I have been reading a lot of the threads and greatly appreciate all the information on this forum! I'm trying to get my project back on the road and the first thing I need to do is make a decision on the wheels. This is my first early Ford truck and I want to keep it as original as possible. I haven't found another one like it!

A previous owner decided to put new style rims on it. While they are still in great shape, the tires are rotted and need to be replaced. It also came with a set of original style, or so he said. The lug pattern is the same, but they are slightly different as you can see in the picture. Would it come this way, or did I just get two different pairs? Any insight as to why would be greatly appreciated.

There is a long story behind how I ended up with the truck...but that is for another day.
Curtis

 

Stu will be along to answer wheel questions, but in the meantime welcome! Nice pickup, not everyday you see that type of bed.

 

If you have the original rear axle, you have 14” brakes. That will limit your wheel choice, if you want 100% original, to the widowmakers. That is NOT a choice in reality.

 

CLB, welcome to FTE the best Ford truck forum on the World wide Web!

Yes, on that cool specialty truck you want the original wheels!

Show us more pics of your truck and tell us it's history when you can.

 

Very nice truck. Do you know if it still has its original rear axle? Before I, or one of the other guys, go deep into replacement options that fact will control our responses. My gut suggests to me that the modern spoke wheels were fitted to the stock rear end so that brake drum clearance could be achieved. If the truck has its original axle the pictured wheels probably won’t clear the rear drums. Stu

 

I'm not sure if it is the original real axle. It has been a tanker truck since at least 51, as that is year that in stamped on the Shell calibration stick. The steel wheels were in the rear storage, that is all I know about them. He made it sound like they were on the truck at some point. I agree, not a chance I am putting widow makers on it!!

Sounds like I'll need to pull them off and check fitment before I do anything. Maybe they are slightly different because of the clearance?



Here are a few pictures of the rear axle.
Curtis

 

That’s a stock Timken 51524. These early trucks have, as Owen said earlier, 14” Lockheed rear drums. Nothing 16” we’ve found clears them except the spoke wheels you have now. Rather than rattle on with the options, the below old old thread digs into the specifics. Custom wheels are mentioned from Stockton Wheel which has now folded operations. Other custom builders exist too if the other OEM style replacements aren’t to be found. If clarification is needed please say. Stu

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ew-member.html