1953 Chevy 1 Ton Wheel Options

[pware]

I have a 1953 chevy pickup 3800 (1 Ton Long Bed) The Factory wheels were 17X4 inch 8 lug split rims. I got rid of the split wheels because they are death traps and found a set of Ford 16.5 inch wheels. I put 1/4" spacers in and the tie rods still rub. Any Ideas? I cant go any smaller because of the size of the brake drums and I am trying to keep it as origanal as possable. I talked to Coaker tire and they dont make a wheel that will work. If you guys know of another manufactuer let me know.

 

[tony barnhill]

There are new wheels out there that are split rims...maybe you'll rethink them....

 

[pware]

But will people work on them? That was my problem here. No one wanted to fool with them. I really didnt have a problem with them but I did not want someone to get hurt working on them. You know how it is... Where can you buy them now?

 

[aeronca65t]

Check out ~Pete Paulsen~ .

I don't think they have 16.5" but they can make you a set of narrow (or wide) 15s, 16s or 17s in any back spacing and lug pattern that you want.

Their "raw" (unpainted) steel wheels aren't too expensive.

The "smoothies" would probably look good on your truck, but they can build wheels in many different styles.
They are pretty good to talk to on the phone (the online catalog isn't real clear).

 

[Banjo]

Heavy truck facility. Someone who works on rigs, and dump trucks and the like. They will have the cage needed for safe inflation of split rims as many heavy trucks still use them.
I don't like them myself, but it sounds like options are limited in your case.

 

[AngliaGT]

There's a place here that will R&R tires on split rims.
They charge an extra $25 per wheel.
I had a mechanic tell me that the way he'd do the job
is to set the whhel/tire under a lift.That way,if it let go,
no damage was done (to the installer).
I have an original set of 16'' split rims off of my
'68 F250 that you can have for free!

- Doug

 

[pware]

I still have my original wheels so I can use them. I never thought of a big rig garage. I forgot they still use split wheels. Thanks guys! you gave me hope!