I'm looking at purchasing a 1948 F4 with 5 lug widow makers at least in the rear. After reading many of the threads about these wheels, I'm starting to wonder if I might be getting in over my head as far as budget is concerned. My max budget to get the truck running and driving is going to be around $2,000 and I would like to be driving it this year. Does this seem at all reasonable? They are still holding air and the truck overall is in good shape, but the tires are dry rotted bad and need to be replaced. The wheels have some rust but aren't horrible. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Take my tip....... the fronts are ok because if they have a moment they will
blow to the springs. The backs are reversed- the outside tire /rim may
well have a heart attack-- So we keep the rear inside pumped upped and the
outside just for looks with maybe 10lbs. what i'm saying is you only got
an F4 you aint haulin 20 tons, its a pickup, My 97 f350 has 4 tires; right.
and If i can put 4 ton or tow on it ; so whats the problem.?? read my old
post where one blew right accross the street. Your F4 well do fine with
four tires and the rears just for looks. Remember a good thing when ever
on these let the air our first before even thinkin bout removing them.


been there done it back in the 50's

 

My suggestion would be to watch Craig's List for a used set of the 19.5" x 6" Budd #89340 wheels that have good, or at least acceptable, tubeless radial 8R19.5s. Since you live in MA finding a set anywhere in the northeast isn't gonna be hard. Here's a listing for a set in NH. The 8R19.5" is a near perfect size match to your stock 7.00 x 18" tires.

And welcome to the group. To many of us the F-4 is the perfect truck. A real truck. Stu

New and used tires

 

Welcome to FTE!

Stu's advice on wheels is always helpful. He helped me find replacements for my widow makers.

You mention a $2,000 budget, but don't say how much of that is going to purchase the truck. That makes it harder to offer good advice.

I was lucky and got 7 good Budd #89340 wheels that have good, or at least acceptable, tubeless radial 8R19.5s for only $350.

If you have $2,000 budgeted for wheels and tires, you should have no problem finding the replacements. If you pay $1,500 for the truck out of that $2,000 budget, you may not be able to do it.

And F4s rock!

 

The $2,000 budget should be after I buy the truck. I have some things to sell to come up with all the money so it really comes down to what I can get for them. The truck is in good shape and is solid. The owner had it restored about 20-25 years ago and then let it go again.

Stu, thanks for the craigslist posting for the wheels. Do you remeber what you searched to find them?

 

I search CL nationwide using a variety of descriptions. The set in NH is listed under the 19.5" tires. The way I search is to enter a description followed by "site:Craigslist.org" in Google. For instance "5 lug 19.5" site:Craigslist.org". What tickles me is how many guys are out there with WTB ads quoting the Budd 89340 part number and description that reads like something I probably wrote on here.

Joe got a great deal on his, and I think he said the seller was 10 blocks from his house or there abouts. Hard to beat that. Stu