Wheels / Tires: What year did Studebaker stop using split rims (widow maker) on large 1 ton up trucks?

[6hk71400]

The 47 M15A I posted in a few other posts I am pretty sure had the split rims used. What year did the larger 1 ton up trucks go to use the safety rim?

The seller texted me and said he had an offer of $4,500. I don't know if it is a chum offer to get me to bite on the purchase or true or not. I had forgotten about the split rims in previous talks with the seller. I did ask him if the person making the offer was a club member; no not a club member.

Bob Miles
Tires at least 21 years old. Still not interested.

[Skip Lackie]

They never did. The RH5* widow makers were still standard equipment on the big trucks until the end. Other styles were also available, and tubeless tires were first optionally available on the 1956 2E models. Gunite and Dayton cast steel wheels were available on 7E and 8E big trucks.

[6hk71400]

Thanks Skip

[tsenecal]

My 47 M15A has the one piece rings on 17" wheels. They are a safe wheel, (without excess rust) but are kind of a bugger to work on. I have a full set of 17" wheels from a 70's dodge motor home. They are still a split rim style, but a little more modern design, and easier to work on. I still plan to run the originals, because I like the look of them. Too bad you couldn't make a deal on the truck, but as noted in the other thread, it would not be suitable for anything but slower country/small town driving.

[Skip Lackie]

Just for the record: the truck parts books list several different wheels for the big trucks, including the Firestone widow makers. Once they became available in 1956, tubeless tires are listed as optional at extra cost. But the other types seem to have been installed randomly. Would be glad to be corrected if that's not true.

[Buzzard]

A little off topic but my 1945 US6 came equipped with splits so they could be serviced in the battle field.
Bill

[tsenecal]

The wheels on mine are made by Budd. They appear to be what came on the truck, but who would know after all these years. I haven't measured them, but the centers seem to be thicker material than newer rims. My truck came with only 4, but then I found 2 more that match .

[Lynn]

My 49 2R16A has 17 inch Firestone split rims. I run Michelin 235 80 R 17 tires with tubes.

[JohnM15]

To get expert Studebaker trunk information post to: https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/studebakertrucktalk/