My F6 widowmaker wheel replacement experience
#91
08-18-2010, 08:09 PM
New User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jack - First, welcome to the group. Glad to have you, and glad you're saving another big truck.
The first thing I'd like to say is that if you have an F-6, and not an F-600, you need five lug wheels instead of six lug wheels. Next, like rb48f6 said, an 8.25" x 20" has the same +/- 38" outside tire diameter as a 9R22.5. The reason is the design of the bead. The tube type has what's called a 5° bead while the tubeless has a 15° bead. Here's a side by side diagram of the two that lets you see the differences in wheel construction and bead design.
I'm totally with you on keeping the truck original by finding used lock ring style wheels. Depending on how you plan to use the truck, you'll want 20" x 6" if you plan to run 8.25s. If you are gonna use 20" x 5" you can run 7.50s. So, assuming you have 5 lug hubs, our member Josh Madsen has you covered. He lives down in the Salt Lake area and bought maybe two dozen at an auction a while back to keep them from being junked. I just did him a private message and asked him to check in here. I have about 9 wheels too that I bought for the same reason, but Josh is much closer to you. Good luck with the truck. Stu
The first thing I'd like to say is that if you have an F-6, and not an F-600, you need five lug wheels instead of six lug wheels. Next, like rb48f6 said, an 8.25" x 20" has the same +/- 38" outside tire diameter as a 9R22.5. The reason is the design of the bead. The tube type has what's called a 5° bead while the tubeless has a 15° bead. Here's a side by side diagram of the two that lets you see the differences in wheel construction and bead design.
I'm totally with you on keeping the truck original by finding used lock ring style wheels. Depending on how you plan to use the truck, you'll want 20" x 6" if you plan to run 8.25s. If you are gonna use 20" x 5" you can run 7.50s. So, assuming you have 5 lug hubs, our member Josh Madsen has you covered. He lives down in the Salt Lake area and bought maybe two dozen at an auction a while back to keep them from being junked. I just did him a private message and asked him to check in here. I have about 9 wheels too that I bought for the same reason, but Josh is much closer to you. Good luck with the truck. Stu
Thanks for the help. It's hard to be new and look so stupid. I checked and of course you are right. It is an 1956 F600. Now to look really dumb: when did Ford shift from the F6 to F600 nomenclature?
Okay, with this established I've got a 6-lug wheel, which I can see in the picture. I can't swear for sure, but I've got a picture in my head from last night that the wheels are hub piloted. I wasn't looking for that fact specifically, but that was my impression if I think about it.
I wonder if the need for six-lug wheels leaves me up a creek for replacements? Here's hoping...
Regards,
Jack
#92
08-18-2010, 08:15 PM
#93
08-18-2010, 08:23 PM
New User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#94
08-18-2010, 08:31 PM
Head liners should be the same across the model range. Places like Mid-Fifty, Dennis Carpenter, Sacramento Vintage and others should have them in their catalogs. Here's the Carpenter on-line catalog to get you started. When you get to the point of needing parts specific to the bigger trucks, you'll want to get to know Chuck Mantiglia at Chuck's Trucks in CT, and James at Job Lot Automotive in Queens, NY. Here are their web sites too. Stu
http://www.chuckstrucksllc.com/startframe.htm
http://www.joblotauto.com/
http://www.dennis-carpenter.com/pdf/48-56_2010.pdf
http://www.chuckstrucksllc.com/startframe.htm
http://www.joblotauto.com/
http://www.dennis-carpenter.com/pdf/48-56_2010.pdf
#95
08-18-2010, 11:25 PM
New User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stu,
Thanks for the great resources. I hit each site briefly tonight. There is much to consider. On my "immediate" list, I need to replace the rear and right side window and, while I have the door handle and window roll down arm, the "studs" to which they are attached are stripped. There is a bit of knurling (not sure what to call it), more like splines--or even a bit like the tip of a Philips head screw driver. All the splines are stripped. It's a small part. Maybe dennis Carpenter can help. Looks promising.
The truck is in very good condition. Most of the systems have been well maintained or rebuilt. The former owner recently put $8,000 into the truck. After 30 years he had an affection for it. My cost was $3,500. I don't know if that's good, but I feel pretty good about it and he seemed content to find it a home.
