The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Ok. Wheels again!

OK. I am ready for my chewing out! In previous posts we had discussed my tire/wheel problem. On the 59 GMC 370 LCF with 8.25x20 tires. With the RH 5* wheels.
Not knowing anything about what kind of wheels I had, last year I bought a heck of a deal in 6 like new, 8.25x20 tires, tubes & liners. Then I did not have the funds to buy different wheels & tires. So the tires have been sitting in my shop 5 months.
Now to the story:
My shop is out in the country, A guy was passing by and stopped to look at the GMC. He looked over in the corner and spotted the new tires. He said " You want them thar tars mounted?" I told him the story about the wheels and he said "I done them all my life, I will change them for you, $20 each if you jack up the truck." I said well, don't want you to get hurt, but go for it. He went and got his tire tools and had all 6 mounted on a Saturday morning. I painted the wheels white and they look great on the truck!
I guess just be careful when you walk past the outer rears. The other 4 cannot go anywhere if they blow....
BTW, the wheels had 59 stamped on them and still had some paint inside.

Sometimes people should just not talk, this is the best when playing with fire.....

Great story, where were the wheels date coded stamped?

Hy Old GMC Gold, I am so glad to read this story, and not a story of broken arms or legs or even worse! I sincerely hope that you have no incidents with your wheels. I hope your tire installer used some or all of his pay to purchase lottery tickets, he is a very lucky man!

The number 59 was stamped on all the "band" looking half of the wheels. I also found 59 stamped on the backside of the deluxe heater housing.
He was lucky, but he put chains around them and used the air hose from a distance (while I was hiding behind the shop).
He did know what he was doing. Every so often, during adding air, he would inspect the process and bang on them with a hammer. (again while I was peeping from behind the shop)
But he never had an incident during the whole process.
I am just hoping the longer they stay on, the safer they will be. The old ones had probably been on there 20 years.

I don't really think they are as dangerous as a lot of people think they are. I used to change them all the time, and I am not concerned about the ones I have mounted. But I don't want anyone changing them on my property. Times have changed. More value is placed on human life and limb than 50 years ago. Next month it will be 50 years that I have owned and operated semis. Back in 2011 I had the first and only wreck that put a driver in the hospital. He was on life support for 17 days. My workman's comp experience modifier went form .91 to 1.60 which is almost double and translated into premium, it means an extra $30,000 a year out of my pocket. It sounds like the guy knew what he was doing, but I just don't need any accidents around my shop. And even if someone stumbles in off the street and uses my tools, he is considered contract labor. I'm just too old to be playing with fire any more.

I did warn him, but I did not think of all those ramifications.
Actually, after he got the first one apart, and I could see how it was made, I don't see how they stay together. Seems like a very small lip to hold so much pressure. He put 60# in them.
Also these were some different than someone described them. They only had one slot for a tire tool instead of two. There was two dimples sticking up to show you where the slot was. He pointed that out for me, or I would have never noticed the dimples. But they did have RH 5* stamped on them.

I'm GLAD nobody got hurt or killed!! Hopefully,you're not planning any hi-way driving,with these wheels. PLEASE find a safe set,A.S.A.P. I'm still looking for a GOOD set,for you.(Three-Piece). They're few and far between,but they're out there. I can get my hands on 20-30 of the 10-bolt,5-hole 3-piece rims,but what's involved with changing the HUBS?? Grigg?? Crenwelge?? There are five 2-ton trucks,(one owner),for parts,and I can get the (10-bolt/5-hole),wheels for 20.00/ea.,and I'm sure I could get a DEAL on the hubs as well,as long as they'll work for you. CHEAP LIFE INSURANCE. I'm not trying to sell anything-but saving your life,or someone else's is mandatory!

I am getting ready to work on the brake system of a 1954 6400 (2-ton). I know not to change the tires, but how about removing the wheels myself and setting them aside, while working on the brakes. any need for special handeling, or is it only while changing the tires?

thank you.

I've always been told that the RH5 can blow apart while simply inflating a low tire. The very thin bead that locks the two halves together can fail at any time. The longer they are together doesn't make them safer, just the opposite the more damgerous they get.

There's a reason they have been outlawed...be safe!

Mike B

Welcome,Louis C.! your '54 should have three-piece ,(safe) rims. Even if you have the dreaded "widow-makers",you should be O.K.,if you're just removing the wheels. To be totally safe,you could thread a log chain through two opposing hand holes, and bring the (hook) ends around the diameter,(center) of the tire,and use a "binder",to keep the chain tight against the tire and rim. Hope this helps.

I have no question that a bullet has been dodged this time.
We have many new people coming here that are new to old trucks and have no experience with them. I don't want the impression to be made that its acceptable to work with and continue to use RH5 wheels. They should be informed at the dangers and risks involved.