The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Stay with split rims or not?

Hey everybody, asking for 'what would you do?' input. I'm working on a 49' 3600 that still has the original split rims. I'm planning on keeping the truck as stock as possible but unsure of hanging on those time bombs.....I've heard alot of bad about them. Not to mention most shops won't touch them anymore. If I were to swap out them out....recomendations that would stay as close as possible to a stock appearance? They are 8 lug too.

Try and find something that is the same, over very close, but non-split rims. I've heard the horror stories too, and it seems much too chancy to play dice with.

There is a lot of information in the search area about wheels and that is where is where I suggest you look first. Use the word wheels as your primary search and I think you'll be surprised as there are always a lot of questions since the "split rim" designation is very misunderstood. One of our contributors (Grigg) is very knowledgable about wheels and has written a Tech Article feature which you'll find listed on the homepage.

For a 3/4 ton try some 16" tubeless wheels off newer (than your) Chevy, ford, and Dodge trucks and vans.
I don't have a direct answer, but see what you find that fits over your brake drums and clears everything. Many of these wheels have similar looking centers to your original wheels, some even with hubcap clips if you find old enough ones.