The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Is this a split rim? Dangerous one?

This is a pic of the rims on my newly acquired 54 3800.

I'm thinking the extra shape below the bead means it's a two piece? Is this the dangerous one? Anyone run these still or is the consensus to change them? I think it's an 18" wheel... I'm assuming that duals could be splits just like singles?

Pic

Its not the real dangerous kind but I cant tell from the photos what wheel it is. The main thing is not to be all rusted out or beat up from hammering.

My 59 model 3800 had 18" rims with a removable bead on one side, but they were not split. There was a small oversized area on each removable ring that allowed it to be pried off the wheel by sliding it a little sideways. It was vitally important that the mating areas were clean, and not rust-damaged, as the mating surfaces had a minimal amount of contact area. I notice some of the tires on yours are showing lots of bulge in the sidewall area, indicating very low pressure. DO NOT attempt to reinflate those tires without a complete breakdown and inspection! Even a slight misalignment of the side ring due to insufficient inflation can cause the ring to blow off with no warning if air is added. There are several TONS of force applied to the ring at full inflation pressure, so don't take any chances.
Jerry

Lots of people still run lock rims with no problems. Just make sure you take a good look at the rims to make sure they are in good shape. There is no reason to replace them for safety unless they are too rusted.

Tad

They are definately split rims, no tubeless wheels back then. They appear to be the non-split lock ring style, where there are 2 flat areas on the ring itself to pry it over the wheel to disassemble. I have similar wheels on my '52 6400. Here is a pic I took while breaking one down to repair the tube. You can see the notch in the ring for the pry bar. There are 2 notchs a few inches apart. Be ready for a major wrestling match.....they don't give up easily... Use copious amounts of soapy water to lubricate....I use a strong mix of dish soap.

...just please be safe. I have a long time friend that still can't move his jaw or talk the best in the world due to an "explosion" while pumping up a truck tire without the proper precautions. This was in 1965 when folks knew how dangerous they can be.....and today not many folks know what one is. My friend ate through a straw for many many months and took years to finally "get better". Safety safety safety....

...I might add that a "cage" for blowing one up was just feet away. What a shame.

What he said. If you've never done this before, caution can't be stressed enough. Tube tires need to be "exercised" a few times to get all the wrinkles out before final inflation. 3-4 lengths of 3/8th log chain and a high strength grab hook around the assembly will slow or stop it from coming apart if the lip doesn't catch properly. Then inflate to 20 lbs and let ALL the air out. Then inflate to 40 lbs and let it go completely out again. This process gets the tube in proper position. Final pressure can then be set.

If i do tackle it myself I'll be using a chain as well as a clip on air filler to do it remotely...

We used a cage, a clip-on chuck, and a 10 foot long "chicken hose" with a ball valve in it to inflate truck tires at the diesel shop I managed. Refusing to use the cage was grounds for immediate job termination.

Out on a road call, the tire was wrapped in chains, and slid under the frame of the truck or trailer before being inflated.
Jerry

Bigdreamer- forget the link?

It appears so.....

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/44598/2927793980100567145S500x500Q85.jpg

Whoa!- - - - -That one's the infamous Firestone RH-5, better known as the "widowmaker"! If you're still using them, I hope you've got good life insurance!
Jerry

OK, now we have a pic of what NOT to use... It's on the truck and holding air. I intend to replace the rear axle soon with a late model one that uses standard Budd wheels to get 22.5 tubeless tires on it.
As for insurance, I have enough to pay off the mortgage and leave the wife debt free...

Also placing the ring side down will help, but by all means use chains and a safe distance.

MY Ford Tractor/Loader has Firestone RH-5 6x20s on it. I am replacing them with standard locking ring rims.

Be careful and work safely/smartly.

Have somebody check them out. A split rim will kill you if you dont know what you are doing