I have searched the older posts and cannot find a source for new wheels with 5-lug, 6 7/8" bolt circle and 3/4" studs. A couple of guys said they knew of a source but the wheels were very costly. Can anyone tell me what they have done to replace these unique size wheels with steel wheels for tubeless tires?

 

First, welcome to the forum. Second, we need to make sure we're talking apples-to-apples. You say your truck is a 1946 1.5 ton. That model has dual rear wheels having a 5 lug x 8" bolt pattern. The model that has a 5 lug x 6 7/8" pattern is the tonner which is a single rear wheel configuration. If you have the 1.5 ton with 5 x 8" pattern I can help with 19.5" tubeless wheels, or could connect you with a source for the 22.5" tubeless variety. If you have a single rear wheel tonner there are no ready tubeless replacements for the 6 7/8" pattern. Below is a link to the FTE classifieds where you'll find my listing and others. Stu

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I have so many numbers floating around in my head and I forgot to flush the wrong ones.

 

Okay. The 17" x 4.33" wheels (Budd #44630/Ford #11Y 1015A) supplied on 1946 tonners have what is termed a Firestone "RH" outer rim that uses a solid/continuous ring that is called an "RI" design. If they are not bent, heavily rusted, or otherwise damaged they can in most communities still be serviced at big truck or ag type shops. No tubeless replacement has ever been produced to my knowledge. Custom wheel shops can remove your centers and install them in new tubeless outer rims. One company that does this is American Wheel Specialist of Pasco, WA. Stu

 

I called the wheel shop in Pasco but there was no answer. They may be closed for the Thanksgiving weekend. I will call them on Monday.

 

Oh, I just noticed where you live. AWS is a wholesale supplier to Les Schwab, Commercial Tire, and one other company I forget which. Since you live in the service areas of these western companies you'll need to work through a local dealer to have AWS make your new wheels. Stu

 

I will check with the Les Schwab in town. But a friend had motorhome wheels modified through Schwab. It took a long time and the cost was very, very high.

 

Really though, you can get a set of 7.50 x 17 bias ply from various places, and the stock wheels are fine. The 7.50 x 17 is 34" od which is great for the gearing fator. I daily drove my '38 tonner for 10 years, many trips up and down I-5 for work, and much of that was towing a tandem axle trailer. Many shops will mount them in your logging/agricultural based area. These rims don't explode like the dreaded 'widowmaker'. Last but not least, you get to use those cool stock hub caps. Michelin makes a 7.50 17 radial, but they are about 340.00 apiece.

 

The cost of converting my wheel centers or using spacer/adapters may make using the existing rims more sensible.

 

A set of bias 7.50 x 17 delivered from M E Miller Tire in Ohio is just a bit over 1100.00 with tubes and boots. Ask for ED.

 

Okay, strap in. Here's another option this old parts man will suggest. But be careful, somebody might offer you darksider cookies with the parts.

Your 46 tonner is similar in most ways to our 48-52s. Your tonner front beam axle is listed in the Green Bible as part number 7RC 3010-B. The 48-52 Chassis Catalog shows the front beam axle used under 48-52 half and 3/4 ton models (F-1/2/3) is also 7RC 3010-B. You could befriend somebody with a 48-52 who is doing a Mustang II conversion and mount their whole original assembly under your truck. This gets you either 5 x 5.5" pattern half ton or 8 x 6.5" 3/4 ton hubs and wheels. Common F-150 or F-250 wheels and tubeless tires are easy to find.

As for the rear axle, you could do the same. Would bolt right in. You'd have to watch for a compatible parking brake from a half ton or 48-51 F-2/3. The drawback to one of these is axle final drive ratio that would match or be similar to what you have now (4.86/1). One step closer to the darkside would lead you to a 1972 or earlier F-150/F-250 rear axle that would yield a better road ratio. Again, bolts right in. Same hub bolt pattern as the donor front. Do you like cookies? Stu

 

But please if you go this route, favor the 8 lug version. Also save me your tonner axles and wheels. I have a line on a one ton panel that needs a rear axle! Any pics or the truck? Is it an 8' express?

 

I just ordered the Green Bible from Faxon after hearing you and others refer to it.


My 1-ton may have started out as a pickup. It now has a hydraulic dump bed.


Thanks to all for your information and suggestions. I will see if any of our club members have a front end and I would consider changing. But the cost for tires, tubes and liners, while a lot, might be ok in the long run.


I have other projects that take most of my time including a '56 Plymouth hardtop, a '52 Oliver OC3, a '48 Ford 8N and a Henry J street rod. A '65 and an '08 Mustang are done and driven.

 

GB, I have a rear axle from a 47 1 ton. Shipping the whole thing would probably be prohibitively expensive. I think the only parts that are are not shared with the 48 to early 51 F-2 / F-3 axles are the brake parts. If you get the panel my brake parts are yours for the price of shipping.

 

So 38.... Here is the definition of 'missed opportunity'. Got an email the other day from a fello Orcas Islander who lives 2 miles down the road from me. Knowing I'm a lover of vintage landcruisers, he sent me a photo of the one he just picked up in San Antonio, while on a road trip with his brother. They rented a uhaul trailer for the haul-back with plenty of room on the stern. Unfortunately he sent it a few days after they pulled out of town. What are the chances???? Apparently on this panel truck, one side of the axle is missing the hub and is a bit torn up. Someone took out the center bolts through the banjo housing and it's sort of folded in half back there. He thinks he can put a half ton axle and wheel into the hole in the housing and somehow make it roll. Sounds awful.Do you have any wheels/tires that hold air? It sounds to me like the hub left the vehicle at speed and wrecked the threads? The guy isn't too clear on what it needs, but it doesn't sound good. Truck is currently in Minnesota Brrrrrrrr. Dang, picture he sent is too big, won't load.