The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1954 Chevrolet 3600 Tow Truck

I know this forum is for BIG trucks, but my 3/4 ton is pretty beefy. I have just inherited my father's tow truck and I have MANY questions. Has anyone ever heard of a "tow champ" wrecker bed? It was distributed by Champion Manufacturing Co. in Harrisonville, Missouri. It has dual wheel adapters (8 lug to 6 lug). I need new dual rims, but have no idea where to start looking for these. I would like to move away from split rims, but will take what I can get.

May be time to take a vacation and make some new friends.
http://www.internationaltowingmuseum.org/

what size are the rims you are looking for? ther maybe a junkyard in wittman az that will have what you are looking for but he does not have a phone. kind of a back woods men! some stuff all the way back too early 1900's!

Underdog - thanks for the link. If I am ever in TN I'll have to go there.

Did you say "Tow Truck" !, That's right down my alley. I've heard of that Manufacturer, & have seen vintage literature on ebay. Check with Walter Miller of, www.autolit.com , he may have some info., on it. Click into my link below. I'm into Antique Ernest Holmes Wreckers. Got any pictures you can post.

Spanky!

I was hoping to hear from you - I have looked at your pictures, and WOW! You have quite the collection. I have submitted a story, and a few pictures to the gallery, and it will be a couple of weeks before they post. I appreciate the link.

Thanks,
David

Pete-

The rims I have are all 17 inch.

David

It has dual wheel adapters, 8 lug to 6 lug.

Look at my picture of my bus, it has the same type of rear wheels. An adapter goes from 8 lug to 6 lug and the dual wheels on the rear have 6 lugs and they are 17" wheels.

I went to put 8 lug 18" wheels and tires on the rear of the bus, took off the adapters, and the "track" of the tires and wheels was too narrow. So back when on the adapters and the old tires and wheels.

I have some 18" 8 lug budd type wheels for a 3800 but I am thinking that you need the extra space the adapter gives you to proper clearance on the wheel wells of the wrecker body.

Jim in Springfield, MO

You are right about the adapters. I have found a company that will make tubeless rims to your(our)(any) specs. It is http://www.stocktonwheel.com/industrail_wheels.php I just have to wait for the $$

Welcome aboard 54TOW, I have heard of Champion Manufacturing but have never seen the Tow Champ Model. Waiting with baited breath (Haaa..h) for pictures.

the link was just added to my signature - have a look!

neat truck

Awesome Truck! Love it, and it came from right here in my back yard. Sweeet!
MONGO

Let me add my welcome to the Stovebolt World! Great looking 54 Chevy. I like it. And the personal history is something to cherish. As some of the others I too am interested in the 8-to-6 lug adapters on the rear. I wish you could/would post some close-up pics of that. I now have my third AD 3600 pickup and I am interested in any/all accessories, adapters, dually conversions or special parts. Good luck with it and have fun safely.

Sharp looking Tow Truck !! Those custom cabs sure look good. Check the base of those boom tubes for rot before you tow with it. It was common for them to collect water and rust away. They can be sleeved inside with black iron pipe and rewelded. You don't want a break away.
* I had a split boom Holmes shear a center pin years ago. Very strange when the car you are towing trys to pass you !!!

Mongo - WOW that extended cab of yours is sweet!