1948 F4 rims

Hivolt5.0

Hivolt5.0

Senior Member
I need some help finding some safer rims for a '48 F4 I'm restoring for a friend. It has the dreaded widow maker RH-5 split rims that have definitely seen better days. I've read various articles on the dangers of these rims and was wondering if any of you could help me find some safter replacements.

Here's a pic of the rims I have.

picture.php


From what I've read, Ford made a 22.5 inch rim with the same 5x8 bolt pattern and I've also heard some old Dodge RV chassis used a 19.5 inch rim with the 5x8 bolt pattern.

If any of you guys know of any available rims that would fit this application I would greatly appreciate the help.

Thank you so much
David
 
Hi; I have Ford and brand X trucks with detachable rings, but the rings are not 'split'. The solid one piece rings are just fine. What you have to watch for is touching by the duals tires. The tires should not 'rub' togther even under load. Newc
 
You're right that most of those are widow makers. The one in the middle on the right is a lock ring style. From the look I think they are 20"s, am I right? The exact replacement size for the 20" tube types is the 22.5 that you mentioned. These were made by Budd, K-H, and Accuride in 5.25", 6.00", and 6.75" widths. None were made by Ford. Finding these is real hard. If you are committed to this size you might check with Chuck Mantiglia at Chuck's Trucks to see if he has any at the moment. I know he is always on the lookout for them. Here's the link to his web site.

http://www.chuckstrucksllc.com/startframe.htm

The other option is the 19.5" tubeless. These were made by Budd in a 5.25" width, #72070, and in a 6" width, #89340. These, when teamed with 8R19.5" tires, are a very close match to the 18"s that were the stock DRW option on F-4s. Your friend's truck did not come new with DRW 20s. The 20" option was SRW.

I've sold several sets of the 89340s this year, but am out of them at the moment. There are two sets, however, on CL that you might want to check into. Neither close to you, but they can be shipped. Here are the two CL listing I'm aware of. Good luck. Stu McMillan

http://maine.craigslist.org/rvs/3028019181.html
http://boise.craigslist.org/pts/2968008808.html
 
Thank you truckdog! I'm trying to contact one of the craigslist people now. The 19.5" wheels would be perfect.
 
Won't help. Tubeless 19.5" and 22.5" wheels with the 5 x 8" pattern from the major wheel companies were last made in the late '70s/early '80s. There are brand new 19.5s with this pattern available from American Wheel Specialist in Pasco, WA. Imported from Turkey. They don't look like the originals. Have a very wide and flat face. Stu
 
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