C8 progress in Texas

[David DeWeese]

Haven't had much time to work on the C8 lately, but slight progress has been made.
Although the original lug nuts ran down the 5/8-18 threads on the new adapter studs OK, they seemed slightly loose. I assume the originals are BSW thread?
I didn't have enough lug nuts for all four new adapters anyway, so had these cone washers made up using an original lug nut base as a pattern. Sourced new nuts to go with them from McMaster-Carr that, together with the washers, look close to original lug nuts I think.
So now I finally have the tires, wheels and completed adapters to put on the C8, but with my current seven-days-a-week work schedule, I can't find the free time to install them!
Thanks, David

[David DeWeese]

Hi,
Had enough time this weekend to sandblast, prime and paint my wheels for the C8. Lots of rust pitting evident on one wheel after blasting, but a pitted wheel is certainly better than none at all.
Cleaned up the three original liners I had and used a new 16" liner for the fourth one. Cut it opposite of the valve stem hole and tapered the edges with a grinder. I believe David Pope had suggested this on a previous posting. Worked like a charm. Thanks for the good information!
Are the red nuts correct for the C8 wheels?
Also prepped and primed the adapters with epoxy sealer, and painted them. Hope the paint sticks as I have had problems with painting aluminum in the past....
Thanks, David

[Rob Fast]

I never realized four 13 inch rims/tires/adapters could look that good ! I am finding this thread as well as Davids a wealth of information. Thanks Rob

[Lynn Eades]

Maybe its that fine Dodge in the background that makes them look so good.
Enjoying your project, David. Thanks also.

[George McKenzie]

I just took a look at your site and it is much like alot of us . We buy a truck because we want it so bad and when we restore it ,it needs alot of work .The only C8 I know of in Alberta was sold to a fellow in ONT .It was a very nice original one that only needed a little work and a new paint job . If you want his address I can let you know where it is . I was in OK a few weeks ago and was going to go down your way but got snowed out .It was 10 deegrees warmer at home in northern AB .Keep up the good work George

[David DeWeese]

Hi,
Thanks Rob, Lynn and George for the encouragement! I need all I can get.
George, thanks for the offer about the information on the C8 owner you know about. Would like to see what he has.... And yes, we have had some very odd weather here in Texas this winter, with record low temperatures and snowfalls for the area.
Installed all the adapters and all but one of the C8 wheels today, and in spite of all the modifications I did, things went fairly smooth,(note that the cooling fins on the new brake drums are now removed, as they interfered with the 13" rims).
Added the longer wheel studs all around to accomodate the thicker mounting surfaces on the aluminum adapters.
Wheels and tires went on next, and I think it all doesn't look too shabby considering.....
I am glad to have this phase of the project behind me!
Thanks, David

[David DeWeese]

Was looking through my camera photos today, and thought someone might possibly enjoy this or find it useful:
Found out Saturday morning that the only 1/2" wheel studs long enough to use with the front adapters had splines too long and too large diameter to fit the stud holes in them.
Facing an entire weekend of good shop time wasted, another trip to the machine shop on Monday, and the thought of having to do lawn work or other badly-neglected household chores, I got desperate.... very desperate!
Chucked up the studs in my drill press, and placed a grinder in a vice with a horizontally adjustable base.
Worked like a charm, but....
Thanks, David