It appears that part of the issue could have been lack of the clamp plate that the lug nuts seat in and distribute the clamping force over the wheel center, they also add some support to the wheel center.

If it'll stop raining I'll go take some pictures of the plates I'm pretty sure you need.

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
---All pictures---
"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-