Thanks Stu, I'll keep looking and may choose to swap the rear to also allow a brake upgrade as well and avoid the wheel issue.

 

Welcome to the club! What I did to keep the stock look (after I got rid of split rims) was to find some 16x7 rims off an 1980's F250. I placed 18 wheeler rims tabs inside to hold my original hub cabs in place. I have 285/75r/16s on my truck. See my pics or album. If you have any questions, ask away. Good luck!

 

Thanks I will look into that. My plan is to keep it as stock as I can but do want to have safety as a priority.

 

I will probably go the Dodge route. Any suggestions as to what vehicle or wheel mfg model I should spec out? I know my 49 F3 with 14" rear drums limit the fitment of some 17.5 8 lug 6.5" wheels. Hub caps fitting are not an issue.

 

The only information we have about the Dodge 17" wheel is what I believe you know already. They would be found on 1990s or later trucks. I believe earlier trucks were more likely to have 16" or 16.5" wheels that won't clear the 14" drums. I've yet to learn the wheel manufacturer or part numbers.

The 17.5" singles (Budd 71980 or 73240) that were optional on 1956 to 1969 F-250s and 1959 to 1968 Dodges will clear your 14" drums. I've mounted them on one of mine. Stu

 

Thanks again I just want to have as much info as I can before I go junk yard prospecting. I'll try and find old Budd 71080, 73240 as my first option then. I want to get my widow makers off so I can have a rolling chassis that is safe to be around.
Dave

 

Glad I found this thread.
I am looking to replace my 49 F-3 Widow makers (Budd 49380) also.

I want to keep my stock hub caps.

I sent some picture to Stockton wheel to see about welding up a set and have yet to hear back, so far no luck at local junk yards either.

Anyone have any leads on a suitable replacement?

She needs new shoes.

Ed

 

There is one of the 17.5s on eBay now.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/1953-54-5-6-7-8-9-60-1-2-3-Budd-style-wheel-17-5-8-lug-Ford-Dodge-Napco-4x4-GMC-/111803472026?nav=WATCHING_ACTIVE
And three others in the FTE classifieds. Stu

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...heels-3-a.html

 

Thank you Stu, I'll check them out.

Ed

 

I just picked up(CL) 5 Budd 73240 17.5 off a 68 Dodge 200. The tires are aired up and in VG condition. But I noticed on one wheel there are concave spacers welded to the lug holes to accept the lug nuts, 2 are missing. Did Budd mfg make them like that or is that something that was added to the original wheels. My plan is to have the wheels blasted and coated by a tire shop locally. Anyone have thoughts ?

 

Our Josh Madsen had a similar set of 17.5s a while back. Only reason I can see for there to be washers welded over the lug holes would be to repair worn and sloppy original holes. Must have been a common fix if two sets have survived. Stu