Thanks greatly, Stu.
Jack
Thanks for the great resources. I hit each site briefly tonight. There is much to consider. On my "immediate" list, I need to replace the rear and right side window and, while I have the door handle and window roll down arm, the "studs" to which they are attached are stripped. There is a bit of knurling (not sure what to call it), more like splines--or even a bit like the tip of a Philips head screw driver. All the splines are stripped. It's a small part. Maybe dennis Carpenter can help. Looks promising.
The truck is in very good condition. Most of the systems have been well maintained or rebuilt. The former owner recently put $8,000 into the truck. After 30 years he had an affection for it. My cost was $3,500. I don't know if that's good, but I feel pretty good about it and he seemed content to find it a home.
Thanks greatly, Stu.
Jack
#97
08-19-2010, 03:49 PM
Logistics Pro
#99
08-19-2010, 04:35 PM
New User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Rick,
That's a good looking truck. I think it's going to turn out that the wheels already on mine won't have to be replaced. Very nice not to have that complication or expense. I have 20" wheels with new traction tires. Stu gave some excellent links last night that will help me get needed repairs done. Some glass, interior trim and gaskets need to be replaced. Currently exhaust invades the cab rather badly. I may have to extend the tail pipes, but think that door gaskets and new glass will help greatly.
Jack
That's a good looking truck. I think it's going to turn out that the wheels already on mine won't have to be replaced. Very nice not to have that complication or expense. I have 20" wheels with new traction tires. Stu gave some excellent links last night that will help me get needed repairs done. Some glass, interior trim and gaskets need to be replaced. Currently exhaust invades the cab rather badly. I may have to extend the tail pipes, but think that door gaskets and new glass will help greatly.
Jack
#100
08-21-2010, 12:55 PM
Here I am; Late to the Party again! 
Jack, Welcome to the FTE family. Sounds like you have a nice truck there and extra nice that you don't have to mess with the darn wheels, thats a huge step...
Thanks Stu for thinking of me with all my extra 20" lockring wheels. I've managed to sell six of the 23 I had plus the local tires shop was succesful in completely ruining one, should have taken it to the big truck tire place to begin with. lol
Anyone need some spares? they are the 5 lug.
Now I have a question about the 56 ford f-600 I have seen 2 56 ford F-600 in the last couple weeks and both of those trucks had the 5 lug wheels, so some trucks had 6 lug while others had 5 lugs?? why would they be different in the same year??
cheers
Josh
Jack, Welcome to the FTE family. Sounds like you have a nice truck there and extra nice that you don't have to mess with the darn wheels, thats a huge step...
Thanks Stu for thinking of me with all my extra 20" lockring wheels. I've managed to sell six of the 23 I had plus the local tires shop was succesful in completely ruining one, should have taken it to the big truck tire place to begin with. lol
Anyone need some spares? they are the 5 lug.
Now I have a question about the 56 ford f-600 I have seen 2 56 ford F-600 in the last couple weeks and both of those trucks had the 5 lug wheels, so some trucks had 6 lug while others had 5 lugs?? why would they be different in the same year??
cheers
Josh
#101
08-21-2010, 02:54 PM
#102
08-21-2010, 05:36 PM
New User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, Josh. I'm relieved not to have to mess with wheels. I will be looking for a spare six lug wheel however.
The knee bone is connected to the thigh bone in other ways. I'm out of shop space and, so, am having to call my barn builder next week to get additional space built. When done, there will conceivably be room for a couple more. Would kind of like to have a 12' flat bed to match my '56. At the moment I'm looking for a single axle dump truck with a 5-yard box on a class 6 or 7 chassis. Wish there were more Ford L8000s for sale. The ones I run across have Cat 3208s, which seem to be expensive to work on. I'm hoping to chance across a decent IH with a DT466. Need a farm truck.
I'm anxiously awaiting the F600's arrival sometime next week. Bought it in Washington state and had no way to get both rigs home.
Jack
The knee bone is connected to the thigh bone in other ways. I'm out of shop space and, so, am having to call my barn builder next week to get additional space built. When done, there will conceivably be room for a couple more. Would kind of like to have a 12' flat bed to match my '56. At the moment I'm looking for a single axle dump truck with a 5-yard box on a class 6 or 7 chassis. Wish there were more Ford L8000s for sale. The ones I run across have Cat 3208s, which seem to be expensive to work on. I'm hoping to chance across a decent IH with a DT466. Need a farm truck.
