Split rims & Door Panels - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

70GMCer · 10-03-2005, 06:24 PM

I was at a local yard yesterday, and found a 68 C20 lwb w/wood floor, and split wheel rims all away around. I didn't know that these year GM trucks came with those. I didn't think to see what the size was, but all wheels still had the dog dish hubcaps on. Also, this truck has the steel door panels attached with the steel top bead. The bead is just plain steel though, not chrome or stainless like I've always seen. Anyone else know about these things on this truck? This had the complete gauge dash, that I took. This was also a 3spd manual with sb that was either a 327 or 307.

stllookn · 10-03-2005, 07:31 PM

Were the hubcaps polished stainless steel or the painted ones? What condition were they in? The rims could have been either 16 or 16.5 since both were available in split rims in '68 and were the most common on the 3/4 tons.

Longhorn Man · 10-03-2005, 09:40 PM

yep...my 72 longhorn parts truck has split rims.

Robert1970C20rstbukt · 10-03-2005, 10:52 PM

When we bought a cab from a 1970 chevy the door panels had the same door panel retainers, probably because the truck was a standard low options truck. It didn't have stainless trim around the windows and the vent window frames were black, and not chrome. The cab on my truck(not original) was ordered with a lot of deluxe options and has stainlees trim on the front and back windows, chrome door panel retainers, the deluxe scroll pattern door panels with woodgrain trim, and chrome vent windows. My truck was originally a standard C/20 with a flatbed, not a lot of options.

Most of the trucks that were used on farms were ordered with split rims, my truck had 'em. I still use one for a spare, but I'm going with tubeless 16's in the front and 16.5's in the back. I had one that was so rusty the lock ring wouldn't even seat on the rim all the way, so I'm using it for the base of a BBQ pit stand.

longhorn71 · 10-04-2005, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert1970C20rstbukt

..I had one that was so rusty the lock ring wouldn't even seat on the rim all the way, so I'm using it for the base of a BBQ pit stand.

that is the best place for a split rim IMO.most tire shops here will not even work on them anymore(split rims are called "WIDOW MAKERS")lots of 3/4 and 1tons had them then.most 3/4 tons here ran 16.5 ones but a few had 17" split rims

Most 1-tons here ran 18" split rims.The 18" tires cannot be found at all for these rims now

stllookn · 10-04-2005, 12:51 AM

Did the hubcaps on that truck look like this? These are the polished stainless with the CST option. The standard hubcaps were painted silver but otherwise identical. I would be interested in them if they are in excellent shape.

Longhorn Man · 10-04-2005, 05:19 AM

I hear in PA you can't get an inspection sticker with split rims mounted.
I say fire pit, or burried in the yard.

70GMCer · 10-04-2005, 06:00 AM

The caps are painted and have small dents in them.....they do have the same design as the stainless shown here.....Again, didn't know about the rims....I do now.....

TP from Cntl PA · 10-04-2005, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

I hear in PA you can't get an inspection sticker with split rims mounted.
I say fire pit, or burried in the yard.

Don't know who told you that...........But it isn't true. I am still running them on my C-20. And I'll keep running them until I find a set of rim off a new body style GM 3/4 ton.

Longhorn Man · 10-04-2005, 03:23 PM

Interesting...is yours registered as a farm truck, or comercial truck by chance?
I wonder if your area just overlooks that...but not likely with the sticklers they are about your inspections.

Thanks for correcting me.

TP from Cntl PA · 10-04-2005, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Interesting...is yours registered as a farm truck, or comercial truck by chance?
I wonder if your area just overlooks that...but not likely with the sticklers they are about your inspections.

Thanks for correcting me.

Nope, just a regular pickup................Actually, a true farm truck is exempt from inspection and is covered by the farms insurance policy so you don't actually need to carry insurance on the truck either. We had our '69 C-10 like that for a time. Only thing that honestly HAS to work is the lights, if that makes any sense

Commercial trucks go through the same inspection process as any other truck here too.

I took an inspection course for my I. Liscense four years ago now, and nothing was in the books then, left the auto field and haven't kept up with it, but I haven't heard anything to the contrairy.

