16" 8 bolt Split Rims for 1.5 ton Australian Chevrolet Trucks

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Philippe Jeanneau

The funny thing is that the sketch with the measurement of 475 mm or (18-45/64") corresponds to the truck in the Australian museum with 10-50-16 tires... I'm inclined to say that this 16" (10 bolt) wheel might be at least 7" wide or so, given the information I have from Stuart... For some added perspective, my solid 16"x 8" wheels measure 446.8 mm or (17-9/16") and still accommodate a 9.50-16 tire... So the true size, or circumference must be the area in contact with the tire bead... Both would have to be the same. Anything outside of that area is obviously irrelevant and may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer... Does that make sense?

To touch on Andrew H. comment, I have the earlier truck, identical to a WA model, which I have seen with solid 16" wheels (IWM) and what seems to be 16" split wheels (laying in the dessert) but I may be mistaken. Maybe someone else can shed light into that mystery also...

Rest assured that if I could get my hands on a bunch of CMP wheels (or any suitable wartime wheel for a Chevrolet) I would cut them and re center them to fit the bolt circle and backspace of my truck... But there is nothing like that here in USA...

Hello Philippe,

Re. "does that make sense?": as to the measurement of wheels, I compared Stuarts measurements with the basics of wheel geometry:

The wheel diameter is measured at the tyre bead location. So the subject wheel has a diameter of 16", which means that 16" tyres will fit. Apparently Stuart measured the diameter from flange to flange, obviously more than 16". The rim width is also measured at tyre bead level. This will probably be 7", given the overall rim width is approx 9.5".

The pictures you posted of the Chevrolet WA (they state it is a WB) at the IWM show a single piece rim not unlike the one you have on your truck. You plan to add a fatter tyre and plan to have tyres manufactured. I do understand you'd like the diamond sand pattern, but you could also see if a tyre like the 11.00-16 Michelin XZL is available in your region. It has a nice chunky military appearance and they are obviously larger than bar tread 9.00-16 tyres.

If you want to fit split rims, chances are one of the Canadian MLU members could source a set of 4 or 5 standard 16" W.D. spilt rims for you, strap them to a pallet and have them shipped to Florida via a backload or grouped transport. If you're not in a hurry shipping should not break the bank. Just place a wanted ad on here and see what the reactions are.

Or just use the yellow rim you posted if those fit your hubs already.

I agree with Adrew, let's not make this too academic. You've got a great truck as it is, finding the unfindable wheels and going down the path of having tyres manufactured, will not add much joy to owning this truck. Well that just my 2 cents worth

131.gif thumbnail_LRDG Wheel.jpg

[Philippe Jeanneau]

Hello Hanno,

You're absolutely right, the differences in the measurements have to do with wheel geometry, so we're in complete agreement... Indeed, I tried to recreate the solid wheels from the truck (wish I could see the data tag) at the IWM as best I could; first, finding a company willing to do it and then dealing with whatever new materials were currently available. Aside from the technical constraints of not having the original HD Timken hubs on the front axle...

At any rate, it is done, and I'm happy with that...BUT, by adding a fatter tire I only wanted to again, be closer to the original as possible, and with a pattern used back then...At almost 35" x 10" the original Goodyear R-3's would fill the wheel well nicely, as opposed to the 32" x 9" profile of the current model. Yet, I picked the R3's because they were the only thing available, and the closest available in size...

While on the subject still, I would prefer the Dunlop Sand Tire (similar to modern turf tire) but there is only one person with a set in the world, and appears it will remain that way... I cannot find any information whatsoever, other than "Reinforced for Heavy Service" don't know what the model was called back then, or any construction details... So again, I went with what I could find here and now... As for the 11.00-16 Michelin XZL's the only few available in new condition were priced at almost $700.00 USD from a Dodge Power Wagon dealer! so you can understand why at that point I thought, buy some tires that are reasonable now, and then make a bloody mold-produce a tire that will be proportionate, as the WWII tire was...

The other problem with the Michelin 11.00-16 XZL tire is the size... At about 38"in diameter it is way too tall for the front end of the truck... The 900-16's might be the closest to the truck at 36.1", but again they're unobtanium... So round and round we go!...

As for the split rims, I think I am going to go your route, since so far, I cannot find anyone to make them... Amazingly, the yellow rim looks identical to the wartime rim but I am yet to receive a go on that with my specifications...

I wasn't trying to be too academic (I know the topic has been beaten to death to some extent) but, just like my truck cannot really be a frontline LRDG truck because of the cab, I have to find another role for it that would be plausible... As I appreciate Andrew's insight/information regarding the WA trucks on his list, I do not want to take away in any shape, miss-represent be disrespectful or grossly inaccurate by borrowing one of the truck numbers... So, I still need help in that area...

The unfindable wheels are in Australia, the unfindable tires in the UK... They may not add much more joy, but unfortunately for me, I'd love to have them, for I am a perfectionist!

Thank you, I do get your point, though the other side, the satisfaction is knowing the intricate details of how it was built, even though I may never be able to do it myself...

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Philippe Jeanneau

Thank you, I do get your point, though the other side, the satisfaction is knowing the intricate details of how it was built, even though I may never be able to do it myself...

I recognise that and you are to be recommended for getting the details right