Wheels / Tires: Split Rim fun.

[LeoH]

I am aware that split rims on 40s and 50s trucks are LOADS of headaches(fun) for the average doof.

What are some of the workarounds/alternatives available to prospective olde truck owners to the split rim 20" wheels on the older trucks?

[55 56 PREZ 4D]

You may get some information from this site, but your best bet for specific information.
Go to "STUDEBAKER TRUCK TALK"
network54.com
Nothing but Studebaker trucks.
Full of great information and very knowledgeable people.

[LeoH]

Good point! Thanks for reminding me.

[Mrs K Corbin]

old army trucks use them too...

[Stu Duglee]

Check with Stockton Wheel in Calif. they build new rims for old trucks including Studes.

[LeoH]

Thanks. Is that a pic of you with a newer welded wheel or ?

[Stu Duglee]

That is a solid lock ring (not a split locking ring) Budd rim, 16 inch , 6 bolt.I've changed 3 myself & they are a challenge...

[Stu Duglee]

Only 3 out of the 9 rims I have are save to use,during sand blasting I discovered way more rust in 6 rims .....I blew some holes in a few. The 6 rims in question had too much rust built up in between where the barrel is riveted on to the center section, just not safe....so I contacted Stockton Wheel & got a quote, $280 per rim....I need 6 for my 1 ton dually. I'm saving my pennies & hoping the old tires hold out for now.

[LeoH]

How much do tires run for those rims?

[Skip Lackie]

How much do tires run for those rims?

Not sure whether you're talking about the original "widow-makers" or the more modern 22.5" tubeless. I still have the original 20" split rims on my 4E40, and I found a truck tire place that was willing to work on them. Six new 9.00 x 20 bias-ply tires cost me about $1100 installed. I will never wear them out, and bias-ply tires don't seem to have the time-related tread separation problems that radials do.

[Chucks Stude]

Always inflate split ring tires and wheels in a cage. A mis-installed ring can really hurt you if it flies off. One scared me to death when I was a kid.

[Flashback]

These wheels are dangerous, But they are not that hard to change. I have done bunches over the years. This wheel is not specific to Studebaker. I have a stack of tire irons used for various wheels of this type. Most early trucks used them, up to 55. Yours 5 or 6 lug??????????????

[GEEMAC]

Check out international rims some years will fit Studebakers. Mac

[LeoH]

These wheels are dangerous, But they are not that hard to change. I have done bunches over the years. This wheel is not specific to Studebaker. I have a stack of tire irons used for various wheels of this type. Most early trucks used them, up to 55. Yours 5 or 6 lug??????????????

Don't have one, but I'm going to look at a 2R15 5 lug. It only has single rear wheels, thankfully.

[Lynn]

My 49 2R16 has 17 inch split rims manufactured by Firestone. I had to remove a few tires that I am sure have been mounted since the 50's. Slit Rim and "fun" should not be used in the same sentence. One of them would not break loose from the rim no how, no way. I cut the tire away with a sabre saw (yeah, that meant I ruined the tube but I had already purchased all new tubes) and had to use an angle grinder to get the first part of the bead away from the tire.