Wheel Interchange
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Wheel Interchange
I have a 1951 Ford F3 with the stock "widow maker" split rims and hubs. What other 8 hole wheels fit these hubs and can you suggest a reliable source? My goal is to pull a 26ft camp trailer behind this 302/C6 power train without changing out the original rear end assembly. Thanks from WI.
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From: Massillon, Ohio
there has been quite a bit of discussion on this topic. You can not search the forum yet so someone will have to link you to the topic. I believe some motor home wheels work, but be patient someone will be along shortly. Did you start a gallery yet? We love pics.
Kevin
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From: Colonsay Sk. Canada
These are the ones I know that will fit
48-52 1 ton
many 3/4 tons too I know my 1953, 1957 and 1967 3/4ton wheels are the same and I think the wheels of up to a 1986 3/4 ton will bolt right on. Maybe even later.
Also GM used the same pattern to.
I am putting 17inch 1tonwheels from a 1950 GMC 1ton onto my 1957 3/4 ton.
48-52 1 ton
many 3/4 tons too I know my 1953, 1957 and 1967 3/4ton wheels are the same and I think the wheels of up to a 1986 3/4 ton will bolt right on. Maybe even later.
Also GM used the same pattern to.
I am putting 17inch 1tonwheels from a 1950 GMC 1ton onto my 1957 3/4 ton.
Last edited by Snowking; Mar 19, 2007 at 12:33 PM.
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From: Leitchfield, ky
I was told that the pattern didn't change untill 97', and that Ford, Chevy, and maybe even Dodge were the same. I know that I have an 89' F350 and the wheels wont fit my brothers 98' Chevy 3/4 ton.
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From: Michigan
Originally Posted by mando jake
I was told that the pattern didn't change untill 97', and that Ford, Chevy, and maybe even Dodge were the same. I know that I have an 89' F350 and the wheels wont fit my brothers 98' Chevy 3/4 ton.
Roast em' if you got 'em
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
GM uses the same bolt pattern for the 8 lug wheels but they have a smaller center hole so they won't fit over the larger rear hub on the full floating axles. Ford and Dodge will interchange, GM will fit the front 2wd hubs. Or at least thats the case up to the mid to late 90's when everything went metric.
Bobby
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Originally Posted by bobbytnm
GM uses the same bolt pattern for the 8 lug wheels but they have a smaller center hole so they won't fit over the larger rear hub on the full floating axles. Ford and Dodge will interchange, GM will fit the front 2wd hubs. Or at least thats the case up to the mid to late 90's when everything went metric.
Bobby
Bobby
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Joe Kucinski
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From: Saskatoon SK Canada
It all depends on if you have an early or late 51 F-3. Early will have 14" rear drums and rear parking brakes. The late trucks had 12" rear drums and a transmission parking brake. The early ones will need at least a 17" rim to fit over the rear drums and the late trucks can use a 16" rim.
Ford used the 8 bolt pattern from 48 to 97 (only the F-150 changed in 97) on the F-250's and 67-97 on the SRW F-350's.
Ford used the 8 bolt pattern from 48 to 97 (only the F-150 changed in 97) on the F-250's and 67-97 on the SRW F-350's.
Marmon-Herrington Man
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From: Central Illinois
All of the above works ok if you have a truck manufactured in late 51. For early 51 on back to 48, F-3s used 14" rear drums. Late 51 and 52 used 12" rear drums. It's been reported time and again that modern 16" rims won't fit well over the stock older F-3 drums. I've seen two viable options. One is to find 17.5" tubeless rims from a 60s era Dodge. I have a set and they fit fine. The other is to have Stockton Wheel, or one of the others, take your 17" Firestone RH-5* killer rims and mount the center into a modern tubeless outer rim. As I've heard, this costs about $150 each plus shipping. This option allows you to use stock hub caps. If you have a late 51, you could also look for stock F-2 16" rims. They would fit over 12" drums. Stu
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Time to pull the wheels and measure the hubs. Your knowledge is greatly appreciated. I had spoke with the Stockton Wheel people and have considered that option. With the truck already having engine, tranny, and voltage conversion done, should I forget any value related to keeping the death rims in inventory. I like the idea of the stock hubcaps for sure.
Marmon-Herrington Man
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From: Central Illinois
Not sure I follow you on "keeping the death rims in inventory". But what you don't want to do is reuse them in their present condition, assuming you find a shop to touch them. Do a Google search for Firestone RH-5* (that should be a degree sign but the keyboard doesn't have that). You'll find plenty of wrongful death and injury findings against Firestone and Budd. By far the simplest solution is to go to Stockton Wheel and simply accept that's it's the cost of safety. Stu
