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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,106 Posts1,056,214 Members48,436 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,961 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,961 | They look like 6 hole stud piloted R-H5° which were very common in those days. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 36 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 36 | Hello bcgmc, I think those are the true "widow makers" R-H5 A must read here - http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/wheels/
1947.2 Chevy 2-Ton 161". Motor- 1962 235cid
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 1,611 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 1,611 | New guy,
Unfortunately they are definitely the Firestone RH5's. My trucks use the same 6 lug Budd pattern as yours. I have found that this lug pattern was used on many Ford, Dodge, IHC, GMC 2 ton trucks and buses from the 1940's to 70's. Widen your search and you should be able to find some safer split rims. Find your nearest old timey junk yard and look at the old school buses that the owner uses for dry storage...those buses are often great donors.
Others have mentioned the 22 inch tubeless rims, but I have had more luck hunting unicorns. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 45 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 45 | Thanks for the bad news guys lol. Paul that unicorn is an elusive animal. I think I will be swapping the rear to an 8 lug and I will do griggs p30 swap on the front. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | 22.5" 6 lug Budd wheels are not "Unicorns" in my experience. If you want them you can find them, I have bought and sold a few sets myself.
I'd think hard about swapping an 8 lug (on 6.5"?) rear axle under a big truck. Might want something rated close to the original axle.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 | Those same school busses also had 22.5" rims which are the direct replacement for your 20" wheels...keep looking, they are out there. A 10.00 x 22.5 is the exact replacement for your 9.00 x 20's. Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 45 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 45 | 22.5" 6 lug Budd wheels are not "Unicorns" in my experience. If you want them you can find them, I have bought and sold a few sets myself.
I'd think hard about swapping an 8 lug (on 6.5"?) rear axle under a big truck. Might want something rated close to the original axle. I am going to replace the suspension with a 1 ton suspension as well. Not just do an 8 lug on the 2 ton springs. I have no need for 2 ton suspension or 2 speed axle. I'm turning my 2 ton into a 1 ton. Would that be ok? Im going to do the p30 swap in the front.
Last edited by bcgmc; 11/24/2015 4:29 PM.
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | It's your truck, your call. Just try to think about what you want from the truck and keep that in mind as you go along so you get there in the end.
My opinion; big trucks/big fenders with little tires look odd. If that might also look odd to you then mock it up with the new tire size in the fender first and see how it suits you. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,987 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,987 | My opinion; big trucks/big fenders with little tires look odd. I think that's why he was looking for smaller fenders in one of his other posts. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | There are D-60's out there w/ that bolt pattern(6) w/ matching front axles(22.5")look for airport buses, school buses ambulances. 16, 19.5" tires look undernourished w/ 20" fenders Like Grigg says.
'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.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 45 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 45 | I've decided to keep my big fenders and wheels. I'm trtying to find wheels. Can someone clear something up for me? Reading the tech tip about wheels there is alot mentioned about 10 lug 7.25 pattern. I know this may be a dumb question but will these fit my 6 lug pattern? | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | No they will not.
But you're in a better situation with your more common and widely used 6 lug Budd wheels. 22.5" tubeless wheels were available and can still be found on all sorts of vehicles and makes. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 | The rims you are looking for are about 6-3/4" wide between the tire bead flanges. These rims were available 8-1/2" wide, but that's to wide for your truck... Tire size will more than likely be 10.00 x 22.5" (exact replacement for 9.00 x 20"). Happy Hunting! Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Jun 2015 Posts: 1 Moderated | | Moderated Joined: Jun 2015 Posts: 1 | bcgmc I have....
Last edited by Grigg; 12/01/2015 5:36 AM. Reason: See next post, thanks
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,159 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,159 | Hi,"blowin smoke",and Welcome! I'd send you a P.M.,but you're still moderated,so I have to put this in plain view! I'm grateful,that you have rims available,and are willing to help a guy out,but,PLEASE Follow the "Bolt" Guidelines! If you have parts for sale,PLEASE post in the "Classifieds" section. This'll keep you out of trouble! PLEASE read the "Guidelines",in the "Welcome" section! THANKS!! | | |
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