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Ok, I've read so many posts about this topic and still have questions.
I Have a 1976 Ford P500 with the 5x8 7.50 x 20 Widowmaker rims. I'm located in Chicago and I need new rims/tires.
From what I've read there are 3 options:
1 American wheel specialist. I really don't like how they look. If I had to I think I would go to commercial tire to get these?
2 find other split rims that aren't Widowmakers. If anyone knows of any near Chicago I'd be willing to check them out.
3 have my wheels cut and rewelded to newer rims. If this could be done for a reasonable price and time it would be my preferred method. Where in the Midwest do they do this?
Could I do it myself? I would just need a source for the outer ring. I've seen it done on jalopy journal. I'm a proficient welder. I'd rather not but I definitely could. I also saw rickson wheels mentioned on here, but it seems they might be out of business. No answer on their phone or emailThere seems to be more experience on this board than most places on the internet. I really have enjoyed seeing all the old trucks everyone keeps running.Thanks in advance I love how the original Widowmaker rims look Current status as I wait on bearing races and search for spindle nut washers. Anyone know where to get the threaded dust/grease caps my nice ford ones got destroyed. It's really cool looking, it's going to be a bar for a friend's wedding. Basically a food truck without an entire kitchen. Plans are to strip the paint, polish it, and paint the trim and rims mint/pistachio.
There are 22.5 drop center wheels out there. I believe I have seen that old U-Haul trucks were equipped with them. I have been piecing together a set for a '48 GMC I own, but even where I am with a lot of old farm trucks sitting around, they aren't easy to find. Another option that I have only seen one set of in photos, there were adapters that converted lug nut style hubs to run a Dayton style wheel. I have no idea where to even start looking for a set of those though.
Edit: You might try looking for a set of 19.5 drop centers with the correct lug pattern. I know of an old '60s F series one ton in my area that had some put on when the multi-piece wheels were replaced by the farmer.
Why replace them ? if you're going to drive it a lot maybe but even then you can put new tires on those. there are guys who'll still do it or do it yourself it's not that hard.
Why replace them ? if you're going to drive it a lot maybe but even then you can put new tires on those. there are guys who'll still do it or do it yourself it's not that hard.
My dad ran them on his over the road trucks for years and I still have some on seldom used farm trucks. never a problem at all. the problem is in changing the tires and that's where the term comes from .
Some people won't ride in a rig without anti-lock brakes and air bags. same thing it's a personal choice. .
The tires are shot, the rims are old and corroded. I do not want to chance my life or someone else's mounting tires then mounting the wheels. If I get a flat later on the road who will change it?
I need help finding new wheels
The tires are shot, the rims are old and corroded. I do not want to chance my life or someone else's mounting tires then mounting the wheels. If I get a flat later on the road who will change it?
I need help finding new wheels
Post 12 has a bunch of links on the subject, including the rewelding of centers iirc.
The Firestone RH5 is the wheel that is the true "widowmaker." Because it locks in the center there is no way to be sure the wheel locked together properly. No tire dealer will touch them. Some will still work on other multi piece wheels, but those that do change extra.
