Widow maker resto?
#1
01-26-2013, 08:48 AM
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Widow maker resto?
Hey guys! I know the dangers of this rim but I have 2 questions for you. #1 has anyone actually ever had a bad experience with these rims and what happened? #2 has anyone ever cleaned up and restored these rims and used them?
I ask this because I'm having a hell of a time finding anything I can use on my m68 so I can use the merc caps on them.
I ask this because I'm having a hell of a time finding anything I can use on my m68 so I can use the merc caps on them.
#2
01-26-2013, 08:52 AM
Post Fiend
#3
01-26-2013, 08:56 AM
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Wow! Thank you for your response. Pretty much answers what I was unsure about in the first post. Thank you.
#4
01-26-2013, 09:29 AM
There's plenty of stories of wm's blowing out on trucks going down the highway. That rim will penetrate a car along side, usually with disastrous results. It's been many, many years ago now, but there was an incident just like that in my town where a woman was killed while driving her car beside a truck. Every once in a while I run into someone who's been around as long as me who remembers and brings it back up.
#5
01-26-2013, 09:45 AM
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01-26-2013, 09:53 AM
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I definitely would like to know more about this when you find out where it is. Keep me informed please.
#7
01-26-2013, 10:08 AM
This old thread should answer most of your questions.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...pecialist.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...pecialist.html
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#8
01-26-2013, 10:17 AM
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This old thread should answer most of your questions.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...pecialist.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...pecialist.html
#9
01-26-2013, 10:31 AM
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#10
01-26-2013, 10:31 AM
Would You Restore This
Since I had a demounted 18" widowmaker layin' out by the shop awaiting transformation into a fire ring, thought I'd put up a few pictures for those of you who have never seen a WM. Note the lip edge where the ring locks onto the rim. Rusty and worn. This truck has about as rust free chassis and sheetmetal as you will find so what caused the rust? Many trucks of this size were subject to getting the wheels wet, in mud, in snow and then remaining wet for long periods. Don't really think I would want to play much with on in the way of restoration.
I think statistics show there are more incidences of wheels coming off trucks or tires blowing out causing carnage than the widowmaker ever did. But, a whole lot more population today. FWIW, only
EDIT: I should have mentioned that the areas where the lip seems to fade is where the ring part goes over the wheel. You can see the corresponding areas at 1 and 7 position on the ring.
I think statistics show there are more incidences of wheels coming off trucks or tires blowing out causing carnage than the widowmaker ever did. But, a whole lot more population today. FWIW, only
EDIT: I should have mentioned that the areas where the lip seems to fade is where the ring part goes over the wheel. You can see the corresponding areas at 1 and 7 position on the ring.
#11
01-26-2013, 10:42 AM
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#12
01-26-2013, 10:42 AM
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I'll let you know if this is the way I'm going to go. I've been looking for f2 rims but I don't believe it was sold in Canada so searching in the states is a little difficult from here. I have a dana 60 I can put in the rear so I can use the f2 rims but I'm running out of patience and looking for other options. Using my merc caps is a must for me in this build.
#13
01-26-2013, 10:46 AM
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#14
01-26-2013, 11:01 AM
The 16" F-2s are a good solution, but think too about looking for a set of the Budd 19.5" x 5.25" singles. Part #71410. These were sourced on Fords, Dodges, and Studebakers beginning in 1956 and are the exact replacement size for your WM 17s. Plus they take your hub caps. I found a set in central Oregon, and found a singleton locally as a spare. You have to watch CL. There has also been discussion of them here where guys have found them. You might do a search of that Budd #71410 number. Stu
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01-26-2013, 11:37 AM
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The 16" F-2s are a good solution, but think too about looking for a set of the Budd 19.5" x 5.25" singles. Part #71410. These were sourced on Fords, Dodges, and Studebakers beginning in 1956 and are the exact replacement size for your WM 17s. Plus they take your hub caps. I found a set in central Oregon, and found a singleton locally as a spare. You have to watch CL. There has also been discussion of them here where guys have found them. You might do a search of that Budd #71410 number. Stu
Andrew - If I've not said welcome on your earlier posts, I'll say it now. Welcome, glad to have you hanging around. Especially since you're saving an F-3, and trying to keep it stock. Same as my value system. I see that you are in the UK, so finding the wheels I'll recommend might be a challenge. But at least you'll have the info.
I've researched this for guys several times and think that the "best" option is to use the 19.5" tubeless wheels that were first supplied by Ford on 1956 F-250s. They are 5.25" wide which would ensure that you'd have no wheel well clearance issues. They also have the hub cap nubs like your stock 17" widowmakers which would permit use of the stock hubcaps. The 19.5" size is the exact correct replacement tubeless size to match your 17" tube type widowmakers. The outside diameter of the tires will be near exactly the same. I've never had or seen a real set of these so everything said is based on my references.
