Hi, I'm Roy.
I have a 41 3/4 ton truck. I'm looking for more modern "one piece" wheels.
I have been told some IHC and dodge wheels fit, but don't know what years to look for. Anyone have any helpful info ?
I think the 5 bolt pattern is 6 1/2 in center of stud to center of stud skipping one. I'd be happy with almost any size wheels.
I bought a parts truck with no box or cab just for engine parts, so I have extra chassis parts if anyone needs anything (the wheels are goin cheap...lol)

 

Roy - I've got a pretty good library of old wheel catalogs. They show that the 3/4 tons in 1941 still used the "wide five" rims that had 5 lug x 10 1/4" bolt circle. These trucks could be optioned with either 15", 16", or the 18" "milk truck" wheels. It was the one tons that came with the 5 lug x 6 7/8" bolt circle in a 17" size. Probably you measured center to center on the studs which is the reason for the small difference. Technically you're supposed to measure from the center of one to the outer edge of the other.

So, assuming that's what you've got, I've researched it a number of times for guys and have found no other manufacturer that used that bolt pattern on a standard "drop center" or "semi-drop center" wheel. The only other wheel I've found with that pattern is a Dodge Power Wagon wheel that is the dished Budd style design. I doubt it would work on yours because of the mounting offset, and because it has 3/4" studs while yours are probably 9/16" or 5/8". Plus, these wouldn't give you the tubeless one piece design you're after.

So, the only way I've found to turn multi-part wheels into tubeless one piecers is to have the centers pulled and remounted in new modern rims. Places like Stockton Wheel and American Wheel Specialist can I'm sure do that for you. It'll be expensive. Since yours are most likely the solid outer "lock ring" design you are probably best off keeping your rims if they are in good shape. Stu

 

I read your posting. Do you by any chance still have your old wheels available for purchase? Specifically, I am looking for the 17 inch split rims for 750x7inch tires. I am restoring a 1941 Ford 3/4 ton Railway Express Agency box truck for my museum. Thanks, Bob LaPrelle

 

Welcome to the group. I'll restate my understanding that any truck that accepts the 5 lug x 6 7/8" bolt pattern 17" wheels would be a one ton, not a 3/4 ton. It's also important to know that there were two wheel options available on these trucks. One was a 17" x 3.75" (also called a 5" when measured across the rim lips) and the other a 17" x 4.33" (also called a 6" for this reason). The reason for the dual measurement methods was a change in National Wheel and Rim Association (NWRA) standards during this era. Both wheels were made by the Budd Corporation. The 17" x 3.75" was Ford #82Y-1015B (Budd #41620). The 17" x 4.33" was Ford #82Y-1015A (Budd #41470). Later records (from 1946) show these wheels under Ford #11Y-1015B/Budd #44620 for the 3.75", and Ford #11Y-1015A/Budd #44630 for the 4.33" wheel.

Both wheels used Firestone "RH" type locking rings. Of significance, however, the locking rings have different part numbers. The 3.75" ring was Budd #32639E12 and the 4.33" ring was Budd #32639E11. They are not interchangeable. This follows other examples I've seen where differing width wheel components within the same basic design family (RH) are not interchangeable. All wheel manufacturers of that era, and on up to the present time, have cautioned that wheel outer rims and rings must not be mix matched to ensure safe handling and operation. For this reason, any used wheels that you find should have matched outer rim and ring combinations. Stu

 

Royparts, if you have large bolt circle wheels (5 x 10.25) with 5 or 6 inch width between tire beading areas and 15 or 16 inch tire diameter in good shape I would love to have them. Reading your post it sounds like you have the 1 ton wheels though.

 

Many thanks for the info on the '41 Ford truck wheels. The truck in question is a Railway Express Agency box truck. All the info I've seen indicates that it's a 3/4 ton vehicle, however, my information is limited. I will measure the width of the rims to further identify which style I have. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who might have rims for this truck. Thanks, Bob.