The wheel type you are speaking of I believe is a spoke type that uses a stud mounted clamp to attach the rim to the spider/wheel. I've owned several like that and have never had a moments problem with any of them. They are very common in the Midwest and east where you are located. When mounting them it is important to hold a straight edge up to the tire while rotating it to get them evenly clamped so they run straight.
If the wheel base is really short it may have had a dumpbody on it. If the frame is bobbed off just past the rear springhanger then it likely did.

1953 Chevy 5-window 3100
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Dave
Engine & Driveline Moderator

If you can't make seventy by an easy road, don't go. ~~ Mark Twain