Hello All,
I'm new to posting in this forum although I have read countless hours of threads when I was building my 66 f100. I am now on to a new project. A 1955 f600. All original barn find. I am going to restore this beast but have come to my first big head scratch...The widow makers that it sits on. I am in need of replacements that won't break the bank. Or some other ideas? Maybe changing hubs? Lug adapter? Changing axles? Or maybe someone has some different rims they are will to part with for a decent price? Current wheels on this dually are 5 lug split rims. Any help or advice would be most welcome. Thanks in advance. Looking forward to documenting this project along the way since I didn't with my 66.

 

First, let us make sure that you have real widow makers, the Firestone RH-5 design, as there are other designs out there that some mistakenly call/identify as widow makers. Some good pictures of the rims would be beneficial.

The most cost effective (but still an expense) is to find a secondhand set of rims. In my area, the 20" lock ring style rims are probably the easiest and most cost effective find. I find pricing now to be about $100 per rim (with rotten tire). Then you need to furnish a new tube ($35), and then a new tire ($250). You should take the opportunity to have the rims powder coated ($60). This approaches $500 a wheel, and you have 6, so $3000 puts you in the ballpark before any including taxes, tire recycling fees, shipping, professional mounting/dismounting. Other rim options are single piece 19.5 or 22.5 rims with the 5 on 8 pattern. 19.5 is more commonly found, but less desirable because of the smaller tier diameter. 22.5 is preferable, but will require a more extensive search and come at a greater expense. 70's/80's such as Dodge/Winnebago motor homes used the 5 on 8 bolt pattern and a way to target a search. Be sure not to get too wide on the rims... 6.75" is generally considered the maximum width for the 22.5 rims on these trucks.

Finally, there are those on the forum who have gotten new rims from Wheels Now, American Wheel, OTR. They have 19.5, 20, and 22.5 options with the 5 on 8 bolt patterns, but some of those have a different look to them. Not exactly click and order, but a call knowing what you need size and cosmetic wise with a big checkbook and order (and shared quite regularly around here already):

Wheels Now - https://www.wheelsnowinc.com
American Wheel - https://www.amwheelspecialist.com/obsolete/ - They specifically advertise 19.5, 20, and 22.5 solutions
OTR Wheel - https://www.otrwheel.com/ - their website doesn't list our applications. One would have to investigate further.

As for hub/lug/ adapters, there has been exploration into that with some custom designs and fabrications, but the costs exceed that of new rims and so there goes any economic considerations.

Alternative axles gets into alternate suspension, alternate steering, alternate brakes, possible frame modification/fabrication and then you are not really left with an honest representation of the truck. Also, the associated expenses add up.