I need rims for model tt truck wheels of 20 inches

[Mhayes2107]

I have a 1921 model TT truck that I am restoring. It originally came with the solid rubber tires. They were in extremely poor condition and I wanted to go to regular rubber pneumatic tires.

I should add that the the original wheels that I got were not on the mountable.

I was able to secure the fellows and had the wheels done by George Garraghan in Sonora. The new Spoke wheels and fellow looked great.

However since I was not able to get the rubber off of the rims and since they were not in the mountable I had to come up with a set of rims to go on the 20 inch wheels on the back of the truck. I was able to secure some Hayes wheels and when I had trouble filling them I was told they needed to be “notched“. I did that and the wheels fit except that the welded on bolt keeper does not lineup.That is why I need to get my hands on a set of 20 inch model TT truck rims so I can complete my project.

If anybody has 20 inch wheel rims for a TT truck that they are willing to sell I would be deeply in your
debt.

Mhayes2107@gmail.com. Mike

[tom_strickling]

Good 20" rims are hard to find. Here is a set, not mine. Kind of pricey.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/1925-1926-1927 ... SwxatfkyZ0

[Burger in Spokane]

You are aware that TT rear wheels were 23" through 1923 ? The 20" wheels
were not offered until 1924. 23" rims are easier to find.

[Mhayes2107]

I am now aware that 20 inch wheels only began being offered in 1924 forward. The 20 inch wheels or what I could get. I then had George Garrigan Do the wooden spokes. He did a beautiful job and I hated to see him retire from the business. I am not making a A truck that would be qualified to be in a judged contest as period correct. I am endeavoring to completely rebuild it and do the best job I can. I am learning as I go. I am also having a great deal of fun seeing it come together and learning about the truck and model T cars in particular.

The one thing I have learned is that everyone in this Hobby is willing to help another. I really appreciate that.

I’ve met some wonderful individuals through the forum. I’ll take to help any where I can get it.

so to Mr. Burger and Mr. Strickling: Thank you for your responses. They were both extremely helpful

[TWrenn]

Mike...having gone through the same difficulty years ago for my '26 firetruck, I strongly suggest you try the link below.
I looked at Tom Stricklings link, unless you bought those from ebay, they are already sold. I took a close look at those, and I would be scared to death to put those on my TT if I still had it! In fact, the rims I replaced with brand new ones from Universal, looked even better, yet my tire installer refused to touch them as he said they were "shot", the metal gets thin, etc. These kind of rims you
absolutely CAN'T take a chance on! They don't call them widow-makers for nothing. My grandparents owned a tire shop years ago, and had an employee lose his arm from one exploding! Just my opinion. But I was glad I "bucked up" the money and bought new one's. It also helped on the re-sale of the truck.

https://www.universaltire.com/vintage-r ... g-rim.html

[Mhayes2107]

I did buy the eBay Rims from Tom Strickling on eBay. He has a 30 return policy. I did not realize I was buying the widow maker rim. So I still need a good set for the tt rear wheels. I called universal to verify their 20 inch wide would work. They had no idea

If you could tell me the size you bought (or part number if you have it) I would be in your debt

The rims I bought will be in Texas when we arrive next Saturday. Yup we are running from California.

If anyone has two safe serviceable rims I would buy them of course.

[Burger in Spokane]

Helping is what this is all about. I decided to get off my dead ass and fulfill a
childhood dream of owning/driving a TT flatbed after a close call in AFG got me
thinking this could all end at any moment. I came home and bought a rough one,
them bought a decent original to spare the wifeperson another drawn out car
project. I was as green as green could be about T's five years ago. There is
still a lot I don't know, but I don't feel so totally lost like I did before, and just
heading off in the truck doesn't worry me about breakdowns and problems. Most
can be fixed up quick and I am back on the road. I am sure you will love the
experience of just hitting the road. The smiles it will put on everyone's faces,
wherever you go. I USE mine, so people see me all over town hauling lumber
and rocks and firewood. This REALLY seems to amuse people. I don't think I'd
get more attention if I landed a flying saucer somewhere.

[Jeepbone1]

I had the same problem when I got my TT. When I took the tires off, the rims all but fell apart. So that got me thinking about another direction. Now we’re making up a set of adapters to run 19” wire wheels all around the the truck. 19” tires are way cheaper than those 20” options.

Just my 2¢
Brad

[tom_strickling]

Just to clarify I was not the seller:


"Good 20" rims are hard to find. Here is a set, not mine. Kind of pricey."

These rims are not exactly the same as the "widow makers" Having said that be careful when you air up.

[MNCANUCK]

I found out that the AA rim is the same as the 20" TT, you just have to remove the disc portion. If
the bolt holes are cracked they are no good for AA but are great to modify for a TT. Just saying!

[StanHowe]

I think I have a decent set of 20 inch rims. They are the snap ring type originals.
If you are interested let me know and I will go to the ranch and check them.
They are the only thing that fits the wooden wheels.
If they are not rusty and the snap ring or wheel ruined they work fine if you mount them correctly.

[Dropacent]

Tom is correct. Those on eBay are not “widow makers”, and I think were well bought. They can hurt or kill you if not inflated properly, as will about any tire. After you get them cleaned and finished up, take them to a good tire shop that does a lot of truck work. Make sure you get straight stems on your tubes. The tire dealers will sent you bent stems unless you tell them not to.

[Henry K. Lee]

I have some original 20" Chevy outer wheels which will mount over a TT but you need to re-drill the hole foe the valve stem and use the Jaxon clamps. An option!

All the Best,

Hank