Hello,

I know this has been discussed before, but I thought it might help to start a new thread. I recently bought a 1949 f5. Right now my goal for this truck is simply to get it roadworthy. It is running great, so the most important thing to me right now is getting a new set of rims and tires. I am assuming that these are the original widowmaker rims, but to be honest I'm not sure. Does anyone know where I could find some tubeless equivalents, hopefully in the Michigan area?

Thank you, Jake

 

Welcome to the forum. From what I see, the rims you show do not appear to be the Widowmakers , just lock ring rims. Resident rim expert, Truckdog will be along directly and tell you exactly what you have. He may even have or know of a set of tubeless rims.

 

Add my welcome. Ray has it right on the pictured wheel. It has a Firestone RH outer rim and side locking ring. You will want to look at all the wheels to see if you are free of widow makers. Below are diagrams of your RH and of the widow maker RH-5° style.

Tubeless wheels were made in 19.5" and 22.5" sizes. The appropriate 8R19.5" tires are about 33.5" tall while 9R22.5" tires are 38" or more. If you now have 7.50-20" tires they will be about 37" while the 8.25-20" size is 38". The 22.5" wheels are hard to find, while the 19.5s are somewhat easier. I know of a CO member that has a set of the 19.5s available. Seldom have I seen where a set of tubeless wheels became magically available within a small prescribed region. It happens, but not often. Shipping to Michigan can be handled economically through the Fastenal Company's 3rd Party service. I can connect you with the member who has the 19.5s if you have interest. Stu

https://www.fastenal.com/en/22/third...logistics-(3pl)

 

Thank you both for your replies. All of my rims are the same as the one in the picture. As long as these type are not rusted, are they safe to run? If my rims are safe I would love to use them. Otherwise I would definitely be interested in buying a set of 19.5s.

 

Good, glad they all match. Much will depend on what you find when the tires are pulled. Rust can ruin them from the inside after decades of trapped snow and rain. The other cautionary suggestion I'll make is to find out whether a tire shop in your area will work on them. They require a skilled hand, and the old timers who know them are leaving the work force. The local shop I've used for years will no longer work on them, so I've found a different shop. They are safe once assembled using a cage. But any multi-part wheel must be shown respect.

I'll private message the member who has the 19.5s and have him stop by. FTE rules allow talk of sales, but no money discussion can occur in the forum. That has to be done off-line. Stu

 

Thanks that would be great

 

I did pm him, and was told he may have a buyer more local. If not I suspect he will comment. Hopefully other sets also surface. Stu