There was no DOT in those days, but we were regulated by the ICC and in Texas by the RRC. I don't know which was worse. This is what the DOT has to say about wheels.
393.205 Wheels.
(a) Wheels and rims shall not be cracked or broken.
(b) Stud or bolt holes on the wheels shall shall not be elongated (out of round).
(c) Nuts or bolts shall not be missing or loose.
