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

[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...