And now back to another topic we recently discussed. I got two new 8R19.5 tires for the front of Betsy today.

Aside from any road hazards, that should be the last time I have to buy tires for her.

Betsy has new shoes.



I asked the guy how much air he put in them. He said "Well, they're rated for 120 psi cold, so I set them at 110 psi".

Of course I lowered the pressure so I don't bounce my teeth out going over a bump (and they're not false teeth).

 

Aren't you glad you don't still have widowmakers?!

 

He was a young guy, probably in his late 20s or early 30s. He asked "What are those skinny tires off of?" I told him they were originally on a motorhome but I was putting them on the front of a 51 Ford dually. I told him I wanted these "skinny" tires because they're taller than the more common 225/70R19.5 and I want the taller look.

Then I mentioned the truck originally came with 2 piece wheels sometimes called widow makers. All I got was a blank stare. It was like I was speaking a foreign language.

 

I have non-directional millitary style tires on my 47' ******, if I run 30psi in them it will bounce you out of the seat. I run about 18psi. Rides good and the sidewalls don't buldge.

 

I try to run 22 to 28 pounds in all my rigs unless I am hauling a
load of wood or like that. And that is only a few times a year. I
feel if the tread is flat to the road and they show no sign of uneven
wear than It is good. A hard tire can and will beat you and your
truck apart. If the sidewalls don't bulge than deflate until they do.
Than air them up so they don't. It's a simple thing. I do not beleave
a tire was made to run at max inflation all the time. Not a car or truck
high way tire anyway. But this is like the best engine oil threads. It
will never please everyone. What works for me may not work for
you.

 

Yes, I'm running 35 psi in the tires. But I got to thinking about the front tires I just replaced because the splits became so big. I wonder if the extra give from lowering the pressure made the side walls crack faster.

 

Cracks are cracks. You saw them better under the low pressure that allowed them to squat more.

Thinking about your kid in the service bay. Future generations might not have exposure to any multi-part rims if mother government, insurance companies, and lawyers again turn their attention to them. Back in the '70s Ralph Nader and his IIHS at first tried to have them all banned before backing down and focusing on the "RH-5°" and demountable "K" true split rim Goodyears. He got industry to stop producing those two styles, but failed to have the ones continuing in service recalled. Stu

 

That makes a lot of sense Stu. Thanks.

 

She's got her new shoes, you better take her out dancing


Bobby

 

Well, I have a few more parts coming in on Thursday, so I should add some more to the thread then.

This will all be done in the cab: my "new" trans cover, and the boots for the shifter and gas pedal linkage. Then, someday, I'll cover 'em all up with a rubber floor mat.

And I want to paint the floor black too, since the PO painted everything tan.

 

Sort of puts me in the mood for a "black and tan".....

...Hey bartender........

 

Those are some nice looking shoes you have there!

 

They still make split rims that go on new trucks. I saw a few on new Macks coming off the line in Macungie when i interned there.

 

Have one for me Bobby.

Thanks. It was nice to get new tires on the front to go along with the 4 good tires on the rear.

I didn't know that Nick. They must not be constructed like the Firestone widow makers. Did they have lock rings?

I got rid of my widow makers 2 1/2 years ago. Thanks again Stu!

 

Sure, brand new split lock ring two and three piece rims and wheels are still used on a lot of OTR trucks. Both in Dayton style demountables and Budd style center disc. The really bad widow maker Firestone "RH-5°", and demountable rim Goodyear "K" style, though, are gone.....except on many of the old trucks that show up here. Stu

Edit - sure Joe, glad to help. Stu