I have a 65 ford f350 stake body that I am fixing up. It has split rims now, anyone know of a good substitute?

 

Ford F-350s from 1953 to 1966 used a 6 lug x 7.25" bolt pattern that is today obsolete. Most that have multi-part rims are the kind that today are called "widow makers". Very few shops will today touch them. Some of the multi-part wheels were of the type known as "locking ring", which can still be serviced, but even these are a challenge to find service for in some parts of the country. There was, however, a tubeless 17.5" x 5.25" wheel option beginning in 1956. These wheels were manufactured by the Budd Company and were also used by Dodge, IHC, and Studebaker. The earliest version, Budd #71320, has five hand holes while the later version, Budd #79120, has three hand holes. Same wheel, just different design. These wheels are your best solution, but finding a set can be a challenge. I sold a set to a women in NYC last fall for her Dodge Travco motor home, and know that our member GB Sisson now has a set available. I suggest you look him up. Matter of fact, I'll do him a private message and ask him to drop by to comment. I have no financial interest in this. Stu

 

Hi Stakebody, Good to see another one ton being readied to roll down the road. I love mine, but for me it was all about finding a candidate for my 9' flareside bed. I still have the ford script stakebed and that's going on my '37 1 1/2 ton. On the f350 I changed the running gear so I don't need the 17.5s any more. A previous sale of them fell through. The tires are all 90% tread or more and excellent condition, holding 60 lbs since I got them. The wheels have only surface rust and I cleaned and painted 2 of them. PM me for details. Oh, and if you're interested you can see my truck on youtube.... ( '59 f350 with cummins 6at ) Good luck with your truck, and let's see a picture.

 

Gary - click on the user name and you'll see the pic in his garage. Nice looking truck. Stu