VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc 1939 1/2 Ton Pickup Tube Rims

I am reviving my 1939 1/2 ton pickup and have successfully inflated the 40+ year-old tubes in the tires, which all need replacing. I would really appreciate the group's feedback on whether or not these original 1939 tube rims can also be used for tubeless tires. I have heard yes and no to this question so I'm bringing it to the experts! Below is a link to one of my '39 16" rims for reference.

As always, thank you for your input!

Mike

1939 16" Rim

There are many people who have successfully run tubeless tires on these rims.

The wheel must be in good condition. The bead area must be very clean and smooth. Otherwise the tire will not seal properly. You also need to make sure that there is no leakage around the rivets that connect the wheel disc to the rim.

One limitation is finding a narrow enough tubeless tire that will fit the 4” wide rim and still be tall enough to look correct on the truck.

FYI,
The wheel in your photo is correct only for a '37 or '38 passenger or 1/2 ton pickup. Notice that it has 8 "spokes". A '39 wheel center will meet the rim in 4 places.
I too have a '39 1/2 ton.

Mike

I agree that is a 1937-38 wheel .

Mike winters are you willing to sell any of those wheels.

I need one . I'm in San Diego

My early 38 Holden built 1/2 ton only has 4 contact points but would have to check if riveted or welded.
Tony

Thanks for all of the great info, everyone! Since these are the only rims I currently have, I'm going to have to hang on to them for now since this is going to be a multi-year revival! As much as I would like to keep everything 100% original, that would cost way too much on this old farm truck!

If, at some point, I choose to get new tubeless rims for the truck. I will let the board know if they are for sale!

Can anyone recommend a new 6 lug pattern tubeless rim I can use on the truck? It may just be easier to go that route than to try and get the tubeless rims to work. If I want a lower profile, can I run 15" inch rims instead of 16"?

Thanks again, everyone! I'm learning tons each time I put up a post!

Mike

Mike,
Your truck could have had '15 wheels as special equipment when it was new. Any 15 " Chevy 6 hole will fit your truck. Tubeless tires became available in the 50s and wheels started getting wider about the same time. Clips for hubcaps went away in the late 50s on Chevy truck wheels.

Mike

Thank you, Mike, Rusty 37 Master, Tony, and chevy b! It is great to be able to pick someone else's brain who also has a an old Chevy like my '39. Mine is a labor of love and, even after I get it up and running, it will still look like an old barn find farm truck. At some point, the original 216 was replaced with a 1952 passenger car 216 and I am working on getting the gauges, speedo cable, wiring, ignition, etc. all reconnected to the truck. It is still 6v and I believe it still has the '39 generator. I have many other questions that I will post in the near future in the appropriate sub-forums and I greatly appreciate the assistance from you and all of the other members!

Take care!

Mike

I think 1/2 ton Chev PU with 16" wheels of early 50s (not sure of late 40's) were 4-1/2" wide. Passenger cars with 16" wheels were only 4" wide. Maybe someone will/can verify this.

Dick

I know this may not be acceptable but as a temporary measure I have found that 78 (and possibley other models) Toyota land cruiser wheels fit onto my 38 truck. The only difference is the Toyota centre hole is larger than the Chev but for moving around the workshop is not going to affect anything.
Tony

Good to know! Thank you, Tony!!!

Mike

I ageee that the standard 1/2 ton truck wheel was 16x4 through 1949. As early as 1942 there was an optional 16x4.5 wheel with the 6.50x16 tire option.

I do not have information to confirm the size of standard wheel on a 1/2 ton truck in 1950. It was 16x4.5 in 1951.

Thanks Rusty 37 Master!!!

Mike