I'm anxiously awaiting the F600's arrival sometime next week. Bought it in Washington state and had no way to get both rigs home.
Jack
#103
08-21-2010, 08:43 PM
Jack,
that new barn sounds nice, I need a barn for all my trucks. I may have a 12' flatbed that could go to a new home? what type are you looking for?
I am in somewhat of a quandry right now with my F-1 project truck in a million parts, plus the 52 F6 12' flatbed with dump, and a brand new as of today 38 COE Firetruck purchase)
and now I'm toying with the idea of getting another 52 F5 with a flatbed. for parts for the F6 and or to just replace the F6, depending on condition??
that and the garage already has my wifes car, 29 Model A Tudor, 45 GPW, 3 truck cabs, and misc parts. I need help, before the neighbors call the city on me!
oh your needing a 6 lug 20" lockring wheel, I know just over the past couple weeks I've seen a ton of these 5 lug ones and I think a couple of 6 lug ones. I can see if I can find ya a 6 lug one if ya want?
Cheers
Josh
that new barn sounds nice, I need a barn for all my trucks. I may have a 12' flatbed that could go to a new home? what type are you looking for?
I am in somewhat of a quandry right now with my F-1 project truck in a million parts, plus the 52 F6 12' flatbed with dump, and a brand new as of today 38 COE Firetruck purchase)
and now I'm toying with the idea of getting another 52 F5 with a flatbed. for parts for the F6 and or to just replace the F6, depending on condition??
that and the garage already has my wifes car, 29 Model A Tudor, 45 GPW, 3 truck cabs, and misc parts. I need help, before the neighbors call the city on me!
oh your needing a 6 lug 20" lockring wheel, I know just over the past couple weeks I've seen a ton of these 5 lug ones and I think a couple of 6 lug ones. I can see if I can find ya a 6 lug one if ya want?
Cheers
Josh
#104
08-21-2010, 10:12 PM
Don't feel bad, I'm in the same boat. I've decided to restore my F1 as original the best possible, and so I've come to terms that it's going to take quite awhile. At the same time my '50 F6 dumptruck will remain stock as well, but won't tear it apart until the F1 is about done, so that I can refer to the F6 for where everything goes (it's complete as is, just doesn't run, the F1 came in a pile of parts). Then there's the other F6 I have to get home from my uncle. So I'm thinking of doing something completely non-stock that can be done in a hurry, or as I had said before to local friends, "without having to paint" and so the next project has been in the planning stage. 
Anyway, we're all supposed to be a support group for this addiction, lol. Aren't we?
Anyway, we're all supposed to be a support group for this addiction, lol. Aren't we?
#105
09-13-2010, 09:11 AM
New User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've just bought a 1950 Ford F-6 which I'm exporting to New Zealand. Its the one advertised on Ebay last month, with about 9,000 miles on it as it was parked up on a farm for many years.
I want to possibly convert it to tandem axles to fit a long enough deck to haul my extended '59 Cadillac custom, as well as fit a Unibilt 48" sleeper box I already have.
It has the original wheels all round at present, and I'd like to know if these are the so-called "widow makers", and if so, what is my best option to replace them with.
I'm leaving the cab as found with the original faded red paint and minor rust as a "rat hauler" and will age the paint on the new body to match the original.
If I'm going to have to change the wheels, I want an original old style wheel to replace them with, so any suggestions would be appreciated.
Although I may consider putting traditional style aluminum wheels on, and any suggestions in that regard would be appreciated.
I want to possibly convert it to tandem axles to fit a long enough deck to haul my extended '59 Cadillac custom, as well as fit a Unibilt 48" sleeper box I already have.
It has the original wheels all round at present, and I'd like to know if these are the so-called "widow makers", and if so, what is my best option to replace them with.
I'm leaving the cab as found with the original faded red paint and minor rust as a "rat hauler" and will age the paint on the new body to match the original.
If I'm going to have to change the wheels, I want an original old style wheel to replace them with, so any suggestions would be appreciated.
Although I may consider putting traditional style aluminum wheels on, and any suggestions in that regard would be appreciated.