Most of us farmers, for better or worse, still run splits on our 2-ton farm trucks and they pass inspections.............

bucket · 10-04-2005, 08:46 PM

i still run splits on mine. was going to get rid of them but the tire place where i get used tires for them asked "why? they are stout & safe as long as your not inflating them. get a flat, bring it in." this place services 18 wheelers and such so they act like mine are a cakewalk.

my farmer relatives are the same way. they like them since they can change tires in the field.

should we start a "split rim club"? insane people only need join.

honestly...i'm scared to death of em.

Spoof · 10-05-2005, 12:01 AM

I put inflating split rims right up there on the pucker factor.

TP from Cntl PA · 10-05-2005, 11:22 AM

I change my own tires and never had a problem with these little ones, actually they work well...........I was shown to put our loader bucket over them with just enough room to get to the valve stem, so if the ring blows it just smacks the bottom of the loader bucket. Like bucket said, they of ok once inflated, because they blow while airing up.

Now the large splits are dangerous.............

68haywagon · 10-05-2005, 11:42 AM

Umm what exactly is a split rim

I've heard the term and heard about people loosing fingers, hands, etc.

Any pics so I can see? I've never owned anything with split rims and my neighdor ditched his before he brought the truck home so I never saw one.

Thanks,
Mike

EDIT: Well I googled it, but didn't find any good pictures...I think I understand it now though

TP from Cntl PA · 10-05-2005, 02:44 PM

haywagon, stllookn posted a picture of a split rim. Basically a removeable metal ring is on the outside of the rim where the tire bead rests up against. They are dangerous as the ring can blow off while inflating the tire.
Tire shops have cages made out of heavy wall pipes that you put the tire/split rim in to inflate, and if it blows the ring is held in by the cage, so it can't fly like a rocket into someone.

barn9 · 10-05-2005, 02:57 PM

Split rims are insidious devices that have maimed and killed way too many people. There is nothing cool about them whatsoever, and the scrap yard IS the proper place for them, 'cause they should not be on any vehicle that has an alternative available.

68haywagon · 10-05-2005, 03:25 PM

OK I understand now!

I know they are dangerous, I've heard many stories Just never understood what it was. I think there is only one or two tires places here that will touch them.

Thanks,
Mike

**chevy71super** · 10-05-2005, 03:37 PM

Don't assume that a split rim once inflated is safe. I work for an insurance company we've had numerous losses from split rims, and at least one fatality claim that I know of. (Two guys were transporting a split rim in the back of a pickup. When they got to the yard they unloaded it by the one guy rolling it off the tailgate. When the tire hit the ground, about a 3 foot drop, the ring let go and hit the guy standing on the ground. Massive chest injuries killed him almost immediately.)

CyberRanger · 10-07-2005, 09:29 PM

If installed correctly light duty split rims don't come apart... someone in the above instance screwed up. I've done hundreds of them... ya just gotta pay attention & know when they aren't done right. They're nice in that you can change a tire in a pinch w/o a machine or many tools, but dangerous as hell in inexperienced hands--like a lot of things.

When put together properly, they are a safe as any wheel. The dangerous wheels where the Dayton style on many older HD trucks & trailers. Even if you did everything right, they could kill ya or take off a limb.

bigdog69 · 10-08-2005, 06:36 PM

There is a difference between the rims you are talking about, actually called two piece rims, and true split rims. Split rims DO NOT have a ring, they look like a tubeless rim when together but are set up to lock together with a motion like the childproof caps on drug bottles. The rims are two pieces that lock together in the center of the wheel width, with time the "locks" rust out and cause the failure of the wheel. That is why these rims are outlawed today.

