caps but later model dog dish may fit.

I have seen some steel wheels on EB's with the inside tabs for smaller caps but to me that tab style looks off and more suited for the 50's trucks.


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wvi-62-585504/overview/

 

[surfer-b]

I ended up going with Wheel Vintiques from Summit Racing. They are 15x8 with 33's. No plans to run caps but later model dog dish should fit.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wvi-62-585504/overview/

that's a good look, great lookn Bronco

 

[toddz69]

that's a good look, great lookn Bronco

No kidding - my wife sends me pictures of it every time she's back visiting her friends in Grand Rapids .

Todd Z.

 

[markw]

I have those Wheel Vintiques as well. The hubcaps do not fit. Really nice wheels though.

 

[hyghlndr]

I have those Wheel Vintiques as well. The hubcaps do not fit. Really nice wheels though.

Stock hubcaps or the dog dish?

 

[markw]

Dog dish. I have some Galaxy "poverty" caps I wanted to use. Nicely restored, fronts cut out and alas, couldn't use them. Retaining bumps on wheels too wide.

 

[Unknown]

No kidding - my wife sends me pictures of it every time she's back visiting her friends in Grand Rapids .

Todd Z.

Free rides and a beer when you're in town!

 

[Bajabrewer]

Free rides and a beer when you're in town!

I'll take you up on that offer! It's been too long since I rode in that beauty.

 

[sprdv1]

Slots would look bad ass tooo

 

[C_Man69EB]

My original set of Stroppe steel wheels are currently loose with no tires mounted. If you need photos or measurements, let me know.

They are not for sale, though.

 

[Rustytruck]

It would be nice to have a good set of Stroppe wheel pictures for reference.

 

[C_Man69EB]

Stroppe Wheels and research

I had researched the Stroppe wheels a few years ago. I gathered the following.

- 15 x 8, wider than standard bronco wheels.
- Stockton doesn't make them anymore. They were called "Henry" Wheels.
- Andrew Norton has been known to source reproductions, however.
- the original wheels will NOT clear disc brakes
- Andrews reproductions are supposed to clear disc brakes
- With respect to Stroppe config, wheels could have been chrome, wimbeldon white, blue or black.

Cullen

 

[bamabaja]

Hey CMan, happen to look at wheel changes for Stroppe model years ? Thanks

 

[C_Man69EB]

Hey CMan, happen to look at wheel changes for Stroppe model years ? Thanks

hey bama,

no... I wasnt able to determine that. I had a few conversations with andrew, I dont recall him mentioning it either on the steel wheels, but nothing would surprise me.

obviously going from steel to the optional mags was a change in 73..