1959 Chevy Viking wheels-widow maker?

help me out here. I have coming this 59 Chevy Viking. Are these rims "widow makers" Its a 6 bolt. But what size though? any thoughts on what rims would fit this if the old ones are better not to be used?

 

Can't tell by the one pic. How many rings does it have on the inside? One ring is usually OK, two rings, throw away.
Probably a 19" or 20". Should tell on the tire.

 

Is there a lip on inside the of the wheel? Some earlier wheels come apart in the center not the outer lip ( split ring ) . This type of wheel can come apart also . But think about two mated parts flexing and grinding the locking edges for all the years the truck has been on the road . Wearing down the locking edges.
What size is on the sidewall of the tire ?

 

The real widow makers do not have a split ring on one side.

Can't tell from the photo if it has a split ring or not.

The widow maker rims separated in the middle of the wheel, with like 1/4 turn.
With years of corrosion, even getting them apart can be impossible.
They were a bad design from the start.

Even most tire shops wont even do split ring wheels anymore, due to corrosion.

Bill

 

A locking ring wheel isn’t a widow maker.
http://www.fatfenderedtrucks.com/widowmaker.html

 

If wanting 22.5s, there is a 6 lug version. They were a factory option. Not impossible to find but not easy either.
There is also blank 22.5s that can be drilled

 

I agree with you Anthony, but every tire shop across the country will argue with you. I’m slowly replacing the split ring wheels on the 2 ton farm trucks . The shops around here charge $60-70 just to touch a split ring wheel.
Check out RV wheels. Some of those have 6 bolt wheels

 

Splits are do it yourself wheels.
I’ve sold a couple sets of wheels to older truck guys. I sold a nice set of 6 lug 22.5s. And a set of 5 lug 19.5s.
I e got one set of 5 lug 19.5s left and it’s rear axle.
I have a 66 C60 I got to pick up that has the big truck 10 bolt pattern

 

thanks for the info. Truck will be at the house soon. I will respond back with a few more pictures and info.

 

I had 2 1/2 ton Kaiser truck . It had safety rims ( locking ring ) 20 inch . I tossed them in favor or 22.5 one piece wheel .