Re: 1951 Ford Split Rims
 

The two pictured are Firestone RH-5° widow makers. Please find replacements. The best replacement is the 22.5” that is the tubeless replacement for the 20” tube type. I know of at least one available set, perhaps two. They will not be cheap. The narrowest tire available today is the 9R22.5” that is the equal of the tube type 8.25”-20”.

I think I also know of a set of the 19.5” tubeless wheels. These would be much less costly than the 22.5s.

The safer locking side ring 20” wheels are the other option and can still be found in old yards, but living in MA you would have to watch for rust damage from decades sitting in rural yards. Private message me if you want contact info for the guys having the 19.5s and 22.5s. Stu

Re: 1951 Ford Split Rims
 

It's my understanding that 19.5, 5 lug Budds can be found on some motor homes. The old GMC was suggested to me.

Re: 1951 Ford Split Rims
 

No, those are the ones to avoid. The Ford and Dodge based 1960s/70s/80s Class As are the ones to look for. The GM based Class As use wheels having a 10 lug x 7.25” pattern. All 10 lugs are used on the rear axle while only 5 are used on the fronts. They put blanking plates over the centers covering the unused front lug holes.

The 19.5” is the technical replacement size for the 17” tube type. They fit the rear brake drums of the big Fords just fine, but the 8R19.5” tires will be shorter in diameter than the 20” or 22.5”. Few of these old big trucks are asked to drive the highways anymore so the reduced road speed isn’t normally a deal breaker. Some tire dealers might try to suggest the metric sized 225/70R19.5” which also is spec’d for the 6.00” wide rim, but these are shorter yet at 32” vs 34” for the 8R19.5”. Stu