I have read at many websites looking for replacement wheels for the 47 but no luck anywhere. I have contacted a few wheel companies and no luck - although one offered to manufacture, but had nothing in stock. I never got a response back as to how much manufacturing would cost.
Does anyone know of any "off the shelf" solutions? These are 16 inch X 6 inch wheels with 6 lugs and a measurement of 7-5/16 inch from center to center lugs across from each other.
Judging from the off-set of the wheel hub I would make a guess that the drums have a large hub extender bolted to the drum.. You might want to consider upgrading the drums, front and rear to a more modern 8 lug pattern which would open up a whole new world of wheel/tire availability. Many years ago I had a couple of 64 Ford F-350 1 tons in my fleet of trucks. The Ford used a five lug bolt pattern that was similar to GM and Dodge. We converted the front axle to later model 8 lug drums, changed the rear axle to a more modern 8 lug differential with 4.10 gearing in lieu of the original 5.13.. Our next move was to repower the trucks with 360 V8's in lieu of the out dated 292 V8's. We used the trucks until well into the '90's. Wm.
If a Ford guy may comment, a 1947 GMC 252 would have been fitted with Motor Wheel brand wheels, 16” x 6”, having the 6 x 7.25” pattern. As pictured in posting #2. MW identifies this as their #83083, GMC #2219038, having 4.25” of offset, and using the Firestone RHP rim design. The center disc has a 5 3/8” center bore. The RHP rim can still be serviced if you can find a shop that knows how it’s done. If you just want to replace them, it seems to me that either a Budd 71320 (six hand holes) or the later Budd 79120 (three hand holes) would be your fix. These are 17.5” x 5.25”, same 6 x 7.25” pattern, and having an in/out coined mounting similar to the pictured Motor Wheels. Their center bores are 5 9/16”. They have 4.75” of positive offset. These have the 15° tubeless outer rims and use 8-17.5” tires. These wheels were commonly sourced on Ford, Dodge, and Studebakers after 1956 and optional through about 1966. Do a Google search of those Budd numbers and my Truckdog62563 user name to find a lot written about them on Ford sites. Stu
So these are probably 6 on 7.25" wheels, one ton truck, are they split rims? No known replacements. These wheels can be mounted as singles or duals.
Ed
Yes, these are split. I attached a pic from a few years ago. They appear to be very similar to what you have pictured.
Originally Posted by Wm L
Judging from the off-set of the wheel hub I would make a guess that the drums have a large hub extender bolted to the drum.. You might want to consider upgrading the drums, front and rear to a more modern 8 lug pattern which would open up a whole new world of wheel/tire availability.
Ed
Upgrading the drums? This is something I have not thought of, and to be honest, not sure what to look for that will replace the existing. Or are you thinking of possible axle replacements?
Originally Posted by truckdog
If a Ford guy may comment, a 1947 GMC 252 would have been fitted with Motor Wheel brand wheels, 16” x 6”, having the 6 x 7.25” pattern. As pictured in posting #2. MW identifies this as their #83083, GMC #2219038, having 4.25” of offset, and using the Firestone RHP rim design. The center disc has a 5 3/8” center bore. The RHP rim can still be serviced if you can find a shop that knows how it’s done. If you just want to replace them, it seems to me that either a Budd 71320 (six hand holes) or the later Budd 79120 (three hand holes) would be your fix. These are 17.5” x 5.25”, same 6 x 7.25” pattern, and having an in/out coined mounting similar to the pictured Motor Wheels. Their center bores are 5 9/16”. They have 4.75” of positive offset. These have the 15° tubeless outer rims and use 8-17.5” tires. These wheels were commonly sourced on Ford, Dodge, and Studebakers after 1956 and optional through about 1966. Do a Google search of those Budd numbers and my Truckdog62563 user name to find a lot written about them on Ford sites. Stu
Ed
This is more information than I have ever found on these wheels. Thank you! I will dig into this and see what all comes up.
Please feel free to continue to offer information.
Thanks to each for your information. I have more researching to do! KC
