These rims are actually from a 1953 brand X 3/4 ton, but are they widow makers? They do appear to be 2 piece rims, but only 15 inch.

 

They look like regular rims to me; if I'm not mistaken the two piece rims comes apart when you change the tire there is a rim that goes on the top that hold everything together when removing them it it's highly recommended that they are place in a cage to catch the rim when it flies off.

 

It is hard to tell from the picture but those look lile a 3 piece rim. The top of the first pic it looks like the ends of a square lock ring can be seen that goes between the rim and the flange to lock them together. That was a pretty common style used on Chevys in the late 40's and 50's and not uncommon in 15" 8 hole.

Again hard to be sure from the pic but looks that way.

Richard

 

Assuming brand X is a Chevy, the books say that Chevy 3/4 tons from at least 46 - 58 used a Kelsey Hayes semi-drop center wheel in the 15" x 5.5" size having an 8 lug x 6.5" circle. They are not widow maker Firestone RH-5°s. Chevy wheels had a center bore of 4.625" while Fords used wheels with a 4.78" center bore. So, assuming the wheels you've found are stud piloted rather than hub piloted, you'll have to open up the center hole a little. If hub piloted (i.e. no concave seat for the lug nuts) you don't want them.

I find three references on the rim design. The earliest back in the '40s says they had Firestone designed RIP solid side rings, a 1954 source says they used Firestone designed RHP solid side rings, and a 1962 source says they used a (Firestone as best I can tell) AR side ring/lock ring three piece design. From your picture I can't tell what you've got. I'll attach some cross section diagrams to help you figure it out if you end up using them.

If you use them it's real important to keep the rim and ring together when you take them apart. Since there are three different possibilities here, you don't want to mix them up. Even though the RIP and RHP look similar, they're not. And you can't assume that just because the truck is a 53 that all the wheels came new on the truck. Wheels get damaged and swapped around throughout their service life.

 

Yes it does appear to be a lock ring next to the flange. Definitely a separate piece

thanks for the info. I would like to use them on my Cheby project if they are safe. They are stud piloted

 

CAUTION
Assuming they are one of the two designs illustrated and they do look to be they would be safe to use if in good condition. BUT Use all precauutions when working with them especially inflating them as they ARE dangerous and can come apart while inflating if the parts are not properly assembled and seated. Use a cage when inflating. If thay come apart they can be just as deadly as the W/M's.

Richard