The Stovebolt Forums Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 18 " split rims to modern rims

Any one out there had their old split rims converted into modern tube less rims?
I have a 63 C30 1 ton flat bed that I would love to keep the original look but not the danger of the split rims and tubes. Thanks!

A few of our members have tried to graft the old style wheel centers into modern drop center tubeless tire rims. They almost always end up with clearance problems over those massive brake drums. Unless you go to a larger tire like a 19.5" tubeless, for instance, there's no room for the drop center to fit over the drum, particularly on the inside dual. A good condition multi-piece 18" wheel is not dangerous if it's assembled and inflated properly. It's the snowflakes with lace on their drawers who get a case of the vapors when they get into the same zip code as one of them that's the real problem.
Jerry

These wheels are safe, not that hard to service.

Ok. I appreciate the info. I'll take a good look at the rims condition. I was a truck and heavy equipment tire man early in my days and back in the 80s you couldn't get anyone to service the two piece rims. I've done a lot of locking ring wheels on the 10.00 x 20" tires and several people I know have been hurt by them mostly due to not doing it properly. Im not afraid of the rims but I do not have the proper tools to service them anymore.A tire Cage is the main thing and still no one will even look at them when I called several truck tire service companies. Their insurance doesn't cover it! I may just do a complete front and rear swap to modern differential and front hubs.
Jim

A duckbill hammer, a couple of pry bars, and a piece of heavy duty tow chain was all the equipment I ever needed. Hauling a tire cage around on a service truck just wasn't an option. Firestone RH-5's are a different subject, but I've never seen an 18" wheel with that design. All of the ones I've seen are either 2 or 3 piece lock ring style, or the old single ring types that are pried on and off the main wheel. Those can be pretty sketchy if they're rust damaged. My 1958 3800 had those wheels, and I had to discard and disable a couple of them. Fortunately, better condition replacements were still available from salvage yards back then.
Jerry