May we now move to a consequential issue with your Express bed tonner? The wheels on all Express bed tonners are 17” x 5.5” two part type having the Firestone RH-5° outer rim design. Today these wheels are called “widow makers”, and few (if any) shops will touch them depending on where you live in AZ. These wheels have the 6 x 7.25” bolt pattern which was used by Ford on one ton trucks 1953 to 1966. The 1953/1954 Express bed models are unique because their wheels are deeply dished, much like a dually wheel. When it’s time for tires you will likely be faced with replacing the wheels.

While there are other replacement options we can go deeper into (that are custom built and more costly), the most straight forward is to locate a set of tubeless 17.5” dually wheels from a 1956 to 1966 DRW Ford, or similar Dodge. These wheels have 4.75” of positive offset which is similar to your 17s which have 5.00” offset. A drawback is that the 8-17.5” tubeless tire will be about 32” tall while your 7.50-17” tube types are 34” tall.

A set of these wheels is now on eBay, with the complete Timken B140 rear axle, in Cleveland. Fairly priced. Buying just the wheels and letting the seller keep the axle might make some sense. I have no connection to the seller. If you have access to AZ yards you might find others to save the shipping costs.

The below picture is of another like your wheels. You may think they are one piece based on their look, but the dangerous joint is on the concave side. Stu

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rockwell-ti...-/254045870083

Stu’s primer on the infamous split wheels is spot on. There has been a countless number of threads on this matter because of the safety issue. I have had no personal experience with this, but the number of postings on the issue underscores the significance of the “widow maker wheels.” Be safe. Make good decisions and good luck with your project.

The 8-17.5” bias ply tubeless tires are being reproduced in both street and traction tread. Retailers like Universal Vintage Tire ( link below), Coker tire, Lucas Tire, and M. E. Miller Tire sell them. I linked Universal because their catalog listing is easiest to see pictures and navigate. Plus they have an ownership relationship with Coker. Stu

https://www.universaltire.com/truck-...ary/truck.html

Hmmm, only one bid. Six tubeless wheels for $150. Even with shipping that would have been a major score. No question in my mind the buyer is dancing. Stu

I was swapping texts with a friend while this auction was still active and he reminded me that the Timken B140 axle would yield a set of rear drums. These are NLA new, so finding good used is the only remedy if your truck needs drums. I didn’t think you’d have wanted the axle too due to shipping costs, but I’d suggest you have your drums checked and keep an eye out for a set if they come available. Stu

Shipping through the Fastenal 3rd Party Logistics service is easy and cheap when you get to that point with the truck. Stu

https://www.fastenal.com/en/22/third...ogistics-(3pl)