10-03-2005, 06:24 PM	#1
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Split rims & Door Panels I was at a local yard yesterday, and found a 68 C20 lwb w/wood floor, and split wheel rims all away around. I didn't know that these year GM trucks came with those. I didn't think to see what the size was, but all wheels still had the dog dish hubcaps on. Also, this truck has the steel door panels attached with the steel top bead. The bead is just plain steel though, not chrome or stainless like I've always seen. Anyone else know about these things on this truck? This had the complete gauge dash, that I took. This was also a 3spd manual with sb that was either a 327 or 307. __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

10-03-2005, 07:31 PM	#2
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Were the hubcaps polished stainless steel or the painted ones? What condition were they in? The rims could have been either 16 or 16.5 since both were available in split rims in '68 and were the most common on the 3/4 tons. __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

10-03-2005, 10:52 PM	#4
Robert1970C20rstbukt Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Beeville, Texas Posts: 1,943	When we bought a cab from a 1970 chevy the door panels had the same door panel retainers, probably because the truck was a standard low options truck. It didn't have stainless trim around the windows and the vent window frames were black, and not chrome. The cab on my truck(not original) was ordered with a lot of deluxe options and has stainlees trim on the front and back windows, chrome door panel retainers, the deluxe scroll pattern door panels with woodgrain trim, and chrome vent windows. My truck was originally a standard C/20 with a flatbed, not a lot of options. Most of the trucks that were used on farms were ordered with split rims, my truck had 'em. I still use one for a spare, but I'm going with tubeless 16's in the front and 16.5's in the back. I had one that was so rusty the lock ring wouldn't even seat on the rim all the way, so I'm using it for the base of a BBQ pit stand. __________________ RJD 1984 Chevrolet C30 welding truck 454/SM465 1977 GMC C15 pickup 350/TH350 1970 Chevrolet C20 pickup 350/TH400 1970 Chevrolet K20 Suburban 454/TH350 1969 GMC 8500 478M V6/5 spd winch truck Last edited by Robert1970C20rstbukt; 10-03-2005 at 10:54 PM.

10-04-2005, 12:51 AM	#6
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Did the hubcaps on that truck look like this? These are the polished stainless with the CST option. The standard hubcaps were painted silver but otherwise identical. I would be interested in them if they are in excellent shape. Attached Images __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary) Last edited by stllookn; 10-04-2005 at 12:52 AM.

10-04-2005, 06:00 AM	#8
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	The caps are painted and have small dents in them.....they do have the same design as the stainless shown here.....Again, didn't know about the rims....I do now..... __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

10-03-2005, 09:40 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	yep...my 72 longhorn parts truck has split rims.

10-04-2005, 05:19 AM	#7
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I hear in PA you can't get an inspection sticker with split rims mounted. I say fire pit, or burried in the yard.

10-04-2005, 03:23 PM	#10
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Interesting...is yours registered as a farm truck, or comercial truck by chance? I wonder if your area just overlooks that...but not likely with the sticklers they are about your inspections. Thanks for correcting me.

10-04-2005, 08:46 PM	#12
bucket Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 923	i still run splits on mine. was going to get rid of them but the tire place where i get used tires for them asked "why? they are stout & safe as long as your not inflating them. get a flat, bring it in." this place services 18 wheelers and such so they act like mine are a cakewalk. my farmer relatives are the same way. they like them since they can change tires in the field. should we start a "split rim club"? insane people only need join. honestly...i'm scared to death of em.

10-05-2005, 12:01 AM	#13
Spoof Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Victoria,BC, Canada Posts: 1,300	I put inflating split rims right up there on the pucker factor. __________________ 71 GMC 1500 LWB

10-05-2005, 11:22 AM	#14
TP from Cntl PA Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Central PA....In the Berg of Nisbet Posts: 790	I change my own tires and never had a problem with these little ones, actually they work well...........I was shown to put our loader bucket over them with just enough room to get to the valve stem, so if the ring blows it just smacks the bottom of the loader bucket. Like bucket said, they of ok once inflated, because they blow while airing up. Now the large splits are dangerous............. __________________ '72 K-20 EFI'ed 250 Inline/4spd stake body, Farm Truck '71 C-20 Cummins Diesel Powered, In storage thanks to $5.00 diesel! '69 3500 GMC 305V-6/4spd, Still under reconstruction.......... Inlines Rule! 6 soldiers standing is better than 8 laying down!!!!!!!!

