Anyone had any luck mounting radials on split rim wheels? The tire experts tell me it can't be done without a lot of problems, as the shallow bead of a radial doesn't match up well with the deep bead of a split rim wheel.

I want to keep my original split wheels for correctness sake, but also would like the driveablity of radials. Although my steering is tight, the old bias tires it has on now make the truck wander like mad on uneven pavement (i.e. no fun to drive)

Any suggestions? Are there specialty radials that have a bead to accomodate splits? Or should I just give in and put new bias-ply tires on? Thanks.

 

Tod, I don't understand it, as you stated "tire experts" tried to tell you not to do it, but you being hard headed want to come here and get someone that don't know jack about tire safety to say go ahead man, you'll be just fine.

There is a reason that the split rims were outlawed. They are man killers, and mangliers of body parts. There are a few things in life that you need to get over. Keep the wheels with mounted tires in a barn somewhere, so if you put the truck in a show you can be correct.

Get a new set of wheels to run radials on.

John

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There are split rims which were designed when there were only bias treads in existence and then there are radials. Never the twain shall meet.

I would add, Tod, that in 1966, Ford did install non-splt rims on some of their trucks. I have a set on my 66 F-250. If I recall your truck is a camper special so it likely did come with splits, but you might consider finding the other style rim for John's sake, if not your own. You still won't be able to mount radials on them, but it will do away with that old style, and more dangerous, solid hoop split rim.
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Thom, Wouldn't he look cute driving his truck in the local truck parade, holding the wheel with one hand, waving with a nubb while looking out of his only eye left.

You think I was a little tuff on him?

John

jowilker
[link:www.ford-trucks.net/users/jowilker|Club FTE since 01 01] My FTE Page

[link:www.ford-trucks.net/users/jowilker/NCFTE.html|NC Truck Owners] NC Ford Truck owners group

66F100s Rule
In the cool still quiet of night you can hear chevies rusting away.

 

Years ago a guy that was a partner in my dad's service station didn't believe split rims were that dangerous. Dad & I came back from lunch one day only to find the flashing lights all around. He decided to help a freind out by changing tires for him. Luckily he didn't have the lift too high and only broke his thigh bone in half.

 

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John:

You and I have had this discussion already, here and elsewhere. Old rusty split rims are just plain dangerous. Split rims in good condition are most dangerous at the time of inflation. Again, radials and split rims are dangerous.

p.s. on edit:

DO HEED THE "TIRE EXPERTS" If in doubt about any tire or rim, please go to a qualified tire shop for an expert's opinion.
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In addition to the safety issue is the problem with flat repair. Only a well equipped heavy truck tire shop will fix them, and most of them won't do them anymore.
Eric