Has anyone ever tried drilling these with a stronger bolt and pattern to ensure they don't come apart? Or is this even possible?

 

Good question. We've had discussions on the topic before. But not necessarily for this exact application. The problem with securing the two pieces together so they don't blow apart is that you can't get the tire over the lip. Radials slide over the lip of the tire. The tire and rim are designed that way. The bias tires used on "split rims" or "lock ring rims" need to have the tire go on the rim while the rim is apart. So sadly it just isn't feasible.

 

I guess that's what I'm asking. Still keeping them to be able to come apart but securing them together better with stronger hardware or a better bolt together pattern. I know welding won't work because they have to come apart to get tires on due to the big lip. I can see the factory rivots on mine. Is there no way possible to make them connect safely?

 

If you ever saw one blow apart you wouldn't want to mess with them. I worked for a cement company and was helping the shop guy change tires. He refused to put the safety chain on as it took to much time. I just had to take the tires off the trucks and put the fixed ones back on. He was putting air in one when it blew the ring off and it stuck in the ceiling 18 feet straight up. The ring was sticking out of the roof. He put the chain on after that. I don't think these were exactly like the widow makers you are talking about but still close enough to be cautious about.

 

"Stronger hardware, better bolt together pattern?"

The side ring of the RH-5° locks its inner lip with that of the base rim. The center disc is securely riveted to the base rim and is never where the failure occurs. The weak points are the locking lips of the base and side ring. Firestone engineers thought they'd created an "Advanced Design" rim. They did not. I'd suggest we stop trying to improve their design. Stu

 

Oh ok stu. I see what your talking about now. I though the rivots held the two peices together. They actual just hold the base ring to the hub. It's the lip that holds the two wheel pieces together. So I guess there is no better way to secure it. I was just curious so I could make these safer until I can find some newer ones.
I did find some online wheels called budds with the same 5 x 8" bolt pattern in a 20"x6" design but they want almost $300 a piece plus shipping. Any ideas on replacements for these cheaper then that??? I've looked into swapping out for the 22.5 Alcoa semi wheels with 10 lugs but the wheel adapters for those are really expensive as well. I need a cheaper alternative if anyone has one.

 

You have several options, and the advantage of living in dry AZ. We can rule out the option of factory new imported wheels that you describe. Another newish wheel option is to work with your local Les Schwab to have custom 20" tube type, or 22.5" tubeless, wheels built by their wholesaler. That company is American Wheel Specialist (AWS) of Kennewick, WA. They take widow maker centers and remount them into safe new outer rims. It has historically been the case (I haven't verified it recently) that there is no shipping charge added to custom wheel purchases. Schwab distributes supplies to their dealership network across the west and make regular stops at AWS to drop off/pickup orders.

Then there are three used wheel options - used tubeless 22.5s, used 20" locking side ring tube types, and used tubeless 19.5" Budd 89340s from dead motor homes. All of these options exist in AZ if you do the work to find them. Places like Desert Valley Auto Parts (Casa Grande site, not Phx that only sells complete vehicles) is a place to start. Probably more success can be found outside the Phx metro area.

Some guys here have done the study, and burned the gas, to find good used wheels. Our friend Josh Madsen up in SLC has an available set of 22.5s. I have 20s, as probably do others I don't know about. But you pay for the wheels and shipping. Stu

 

Ok stu. So I actually went and inspected my wheels again after looking at your documents and pics you posted. I think I have split ring wheels now and not the widow makers. Although I know split rings are dangerous as well. What do you think?

 

Yes, absolutely. Would verify inner duals are the same. Then you're golden. Stu

 

Yes all six are the same. Well that makes me happier. Now I can keep these longer and not have to worry as much. I shouldn't have a issue with them using a wire wheel to get the old paint off so I can spray them white do you think?

 

I've been wondering about the term WIDOW MAKER and now I know.

I am an old SOB and never came across one (knowingly).

 

-SKEETERS USED TRUCK SALES, TIRE REPAIR AND BAIT SHOP-

2PC RIMS OUR SPECIALTY...

 

That's great news about not having widow makers!

But why do you want to paint them white?

 

Cool video of the split ring type. Wish I had his weather here. It's still 110 degrees

 

I'm doing the truck two tone paint. Green and white. So the bumper,grill, wheels and top of the cab will be white. Similar to this pic