Mike,
Replacing split rims is a good idea, unless your going for the 100% authentic restoration. You have some homework to do before you buy some new rims.
Many newer lugs are 9/16". The lugs on my 1958 8 lugger are 1/2". However, if you REALLY want those rims you take off your old hubs, push out the lugs, drill the hubs for 9/16" studs, then your new lugs will fit the new rims. Simple solution... maybe.
There's this thing called "stud piloted" or "hub piloted". The stud piloted is what you see on most all cars. On these your lug nuts have a "beveled" bottom that tightens into a beveled hole on the rim. This ensures that the stud directs (or pilots) the rim to exactly where it is supposed to be. On a hub piloted rim... you guessed it, the axle hub has a snug fit to the center hole of the rim. The hub pilots the rim so that it is centered on the axle. The lug nuts on this type of arrangement look more or less like standard nuts (they are flat on the bottom).
You typically only see hub piloted on larger weight vehicles, but your 8 lug setup makes me think you might have a heavier vehicle. Got any pictures of your current setup? Hope this helps.