10-05-2005, 11:42 AM	#15
68haywagon I'm watching you! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Levittown, PA Posts: 1,822	Umm what exactly is a split rim I've heard the term and heard about people loosing fingers, hands, etc. Any pics so I can see? I've never owned anything with split rims and my neighdor ditched his before he brought the truck home so I never saw one. Thanks, Mike EDIT: Well I googled it, but didn't find any good pictures...I think I understand it now though __________________ 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 4WD 1993 Chevrolet C-1500 W/T - Blue - 4.3L V-6, 4 speed auto - Dad's (RIP) 1992 Chevrolet S10 - LS swap project 1968 Chevrolet C-10 longbed fleetside - sold Last edited by 68haywagon; 10-05-2005 at 11:49 AM.

10-05-2005, 02:44 PM	#16
TP from Cntl PA Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Central PA....In the Berg of Nisbet Posts: 790	haywagon, stllookn posted a picture of a split rim. Basically a removeable metal ring is on the outside of the rim where the tire bead rests up against. They are dangerous as the ring can blow off while inflating the tire. Tire shops have cages made out of heavy wall pipes that you put the tire/split rim in to inflate, and if it blows the ring is held in by the cage, so it can't fly like a rocket into someone. __________________ '72 K-20 EFI'ed 250 Inline/4spd stake body, Farm Truck '71 C-20 Cummins Diesel Powered, In storage thanks to $5.00 diesel! '69 3500 GMC 305V-6/4spd, Still under reconstruction.......... Inlines Rule! 6 soldiers standing is better than 8 laying down!!!!!!!!

10-05-2005, 02:57 PM	#17
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	Split rims are insidious devices that have maimed and killed way too many people. There is nothing cool about them whatsoever, and the scrap yard IS the proper place for them, 'cause they should not be on any vehicle that has an alternative available. __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

10-05-2005, 03:25 PM	#18
68haywagon I'm watching you! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Levittown, PA Posts: 1,822	OK I understand now! I know they are dangerous, I've heard many stories Just never understood what it was. I think there is only one or two tires places here that will touch them. Thanks, Mike __________________ 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 4WD 1993 Chevrolet C-1500 W/T - Blue - 4.3L V-6, 4 speed auto - Dad's (RIP) 1992 Chevrolet S10 - LS swap project 1968 Chevrolet C-10 longbed fleetside - sold



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10-05-2005, 03:37 PM	#19
chevy71super Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: So Cal Posts: 658	Don't assume that a split rim once inflated is safe. I work for an insurance company we've had numerous losses from split rims, and at least one fatality claim that I know of. (Two guys were transporting a split rim in the back of a pickup. When they got to the yard they unloaded it by the one guy rolling it off the tailgate. When the tire hit the ground, about a 3 foot drop, the ring let go and hit the guy standing on the ground. Massive chest injuries killed him almost immediately.) __________________ 71 Cheyenne Super 4X4 SB 72 Cheyenne Super 4X4 SB 72 Cheyenne 4X4 SB

10-07-2005, 09:29 PM	#20
CyberRanger Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: North Central Colorado Posts: 38	If installed correctly light duty split rims don't come apart... someone in the above instance screwed up. I've done hundreds of them... ya just gotta pay attention & know when they aren't done right. They're nice in that you can change a tire in a pinch w/o a machine or many tools, but dangerous as hell in inexperienced hands--like a lot of things. When put together properly, they are a safe as any wheel. The dangerous wheels where the Dayton style on many older HD trucks & trailers. Even if you did everything right, they could kill ya or take off a limb. __________________ '71 K20 Custom Deluxe - 1 owner - Original 350 & 4 spd, Rams horn dual exhaust, Centerforce clutch, K&N 4"x15", factory tow hooks, 4" Skyjacker Softride, Rancho RSX9000s, custom Firestone AirRide overloads, 36" 305/85R16 10ply Buckshot Mudders, 4.11 gears

10-08-2005, 06:36 PM	#21
bigdog69 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 17	There is a difference between the rims you are talking about, actually called two piece rims, and true split rims. Split rims DO NOT have a ring, they look like a tubeless rim when together but are set up to lock together with a motion like the childproof caps on drug bottles. The rims are two pieces that lock together in the center of the wheel width, with time the "locks" rust out and cause the failure of the wheel. That is why these rims are outlawed today.

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