I'm finally getting back around to doing some work on my '46 2 ton.
I found a local farm tire shop to break down 2 of my wheels. I have 2 new tires from Nebraska Tire. Now that the old rotted tires are off and the wheels are broken down, I have started cleaning them up. I just finished the first wheel today. I cleaned it pretty well with a wire brush on a drill. Once it was clean, I washed it down with some mineral spirits and then I shot it with some rustoleum primer. After I get the other wheel done, I will paint them both with rustoleum semi-gloss black.
My question is: Do these wheels seem to be in good enough shape to be serviceable? There was a lot of surface rust and rubber on the "inside" portion of the wheels. Is it OK that this is not quite smooth? What is other's experience?
Hy JRC, If there are no cracks and not too much erosion of the metal at the flange and the gutter where the retaining ring seats, and the retaining ring itself is not eroded too much the wheels should be fit to be reused. Inspect all parts carefully for cracks and excessive erosion!
I've seen a lot worse wheels than that in use. I think they will be fine. A tire shop would probably tell you they are junk, but better ones are hard to find. A lot of tire shops will even tell you that 2 or 3 piece wheels are against the law. I suppose you know the precautions to take while inflating them.
Welcome to the "Bolt",JRC!! In your first pic,is that a separation around the area where the tube valve passes through the rim? At least you have 3-piece rims,and not the dreaded "widow-makers. Check others,like 3B suggests.
Early tubeless tires on late '50's farm trucks(GM) had that same bolt pattern(10 on 7.25) while rare, can be used on your truck. They are 22.5" which replace 20" tires.
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
They look ok to me. Serious pitting in the centre tube area doesnt affect anything much. As above, the important area is where the outer flange piece and lock ring connect, and this area usually has less rust. Watch for rust heave between the centre dish and the rim, this is bad and will losen rivets and distort the rim. If that join is clean, and there is little runout in the rim, its a good wheel. Nice truck!
They look about the same as the ones I'm now using on my truck. I did body filler on mine both inside and outside. they work fine and hold air fine. I sandblasted mine and did discard two with holes clear through the wheel.
