National Museum of Funeral History

The 1921 RockFalls Motorized Hearse was one of the first vehicles of its day to offer wooden wheels with de-mountable rims. The wheels are artillery type made out of hickory, while the 4 rims are Goodyear demountable with a spare in the rear. The tires are 35 x 4 1/2 Goodyear with all weather treads located on the rear wheels only. Two sets of brakes are placed also on the rear wheels and are operated by a foot pedal inside the cab. With a wheel base of 148 inches and a clearance of 1 foot the RockFalls size is very impressive.

Left Picture: Rear wheel and tire. Notice the brake system visible through the spokes. The rear wheels feature 54 inch long springs compared to only 38 inches on the front springs.

Right Picture: The front wheels were almost identical to the rear with the exception of no brakes present on the front. Also notice the 6 clamps that are placed around the wooden wheel allowing for the metal rim to be detached.

NMFH 1921 RockFalls Hearse Online Exhibit
Home | Detailed Grill | Continental "Red Seal" Engine and Powertrain | Inside the Cab | Decorative Lantern |
Hand Carved Side Panels | Rear Compartment | Wheels and Tires