Grigg,
Seems the Henry Maudslay guote in your signature suits this thread well.
As for which wheels to run, well I think the Budds look more natural on your size and vintage of truck. My 1946 (now 42) project is very similar to yours using the P30/3500HD chassis components and a diesel (I'm using a 5.9 Cummins, though). My goal is to have the performance and drivability of modern components, but have the outside of the truck look basically stock (restored), to make it into a unique and functional working truck. So, the Budds would look more stock.
But, then again, I also like the looks of the Daytons because they just look "beefier". Also, the Dayton adapters will certainly be a conversation piece. I'm not sure I helped your decision any--it's more a matter of your preference. I would think either would perform well as they're both time-tested designs.
I assume if you use the adapters, you'll just machine the center hole larger? Do you know when they switched from 4.75 to 5.25?
Also, if you decide to part with the 22.5 Budds, please let me know. I was planning to use the 8R19.5's from my P30, but the wheels seem to have an extra "curve" that just doesn't look quite right. And, the extra height of the 9R22.5's will help my gearing dilemma. Before you posted yours, I didn't even know they made 22.5's for the small 10 lug pattern.
Anyway, congrats on your find!!
Bob
Hi Bob,
It does sound like we have the same goals for our trucks, modern but old, and very useful.
Yes, if I want to use the adapters I'll have to bore out the centers from the 4.75 to 5.25". This change was made about 1953/54.
No, I don't think I can part with the Budds, they too are rather difficult to find.
For those looking, probably best bet is to find a whole truck with them, and know what you are looking for, as many people who have them and would sell them just don't know. I have seen a few of the 56-59? 1.5 tons on ebay with these wheels and not bring much money.
For what we are doing, building everyday drivers/work trucks, the 22.5" wheels and 9R22.5 tires are the way to go, as smaller wheels and you cant get fast enough gears in a heavy enough axle (remember these are 1.5 and 2 ton trucks) to keep the diesel happy and be able to comfortably drive on the interstate. Also the 19.5 wheels and tires look to small. I will be running 3.54 gears, and 0.80 overdrive, and that's the fastest ratio currently offered for a Dana 70, 3.73 would probably be suitable too.
I'm surprised we have not seen Spanky here yet?
As he is a little upset that I found these adapters, he noticed the add for them just a few days after I did.
I thought by posting my find, not only would you guys be interested, but perhaps you could scare up a set for Spanky, he has been looking for a set for quite some time now.
Grigg
