1960 Ford Vanette - Split Wheels Replacement:

I just got a 1960 Ford Vanette and I think it has split wheels. I have included a picture below. From what I have read I think I see a seam on the inside of the rim and it is indicative of split wheels. I am thinking I would better off getting them replaced with something less dangerous.

I am not sure how to measure the rims and to look for a replacement. Are there lots of direct replacements available from other Fords I could use? Did this truck offer split wheel and tubeless or only split wheel? I am also wondering if I could just throw duellies on the back of the truck as I have seen other 1960s with them?
Any info would be appreciated!

 

Your P400 has 17" x 5.5" wheels, Budd #68600-1, that have 9/16" of positive offset, 6 lug x 7.25" bolt pattern, and yes - the "widow maker" outer rims. Technical term is Firestone RH-5°. Direct tubeless replacements do exist, but they are rare and highly sought after. They are Budd #73230 that are 17.5" x 5.25" having 1/2" of positive offset. These were optional on SRW Ford F-350s and on comparable Dodge and Studebaker one ton models. The other is Budd #70740 that is a 19.5" x 5.25" that was optional on the same other vehicles. You won't find these easily, and if found on eBay (for instance) you'll be bidding against plenty of others who are looking for the same wheels.

An easier solution, yet expensive, would be custom wheels. Companies like American Wheel Specialist can take your wheel centers and remount them in new tubeless outer rims. Stockton Wheel is another well known company. Before going to any custom wheel company I'd suggest doing a thorough search of the web regarding the company's reputation. Stu

 

These will work, assuming they clear your fenders, they are not mine, and not cheap, rare 16.5" one piece with the large 6 lug pattern that will fit P400's and F 350's that currently have 17" widowmakers.http://www.ebay.com/itm/IH-INTERNATIONAL-TRUCK-SIX-LUG-WHEELS-TUBELESS-16-5-/130862634204?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e780554dc

 

Thanks for the fantastic information Stu and thanks for the awesome heads up Tripleframe. I researched as much as I could and weighed the options and have been at a standstill. I figured I would put safety first but i didn't particularly want custom made rims either. I will see if the shipping is sane and get these probably.

The stories about split rims are scary. I was driving a couple weeks ago in the early morning here in Denver on the freeway when an exploding truck tire and rim rocketed across from the oncoming lanes about 20-30 feet in the air, across the three lanes on my side of the freeway and landed a few car lengths ahead of me billowing smoke. From that display of force I can clearly see how that it could have easily caused fatal harm. I have never seen anything like that.

 

Wow, quite a story. Stories like yours are way too common. Regarding the 16.5s, they are gonna be smaller than the stock wheels and tires unless you go with a real wide tire. The other thing to watch out for would be rear drum clearance. Stu

 

Greg, welcome to the forum! and good luck with getting those wheels (or others) to change your widowmakers out. I barely missed a tire and wheel that came off of a truck a few years ago. It must have been going 50 miles an hour coming at me from the other side of the freeway as I was going 60. Luck was with me and I was able to swerve into the next lane over. I watched it in my mirror and saw it go off the freeway and hit a wall, bounce about 20 feet in the air and finally stop.
It looks like you got a really nice truck - what are your plans for it?

 

Thanks for the welcome. I plan on using it to move a large drum kit around that requires a lot of cargo height because I will be leaving it partially set up. I want to keep this as original as possible and for now just keep it utilitarian. I used to work on cars when I was younger so I bought this from craigslist not running and had it delivered to my place. I got it running and it still needs tires and rims sorted out and some break work. Sadly the motor needs rings so there will be more work to do than I have time for but one step at a time...

 

Yes, the 16.5" is a smaller and wider rim, you would have to run the largest tire you can find, and probably ending up looking like a off road dune buggy. THe 17.5" ( ok) and 19.5" ( better) are out there but tuff to find at a fair price. There is company that specializes in original rims, and has them in stock, but warning, they are very pricey.AKH Vintage Wheels - Truck Wheels