The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 15" lock ring wheel replacement???

Hey guys, I am still chipping away at my 1953 3/4 ton. Actually it seems more like an excavation sometimes. I had my first experience unmounting a tire (really old Firestone tire from the 60's) off of an original lock ring rim. Well, lets just say I didn't break any speed records. Anyway, the local tire guys are scared to death of these things and the truck stop wants a fortune to mount new tires. I am wondering if anyone out there knows of a 8 lug, tubless, 15" x 5.5" rim replacement that will look and fit like the original wheel. I am hoping that it will clear the steering knuckles and allow me to continue using original 1953 style hubcaps since I want to stay as close to stock as I can. If there isn't a replacement, maybe you know where I can get a proper tire iron. The one I got from Harbor freight is good but not a perfect fit for this application. Again, Manny thanks to all the selfless souls that have and continue to be such a great resource. Aloha...

Here's what you need to break the beads- - - -but if you don't intend to keep running the split rims, it's sort of pricey.

http://www.gemplers.com/product/T11...=cii_13736960&cpncode=21-104481383-2

I use one around the farm to change tractor tires, etc., and it also works on single-piece wheels with a little practice. Once the beads are loose from the rim, a couple of pry bars make tire changing pretty short work. I've got a regular air-powered tire machine, but it's not installed and working yet.
Jerry

Thanks Jerry!

Welcome! You have discovered the dilemma most of us with old 3/4-ton trucks have faced: 2-piece, or locking-rim wheels. What to do about them? Most auto tire shops won't touch them as you learned. Most truck or ag equipment tire shops will, but it's pricey. The real problem is not that they are unsafe, when in good condition, but that they are labor intensive and a tire machine really doesn't help. Especially when they are rusty!
Some guys have found some years of Ford or Dodge 1-piece drop-center rims (16") will work and clear the tie rod ends. Others have used trailer wheels. About 21 years ago I bought a set of 1-piece chrome 8-spoke wheels in 15" 8-hole pattern. But they rubbed the tie rod ends so I added disc brake spacers.
Do a search of these forums as it has been discussed many times. I'm using the 2-piece rims on my 50 now - in fact I'm putting new tires on the front right now, at home.
Good luck - and be safe!!

Thanks for all the info Frank. Still trying to work it out. I will try to locate the forums you speak of. Yeah, I thought Dodge or Ford rims might work, and was prepared to do the research but now might not have to. I might just go ahead and keep the 2 piece rims, like you said, it will be labor intensive, but what the heck. Thanks again.

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Forum List My Stuff User List ... Search. Put your curser on the little triangle thing and click and a dialog box will pop up. Enter your search word or phrase, such as "3/4-ton wheels" then press Go. It will search these forums for that phrase and give you a list of posts with that phrase. Give it a try.