alanhaley Posted July 2, 2009 Report Posted July 2, 2009 My daughter and I bought a 51 Dodge and a 48 parts truck three years ago. We are close to putting it on the road but have hit a problem that we cant seem to get by. The wheels that came on both trucks were an odd ball assortment of mostly junk but I cant find any other rims to use. The truck is a two ton (according to the serial number off the parts truck) and it takes a 6 bolt rim with a 7.25 dia pattern. I am getting kind of desperate as we have been working on this issue for a while now. What do you all think of this idea? I will cut out the center of the old wheels as I have four that have a dead flat surface right out to the rim itself. I will take the cut out, dress it up, center it on a 16" ford rim that looks similar to the dodge's rims, and weld it in place. After welding up the unused holes on the ford rim, I will use the bolt holes in the Dodge rim as a guide to drill new holes through the new rim. The center of the rim will be about a quarter inch thicker but the studs on the drum are long enough to accomodate. The center holes for the hub are slightly different but I can enlarge the ford rim with a plasma cutter, using the dodge center, now welded up to the rim, as a guide. What do you think of this as a plan? Am I crazy to let my daughter drive this thing with rims like this? Has anyone done anything similar? Quote
PatS.... Posted July 2, 2009 Report Posted July 2, 2009 According to a local big rig tire dealer, there are new 6X7.25 non-split rims available. I was looking for my '46 Fargo but it has moved on to my nephew and I didn't pursue the rims. Might be worth checking out. I would be leery of welded up wheels myself. On my '62 Dodge, which has oddball split rims, I found that the brake drums on my '75 Champion Motorhome are direct swaps for the '62, giving me modern solid 8 bolt rims. Quote
David Muma Posted July 2, 2009 Report Posted July 2, 2009 Alan... if you find some suitable rims to weld your centers into please post what the rims are from. I have been planning on doing the same thing but have been unable to find a rim that will fit the centers from the old wheels. Not sixteen inch ones anyway. Quote
Guest Kuster13 Posted July 2, 2009 Report Posted July 2, 2009 I have seen tubeless rims on mid 50's Ford 1 tons with the 6 on 7.25 bolt pattern. Stockton Wheel sells rims with this bolt pattern but they are pricey. I haven't as yet been able to find any other wheel manufacturer that put out these wheels. Tom Quote
smallblockjunkie Posted July 3, 2009 Report Posted July 3, 2009 I would not put anyone in this truck with wheels done like that Quote
grey beard Posted July 3, 2009 Report Posted July 3, 2009 Alan, Don't know where you live, but my son who lives in Montana has five B series Dodge parts trucks - all 1 1/2 or 2 ton sizes. If you are not too far away, just let me know. Quote
alanhaley Posted July 3, 2009 Author Report Posted July 3, 2009 Alan,Don't know where you live, but my son who lives in Montana has five B series Dodge parts trucks - all 1 1/2 or 2 ton sizes. If you are not too far away, just let me know. I live in central maine but the shipping costs might be worth it if the rims are in workable shape. Can I contact your son? Quote
alanhaley Posted July 3, 2009 Author Report Posted July 3, 2009 I have two right now that are large enough if this idea works. My next door neighbor, a slightly wacked elderly man, has a forest full of junk and he gave them to me. He says they come from a ford duel wheel truck. The plate section with the bolt pattern is flat and large enough to fit everything. I will have to enlarge the center hole. Do you suppose there is a part number stamped on these things? Quote
alanhaley Posted July 3, 2009 Author Report Posted July 3, 2009 I would not put anyone in this truck with wheels done like that If the weld is clean, what do you think might happen? Is there an issue with heating up the metal and not tempering it out? Quote
olddodgeguy Posted July 3, 2009 Report Posted July 3, 2009 We have been building rims like that for many years for use on our stock cars. Have never broken one yet and I'm sure they are subject to much more abuse than a street wheel. Just make sure everything is lined up properly and balance them. Good luck! Mike Quote
Frank Elder Posted July 3, 2009 Report Posted July 3, 2009 If the weld is clean, what do you think might happen? Is there an issue with heating up the metal and not tempering it out? If properly executed the weld is stronger than the surrounding metal.....not a problem, how did you think stock rims were built in the first place smallblock? Quote
buds truck Posted July 3, 2009 Report Posted July 3, 2009 the problem would not be that it was welded, but in the quality of the weld. is the person welding qualified to know how to set the welder to get the proper penetration? Just because you can lay down a bead does not mean it is a good, safe weld. If your well versed in welding all different thicknesses of steel, then by all means go for it, if not, how much is your life or your childs life worth if it breaks off on the highway? This advise and a buck will buy ya a cup of coffee at Dennys Bud Quote
48Dodger Posted July 4, 2009 Report Posted July 4, 2009 Stockcar driving is different than street driving. Doing it the way you described, suggests that the holes may not be truly centered. The variations would make for a bunch of problems in the form of tire shake and suspension abuse. Rough ride in other words. Even if you weld everything solid, the performance might be disappointing. Of course you could do it, just may not be worth it. I have to believe your rims are out there somewhere. 48D Quote
alanhaley Posted July 4, 2009 Author Report Posted July 4, 2009 Stockcar driving is different than street driving. Doing it the way you described, suggests that the holes may not be truly centered. The variations would make for a bunch of problems in the form of tire shake and suspension abuse. Rough ride in other words. Even if you weld everything solid, the performance might be disappointing. Of course you could do it, just may not be worth it. I have to believe your rims are out there somewhere. 48D You would think that with all the connections today, they would be easy to find, but I have to say, Ive been looking for a year and half with little success. Stockton will make up the wheel for $187 and shipping, probably another 40 or so per wheel. I cant find anyone who will make a conversion set for the rims due to the size of the center hole and the unusual placement of the studs. One machine shop offered to due a two part arrangemnt for $800 a piece. I'm sure I will figure this one out . . . . I hope i will figure this one out. My daughter wants to take this truck to school with her and she is graduating soon. Quote
smallblockjunkie Posted July 4, 2009 Report Posted July 4, 2009 i was not talking aboit the welds frankie47. i was talking about drilling out holes and unbalanced wheels maybe you should test ride them first Quote
Frank Elder Posted July 4, 2009 Report Posted July 4, 2009 Sorry small, as a proffessional welder I am a little biased.:eek:Your point is valid and safety should always come first. Quote
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