As said, the 19.5s were first offered by Ford on F-250s in 1956. They were also offered by Dodge and Studebaker on their 3/4 ton models in 1957. Ford offered them until 1969, Dodge 1968, and Studebaker 1964. They are a Budd Corporation product having Budd #71410. The corresponding Ford part # is B6D 1015-B. The Dodge part # is 1922398 and Studebaker # is 1685912. The National Wheel and Rim Association (NWRA) cross reference number is X-45049.
The next best option is the 17.5" x 5.25" tubeless wheel offered on the 1956 F-250s and corresponding Dodge and Studebaker 3/4 ton models. These were available during the same range of years as above. Same hub cap mounting. I have two of these wheels that are presently mounted on a donor truck's early F-3 rear axle having the 14" drums. They fit perfectly. There were two Budd numbers listed. Budd #70720 cross refers to their later #73240. Mine are one of each and they look identical. The Ford part # is B 8 D 1015-A. The Dodge # is 1922395 and Studebaker # is 1685911. The NWRA cross reference number is X-45048.
Stock F-2/F-250 16" wheels will fit on your front, but not your back axle because of drum clearance. We've had guys say that they've had luck finding modern 16" wheels that fit, but I've seen no list of donors to use as a proper reference.
There is only one other period 17" multi-part wheel, and it will fit only your front axle. It is a Chevy wheel used on the early 1950s 3/4 and one ton models. I have one of these and know it will not fit a rear. It will also not accept a Ford hub cap.
Other options get iffy. I personally was not aware that the newer Dodge models still have the 8 x 6.5" pattern as you said. I've assumed that all manufacturers had, like Ford, switched to the metric sizing. The 7" width of the Dodge wheels would maybe be an issue, but the stock Ford 16s and 17s were 6" wide so the extra inch might not be an issue. You'd have to make sure the offset/backspace would be compatable.
As for finding wheels, you have come to the best source in my eyes. I remember one 49 F-3 owner that connected with another member on a full set of the 17.5s. With all the "dark side" work being done to F-250s, there are no doubt many wheels sitting in shops taking up space. Hopefully a member will speak up. Stu
I've researched this for guys several times and think that the "best" option is to use the 19.5" tubeless wheels that were first supplied by Ford on 1956 F-250s. They are 5.25" wide which would ensure that you'd have no wheel well clearance issues. They also have the hub cap nubs like your stock 17" widowmakers which would permit use of the stock hubcaps. The 19.5" size is the exact correct replacement tubeless size to match your 17" tube type widowmakers. The outside diameter of the tires will be near exactly the same. I've never had or seen a real set of these so everything said is based on my references.
As said, the 19.5s were first offered by Ford on F-250s in 1956. They were also offered by Dodge and Studebaker on their 3/4 ton models in 1957. Ford offered them until 1969, Dodge 1968, and Studebaker 1964. They are a Budd Corporation product having Budd #71410. The corresponding Ford part # is B6D 1015-B. The Dodge part # is 1922398 and Studebaker # is 1685912. The National Wheel and Rim Association (NWRA) cross reference number is X-45049.
The next best option is the 17.5" x 5.25" tubeless wheel offered on the 1956 F-250s and corresponding Dodge and Studebaker 3/4 ton models. These were available during the same range of years as above. Same hub cap mounting. I have two of these wheels that are presently mounted on a donor truck's early F-3 rear axle having the 14" drums. They fit perfectly. There were two Budd numbers listed. Budd #70720 cross refers to their later #73240. Mine are one of each and they look identical. The Ford part # is B 8 D 1015-A. The Dodge # is 1922395 and Studebaker # is 1685911. The NWRA cross reference number is X-45048.
Stock F-2/F-250 16" wheels will fit on your front, but not your back axle because of drum clearance. We've had guys say that they've had luck finding modern 16" wheels that fit, but I've seen no list of donors to use as a proper reference.
There is only one other period 17" multi-part wheel, and it will fit only your front axle. It is a Chevy wheel used on the early 1950s 3/4 and one ton models. I have one of these and know it will not fit a rear. It will also not accept a Ford hub cap.
Other options get iffy. I personally was not aware that the newer Dodge models still have the 8 x 6.5" pattern as you said. I've assumed that all manufacturers had, like Ford, switched to the metric sizing. The 7" width of the Dodge wheels would maybe be an issue, but the stock Ford 16s and 17s were 6" wide so the extra inch might not be an issue. You'd have to make sure the offset/backspace would be compatable.
As for finding wheels, you have come to the best source in my eyes. I remember one 49 F-3 owner that connected with another member on a full set of the 17.5s. With all the "dark side" work being done to F-250s, there are no doubt many wheels sitting in shops taking up space. Hopefully a member will speak up. Stu