Split rim styles

[Reds34]

I figured that I would start a new thread with photos of 20" split rims. I thought Stu (truckdog62563) might be interested in these photos.

The first set is Budd #C34800. It's dated 6-34 and is about 6 9/16" from the backside of the rim to the outside face of the wheel.

Red

 

[Reds34]

The second rim I have photos of is also Budd #C34800, but it has a date of 10-35, is about 7 5/16" from the backside of the rim to the outside face of the rim. It also has anotch in the cnter part of the rim for the valve stem.

Red

 

[Reds34]

The third (that i have at my house) is Budd #C37510. This is very close to the measurements of the C34800. It is dated 5-36 and is 6 11/16" form the backside to the face of the outside if the wheel. It does not have a notch for the valve stem.

Red

 

[truckdog62563]

Your C34800 number is raising bad old memories for me because iirc that’s one having no catalog record. I think I’ve had one of them, or might even still have it. I’ll have to dig through wheels out in the shop to see. I’ll also have to go back to the books to verify that it’s the ghost number. The fact of your two wheels having the same number but dissimilar specs says there was something done at Budd almost 90 years ago to explain it that we’ll never know about. I’ll check the books on all your numbers and the collection of wheels out in the shop and check back in tomorrow. Stu

 

[Reds34]

Stu,

Thank you. I saw the post from FTE from years back where you referred to the C34800 number. I know there are at least a few more different styles at my parents house. I'll try to get more photos when I have a chance.

Red

 

[truckdog62563]

I don’t even find the 37510, sorry to say, but suspect the explanation for both numbers relates to their inclusions in NWRA references under their “T” kit numbers, T-623 for example. I did long ago find a cross reference for some “T” numbers to the individual wheel numbers but could spend all day looking for that again.

I too Googled back and refreshed myself on two FTE discussions that were a deep dive into this era of truck wheels. Links below.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1501121-1937-budd-wheel-identification.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1496836-1936-1-5-ton.html

Given these open questions it falls to a comparison of available donor wheels based on the dimensions. Width and backspace measures would allow a set to be built that would meet the needs. I’ll also mention that our friend Bob Jones over on FTE has posted about two similar wheels that might be available. Link below. Stu

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1722369-calling-truckdog-what-are-these.html

 

[Reds34]

Stu,

That's a good bit of information there. I was thinking of saving some of the old rusted rims to patch in around the valve stem holes. It seems that most of the bad wheels we have, are rusted out around the valve stems.

Red

 

[truckdog62563]

Rust will kill a rim where the water pools under the flap and does it’s work unhindered for years on years. Valve stem holes let the thawing snow and ice enter unimpeded. I’d be real hesitant to try welding up rust damage. Rims are still out there. Stu

 

[Reds34]

Stu,

I have a few more for you. I did find another C34800 rim and I found 2 more. The first is a Budd from '46 that is significantly wider and the second is a Kelsey Hayes.

Red

 

[Reds34]

This is the Kelsey Hayes.

Red

 

[truckdog62563]

I’ve had one of the 42920s and sent it on to a new home. It’s a 7” old system / 5” new system with 8.25” of backspace. It has a Firestone RH type rim. Sure wish I could find an explanation for the 34800s. Am a right that you are finding different specs on the various 34800s, suggesting it’s maybe a generic number or maybe year specific specification? The KH wheels never have numbers. Stu

 

[Reds34]

Stu,

The C34800 I looked at yesterday looks to be the same as the wheel in the first set of photos. I didn't measure it, but it appears to be the same.

Red

 

[truckdog62563]

Okay, that’s reassuring. At least having consistent specifications would support that there were no variabilities within the number. Stu

 

[Reds34]

Stu,

I just picked these up today. They aren't split rims, but for the price, I can't complain. I think they'll work. I'll figure it out tomorrow. Firestone 19.5".

Red

 

[truckdog62563]

Great score. Very much sought after. The 19.5” x 6” is Budd #89340 and 19.5” x 5.25” is Budd #72070. They are commonly found on dead Class A Ford or Dodge motor homes of the 1970s. The rim is sourced from Firestone and the complete wheel is made by Budd. You’ll find one of those part numbers on the concave side along the drop center. Stu

 

[Reds34]

Stu,

The thing that sucks is that I coud've gotten all 6 from the motorhome, but I'm a slouch. 2 is still better than none.

Red

 

[truckdog62563]

Go back and get the other four if they are still available. These wheels are increasing in value within the 1940s/1950s big truck groups. Stu

 

[Reds34]

Stu,

I would love to. As far as I know, he brought those to the junkyard about a year ago. I'm very disappointed in myself.

Red

 

[Reds34]

Stu,

I have another question for you. I have two styles of AA/ early BB wheels here. I just realized that they are 2 different styles. I also put two and two together and also realized that I've seen a lot of the wheels like the green wheel that have solid rings rather than spilt rings. Is it because they are possibly newer and should have solid rings? I always thought that the solid rings were only for wheels made for the floating axle.

 

[truckdog62563]

Solid unbroken rings would be typical for Firestone RH type outer rims. As we’ve discussed, I can generally look up the wheels if you find numbers, if they are Budd products, on the concave inner faces. Obviously this hasn’t been fool proof on your other wheels. K-H will never have numbers. Stu