I've got the three piece rims on my 53 one ton, and I do mounting new tires myself. Not really a problem. However, after I have the new tire and tube on the rim, and after I have installed the other half of the rim and installed the lock ring, I run two lengths of heavy chain around the rim in two places, passing through the center of the rim and wrapping around the tire. I then put about 20 pounds of air in the tube, check to make sure the locking ring is seated well, then add 20 pounds more. I figure if the rim is going to fail the chains will keep parts from flying all over. I usually let the tire sit like that for the rest of the day, then fill it all the way up the next morning. My tires take about 50 pounds pressure. Never have had a problem, no need to find a shop.
Tim
I am currently digging back in to a 1953 3800 (one ton) with a nine foot bed. I've owned it since 1979, and drove it until 1982 (or so). My wife got me involved in restoring it back in 2002, got the body removed and the frame redone, then things came up. Now I am retired and starting again. If anyone is interested I have photos on Imagur (
https://timwhiteblues.imgur.com/ ). I live way back in the woods in the Ozarks on 40 acres at the end of a 2 1/2 mile private road.
Tim
