'36 Chevy wheels

David_Hayward (RIP) · #1 27-01-09, 22:53

I am posting a composite note that was sent in on ChevyTalk, the forum that I have been a Moderator on since April 1999. I wonder whether anyone has any ideas please?

Quote:

Hello all, as you can see I am new to this forum. I am totally ignorant when it comes to antique cars, so I am hoping I can get some help here. I am currently restoring a pre-WWII 37mm anti-tank cannon for a local museum. From my research I have been able to find out that the original wheels were the same as used on Chevy 1936 trucks. The bolt pattern is 5.5" with a 6-lug configuration. I am hoping to find 2 original wheels that fit this description. I also need two new tires for the wheels, which I was told I can find through an outfit named Coker Tire. Any help locating the 2 original wheels that I am looking for would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance, Marshall

I am located in west Tennessee, USA. Coker sells wheels and tires? I'm not sure if reproductions are being made, but it would be nice to find 2 original wheels. Thanks again, Marshall

What was a 37 mm? Not heard of that one before? Odd that they would have used Chevy wheels...I wonder if they were Kelsey-Hayes built?

cletrac (RIP) · #2 27-01-09, 23:52

From Weapons and Warfare but no picture.

Woolrich arsenal appreciated that the 2 pdr gun would soon be out of date, and in 1938 began designing a 57 mm 6 pdr with a low priority. A pilot model was built and fired in 1939, after which the design was shelved until such time as it might be needed.
Shortly before the war the Sudan government purchased a number of 37 mm guns from AB Bofors of Sweden, and on the outbreak of the war these were made available to British Army units in the Western Desert to make up for their lack of 2 pdrs. This was an excellent gun with a performance sljghtly below that of the 2 pdr and proved extremly valuable in the early part of the desert campaign until the increased weight of armour carried by German tanks made it obsolete, along with the 2 pdr.

Those 6 bolt Chev wheels sound like a half ton rim.

Tony Smith · #3 28-01-09, 04:08

One of these?

cliff · #4 28-01-09, 06:43

more likely one of these type of Bofers. This is a model kit the only photo I could find in a hurry.

David_Hayward (RIP) · #5 28-01-09, 08:55

He is talking of six-lug wheels, so a 1936 Chevy pick-up would presumably be the source? Anyone know where they might be found?

Bob McNeill · #6 28-01-09, 09:57

Our Australian Short 25s also used the 6 bolt rim, the centre cut out to suit 25Pr hub.

Lang · #7 28-01-09, 10:32

The wheel in Bob's photo is the same as the wheels on my 1945 Chevrolet Utility (and cars and light trucks for about 10 years). The car ones had spring clips to take the hubcaps.

Toyota Landcruiser and Nissan Patrol wheels fit right on with the same bolt pattern and in fact 60's and 70's wheels of these vehicles look very similar to the Chevrolet.