1955 Ford E-350 Wheels

[Kencmcg]

My new 1955 stake truck came to me with 16" 6 bolt wheels and rotten tires. I bought new tires only to learn that no one will mount them on the Ford split rim wheels. My tire company sent a technician to see what could be done, and he says that the split rim wheels were always dangerous, but these have deteriorated and are not safe to use.

I have spent considerable time and can not find suitable wheels for the truck, which has dual wheels on the rears. The bolt spacings are 7-¼" and the lug bolts appear to be ⅝". Does anyone here know of a possible source for 16" or 17" tubeless or lock ring wheels for my truck?

 

[KULTULZ]

I hate to refer one to another site, but your dilemma is common.


https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/index.php

 

[Kencmcg]

@KULTUZ Thank you. There were several very helpful leads there. I may not have to make a lawn ornament out of the truck yet.

 

[hoss73ford]

Ford went to 17.5 tubeless rims in 1956 on the 1 tonners. Occasionally they show up on e-bay and ford-trucks.com. Of course that means you won't be able to use your 16 inch tires that you bought. Now days they make a 225 75R 17.5 but they are expensive.

 

[dmsfrr]

The fire station closest to me has a mostly restored '54(?) dually F-500 that was on active duty years ago. Now it does parades and such.
I was thinking it had similar wheels to yours but after looking at these older photos they aren't the same bolt pattern, not split rims and they're aluminum. Still it shows that something aftermarket should be available if you have to go that route. You might be able to find some good used ones as I'll guess they're quite pricey when new.

 

[Kencmcg]

Thanks again. I found a tire distributor not too far away that specializes in split rim tire applications. Not cheap, but they will do the job on my site.

 

[rotorwrench]

If you want different wheels, the guy to contact here on the Fordbarn is truckdog62563. He knows more about truck wheels than anyone else I've come in contact with.