The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun rims to fit 1949,3800,8 bolt,need advice

i have 700/17 mud & snow on the back with widow maker rims. i need advice in what i should do.

thanks,
r.j.

The Firestone RH-5 rims are the ones commonly called "widowmakers", and I don't think they were ever produced in the 17" size. If your rims have a removable side flange with either a separate lock ring, or a split in the ring which allows it to be pried off after the tire is deflated, those rims can be serviced by a qualified professional with little danger. Just be sure the mating parts are clean and free of rust damage.

The 18" rims on my 1959 3800 had a special-shaped one piece outer ring without a split, but there were a couple of relieved areas that allowed the ring to be slipped off the main wheel. Those wheels were pretty suceptible to damage by pry bars or rust deterioration that made it necessary to inspect them very carefully when changing tires. I made several tire repairs and changes without any incidents, but I was always a little spooky about the design.

Does your truck have dual rear wheels? If so, the wheel design will be different than the ones for single rears.
Jerry

I'm with Jerry on the rims. The one piece outer ring design makes me wonder about reliability. I would think it's suseptible to bending or not seating well on the thinner areas. After nearly 60 years of use, I would definately look for alternatives.

I don't know if you have a single wheel or dually truck. Later model 16" Ford rims fit the SRW pretty good, as long as you have a 13" or smaller brake drum. Can't help you if it's a dually truck.

Chris

THANK YOU, i have single wheels on rear, i will look @ the truck wheels on tues. will advise on tues night

i would put on 16" wheels, tires on all four if i could match up the dish part & 8 hole pattern. i tired a 48 chevy, the front was to close to tire rod & brake pad. i know the answer is out there.

thanks,
r.j.

My 1 ton has 17' split rims on the front axle. With 7.50x17 tires

I checked with Les Schwab tire store to find out if they were safe or not. They changed my tires without a hitch.

I have 18" duals on the rear axle. With 8.00x18 tires. So I have 2 spares.

When I got mu truck it also came with (4) 8 lug 16.5 tubeless rims which I have never tried on. I wanted to stay with duals.

Not sure of drum size.

Good Luck

GMCPic.