'51 Chev 3-Ton rims

[Tim Dyer]

Hi all; I have an ex-RCAF '51 Chev Maple Leaf 3-ton dump. It runs and moves (no brakes!), is very solid, has 43,000 original miles and has the worst, motley-lot of bald tyres I have ever seen. I cannot get anyone to fit tyres to the rims because they are a split type. My business precludes me from taking the time to fit them myself. I am hoping someone can tell me what rims from later vehicles will fit and will keep Mr. Tyre Fitter happy. The truck has 21-inch diameter wheels, but I'm guessing that will have to change with more modern ones, and they are 5-bolt front and back. Does anyone know if later GM rims will fit and, if so, from what years and what models? Many thanks; Tim

[jim sewell]

Tim
The Maple Leaf trucks that I have encounted in Aust are 5 stud 20inch rims that will take a 8.25x20 or 9.00x20 tyre . I have not come across a 21 inch rim .

When you say they are split rims , are the 2 rim pieces held together by bolts or does the rim have a locking ring that locks the tyre on the rim .
Is the tyre fitter reluctant to fit the locking ring to an old rim and inflate the tyre.
A picture of the vehicle and rim would be great.
Regards
Jim S.

[Bob Carriere]

Good day Tim

Sounds like you been dealing with the wrong tire shops.

I have had more success dealing with rural farm tire shops than the regular truck tire shop.

The two piece rims are dangerous and can be deadly..... but so is a can of beer......

You might want to start by having the tires removed and the rims properly sand blasted and inspected for rust pitting and cracks.....

Speaking of cracks....... testing is very simple..... hang the rim and ring separately on a rope and wack it with a hammer.... if it rings nicely it is good....... if it sounds flat you have a crack that might not even be visible. Take the sandblasted rim and rubbed with an oil rag... let it sit for a while....cleanoff the oil.... let the rim sit in the sun..... watch the oil oozing where no apparent cracks could be seen before... I know it is not magnaflux but usually it works.

Once your rims are blasted clean and primed and painted you will find tire shop less difficult to deal with..... but you need to find one who has the proper tire cage and knowledge of those split rims..... once properly mounted that rings locks in place and is not likely to come apart by itself.........

You should consider taking a drive to the Far East and visit the Hammond Barn........ would also love to see your truck and see what engine is in that beast....... ever consider putting CMP axles under it and making it into a 4X4........

BooB

[Tim Dyer]

Hi Bob and Jim (and anyone else who might read this);

Thanks both of you for great information. I'm going to try attaching a photo of the truck with this and if it works, I'll send another post in the same thread with rim photos. Unfortunately, I have been officially diagnosed as being a member of the Technologically Impaired, so I don't think I can shrink the photos enough to get more than one, if any, on this post.

Anyway, I have totally mislead you both, I'm sorry to say. The truck does in fact have 20-inch rims. Tyres are 7.50-20's (what's left of them). I'm really new to this historic truck stuff, although quite mechanically-inclined, so do forgive my ignorance. I have been to rural farm tyre shops, rural truck tyre shops, hole-in-the wall tyre shops, mechanical repair shops that also fit tyres, etc. and I have explained to them that I think that the front rims, at least, are not the true widow-makers but are the locking ring type. They still won't work on them. As you say, maybe if I take them apart, sandblast, etc. then they may be more open, but I just don't have the time to do all that with my business. I know it sounds wasteful, but I just want to get another set of rims on, so I don't have to worry about it. Well, actually, if I knew I could ship the rims to someone and have tyres fitted, I'd do it. Do you know of anyone in Ontario that might oblige? I can't remember what type of rims I have on the back and the truck is an hour's drive away at a garage that's doing some mechanical work for me on it (again, I have no time to do it myself). Thanks for the great advice with how to tell if they're cracked. That might be useful. Here's goes with the first photo...Tim
No, it won't take it. Photo too big. Will look at your profiles, get your e-mail addresses and send them.