Split Rim Wheels (1958) ? How can I replace tires?

[guy74]

Re: Split Rim Wheels (1958) ? How can I replace tires?

Buy new rims and tires. You'll ruin the tires trying to seperate them. Tire/rim assemblies are just a few dollars more than just tires.

That is a common size bolt hole pattern.

I don't think, by looking at your pictures and by your description that those are the common 4 on 4inch pattern wheels. On the utility trailer that I had with that kind of wheel on it, the bolt pattern was 4 on 3 3/4inch. Your description of 4 1/4 inches from outside to outside, and the holes look to be 1/2 inch dia. would make yours 4 on 3 3/4 inch also. I redrilled my hubs to use 4 on 4inch wheels. I hope I'm wrong on guessing that those are nonstandard hubs, but they sure don't look to be standard.

 

[DelArmy]

Re: Split Rim Wheels (1958) ? How can I replace tires?

Vic.S and Guy74, you two are correct. These are not standard hubs. They are 3 3/4" studs on center. I had bought new current day tires and wheels, but would have to woble out the holes to make them fit. Didn't really want to do that. I thought maybe someone had actually had this problem themselves and found a more "stock" solution. There had to of been a lot of these trailers produced back in the 50's. Thanks to all of you for your input!!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Split Rim Wheels (1958) ? How can I replace tires?

out dated, antiquated, out of production. you may have to completely change axle, and hubs to new system. probably cheaper in the long run, cause next time you will have the same problem.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Split Rim Wheels (1958) ? How can I replace tires?

The wheels you describe are like these where the two wheel halves are bolted together in between the stud holes. (1st pic)

Those are not the man killer split ring type found on older semi trucks and farm tractors.your wheel bolt pattern is to be measure from center of one stud to center of second stud from first stud. Not the two closest studs. (2nd pic)

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Split Rim Wheels (1958) ? How can I replace tires?

I have seperated tire beads from rims by jacking up a car with a floor jack and lowering it's tire onto the sidewall of the tire I am trying to seperate from the rim.

I would do as Bruce described, sort of.............

Get a hunk of 2x10 wood.
nail some other 2x2 pieces to the 2x10 in a circle little bit bigger than the outer diameter of the rim.
Place rim on ground under car.
Place 2x10 on rim so that when using a bottle jack or even a floor jack inbetween the 2x10 and the car, it will push the tire off the bead.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Split Rim Wheels (1958) ? How can I replace tires?

I've dealt with two piece 8" wheels before, they are also common on lawn equipment and some hand trucks. I normally break the bead free in a large bench vise before separating the two halves of the rim. I also like to replace the bolts that hold the two halves of the rim together if they show any signs of rust or wear.
The tires should be available, try a larger tire dealer or lawn center. Make sure the tires you get are DOT certified and not just meant for off road or lawn use.
If the rubber is really well adhered, you might have to either try soaking it free or using a wire wheel on a bench grinder to clean the rim of the old rubber.
If the tires are original, there's a good chance that the original wire bead rusted away completely inside the tire rubber. Some of the really older trailers are pretty primitive, not only the tires and rims can be odd, but some of the early suspension systems are also pretty strange by todays standards.

If it were mine, I'd seriously consider upgrading at least the wheels to something more modern, if you have a tire fail while on the road, and it's not a common size, you may be stuck for a while, and looking at a tow bill.
If you decide to fix what you have, if you find spare parts, I'd buy them to have on hand and carry more than one spare just in case.