1954 Ford F-350 Rims???

jcrvt · New User Joined: 19 Aug 2009 Posts: 1 Report to Moderator

Hello. Hoping someone can help me. Looking at a '54 1 ton (F350) with dual rear wheels. (First vintage project) Plan to use it as a mobile platform for our farmers market setup. Trying to figure out the widow-maker rim issue on this rig. Has 6 lug 7.50 - 16LT tube-type tires mounted all around. Are these split rim? Are these original? Solid rim replacements available???

I'm more that 3 hrs away (1-way) and the owner is on the road nearly full-time, so it's hard to get specifics. Spent a lot of time online trying to research the problem. Also trying to figure if this is a project we can afford. Body is in good shape (Longbeach build) and motor (original 239 CID) seems strong. 4 spd syn transmission. Would only be a summer driver to farmers markets, occasional parade, etc. Will have lots more questions, probably before deciding and CERTAINLY after, if we do go forward. Thanks in advance for any help/thoughts!!!

IrishMike · Regular Joined: 05 Mar 2009 Posts: 86 Report to Moderator

Wheels are the bigest problem with the old ones.I do not know of any one-piece replacements, unless you get some from a custom wheel place like stokton wheel,etc. I am not sure, it has been too long, it it has split rims or lock rings. I am thinking it will have the lock ring type if it is a 1-ton. they are a little more dangerous to change, but are nothing like as deadly as the split rims. just get some one to change them that knows what they are doing and make sure they are in good shape. Many folks change these trucks over to the later 8-lug style wheels, easyer to get wheels and often times brake parts{ later model 1-ton rear axel & change fronts to later hubs}. you may want to check out the Ford truck site and follks there may have more or better ideas, Mike

truckdog62563 · Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 5:12 pm Post subject: Re: 1954 Ford F-350 Rims???

We've been down this road many times over on the Ford Truck Enthusiast's site. Your wheels, if they are the originals, are the widow maker style. Finding replacements is difficult. Stockton Wheel does make a wheel that they call their Power Wagon series. Expensive, but they are a solution. Ford went to tubeless 17.5" and 19.5" rims with your 6 lug x 7.25" bolt circle starting in 1956. You can look for a set of them, but it might be a long look. Dodge used a similar wheel. Here's the Ford Truck Enthusiast's site. Do a search there using the words "widow maker" and you"ll find a lot of info. Stu
FTE 1948 1960