Sounds like Dayton wheels to me, also called "open center Dayton wheels"
The 8 bolts in the center would hold the axle shaft to the hub.
The 5 or 6 nuts and wedges at the rim would hold the wheels to the hub.
I too have not heard of "East coast wheels"

Grigg

•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-