First of all, after a considerable amount of research on this site and others, I have a few questions that I do not believe have been answered, at least not specifically. Since several of the wheels on my 1954 Chevy 3100 Hydro-Matic Truck are badly rusted, especially around the bead, and one around the valve stem hole, I have the following questions:
1. Has anyone had any luck grinding the wheels, then welding up the rusted areas, and then grinding them back to original? I would rather keep what I have if possible.
2. I have located some 15" X 5" 6-Lug w/3-Clips, but it is my understanding that these were used from 1955 2nd series to around 1960 trucks and the 6-Clip wheels were used on my 1954 truck. (That is what is on my truck now.) My question is, were the clips (6 to 3) the only thing that changed on these wheels? Since the extra three holes are there for three additional clips, it appears that you could just have these 3-clip wheels re-fitted with 6 new matching clips and have the same 15" X 5" 6-lug, 6-clip wheels.
So, any suggestions?
Weld them up and repair them?
Purchase the 3-Clip wheels and modify them?
Or just hold out until the right wheels come along?
I know I have a long road ahead of me and any input is appreciated. My truck appears to have come with (RPO 3100) and I am trying to figure out the best direction to go in trying to keep this truck at least close to original. I am also considering going the Jim Carter route for wheels to get the truck road worthy and saving what I have for later. Believe it or not these old rims and 30 plus year old tires w/tubes are still holding air since I pulled the truck into the garage this April. They are ok for moving around the garage but not for venturing out onto the road.
Thanks
