The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1951 6500 Fred - Option for Wheels

Couple months back I put a post out there a[img]https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/15019/filename/Freds W.JPG[/img]bout a project truck that I have 1951 6500 “Fred”.

2-Ton, 5-Window, 16’-0” Grain bed, 52,000 mi, 235 w/Rochester carb, 4 speed for., 2-speed rear axle, 8.5-20, 10-lug 7.5 Pattern Dually, spit rims (4.5" Center Hole)

The post was in-regards to the OEM Wheels

I appreciated all the feedback that I received from the group.

3B and others helped confirm that I have the dreaded Firestone RH-5* “Widow maker” (See Pic)

I came across some 20” - “Dayton Wheels” for sale off of a chevy farm truck (See Pic).

Are these a good replacement wheel if I am trying to maintain "Fred's" original configuration?

Is anyone running a set of these on their Truck, or used them in the past?

Will these fit on the set up I have without modification to hubs, breaks, etc?


All comments welcomed.

The Dayton wheels are the hubs. The brake drums bolt to the spokes so at a minimum you will need everything from the drums out.

I don't know anything about the fit of the brakes or bearings. The axle shafts are another question, hopefully someone here can shed some more light.

Hy Clarence49, the short answer to your question is no you cannot use those wheels to replace your "widowmakers". Dayton rims use the spokes of the "wheel" to locate and center the rim, in order to use those you would need to swap the wheel/hub onto your axle tube, I doubt that would be possible because of bearing size mismatch and other considerations. Have you posted an ad in the parts wanted forum looking for non widowmaker wheels for your truck, one caution there were two different center hole sizes and if you cannot find the correct center hole size then you could have spacers made at a machine shop to take up the difference, hope that helps.

Sweepleader & 3B

Thank you for the feedback.

Like so many others I am trying to do this build from the cheap seats.

Wheels in question are from 1975 C65.

Seller says 1975 qty. 8- 20" wheels complete with 2 axles 200.00

Cheap doesn't always equal the right thing.

Any additional thoughts

The cheapest way out will be to look for wheels that have your lug pattern and center hole size, anything other than that and you will be jumping down the rabbit hole into the unknown.

There are 20" 2-piece lock ring wheels out there that are 10-lug with the 4.75" center hole (still legal and safe to run), but you'll need to search for them in old barns or private junk yards. Advertising here is a good start!

Mike B

Mike B,
Thank you for your knowledge and encouragement.

This adventure has some slippery slopes.

I will post a want ad in the “Swap Meet Forum” and start searching locally for the 20” 2-piece lock ring wheels with 10-lug 4.74 center hole.