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Hey all! I just recently picked up a 1947 1.5 ton grain truck, it has some cancer and what not, and a locked up flathead V8. My biggest question at the moment is the wheels, i want to know how safe they are to change myself? Or if there is a one piece after market look alike. I really like this truck and have wanted one for awhile and Im looking to rebuild it in the foregoing years!
i actually have the original title from 1947 for it too!
Welcome to the forum. It’s unlikely your truck has any of the worst type of two piece wheels that are called widow maker Firestone RH-5°. Pictured below, they were first on the market in 1948. Of course wheels get damaged and replaced over the life of a truck, so checking all six of yours would make sense.
So most likely your truck has its original equipment wheels that have outer rims known as the Firestone RH. Similar name as above, but totally different design. These have a solid unbroken locking side ring on their face side. The ring must be squeezed past the base rim during assembly and disassembly. Sounds simple but it takes an experienced hand to do them without damaging the rings. Below are pictures. Find an old guy at an independent shop that knows his trade.
Notice the indents on either side of the inner ring that allow it to pass over the edge of the base rim. Stu
hi and welcome ! stu the man ! they are easy to identify once you know what your looking for. nice truck, not sure why people feel like they have to screwup the grilles.
hi and welcome ! stu the man ! they are easy to identify once you know what your looking for. nice truck, not sure why people feel like they have to screwup the grilles.
yeah the grille is pretty roached, i happen to come across one that is in waaayyyy better shape! Just waiting to get it in
I would say to soak the metal with penetrating oil for a long time to make the parts slide apart easily.
Awesome info! Thank you! Is this doable for a non tire tech? I am mechanically inclined and have some common sense skills haha, but just weary about it and the local big truck shop won't touch it!
You should be able to take the rim apart with no dangerous outcome then shine up the wheels and: Find an old guy at an independent shop that knows his trade.
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