As I recall,the problem with split-rims is that these days a lot of
shops won't/can't change a tire on one(at least around here in the big
city). Plus I don't believe you can put a modern radial on there. I
switched over to regular rims and radials on my '69 some years ago and
have really enjoyed the improved ride and handling.-brian

Yeah, I dont think we are talking about the same animal here. This truck
has 10 ply, 9.00-20 (20" rims), 10 lugs, on the rear. On the front it
has 10 ply 7.50-20 (also 20" rims) though they are 5 lug. I have never
measured the stud size.

Here are a couple links I found for similar, but a bit newer, trucks.

http://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/dubay_jim_1972.htm
http://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/soliz_joe_1972.htm

No 16" wheels there :)

For the split rims, these are not "lock ring" splits i.e. the style with
the outer ring on the bead. If they were, I wouldnt be concerned about
them at all. Mounting those is not a concern for me or for any of the
local mechanics around here because as you say, if you are carefull
while assembling them they are perfectly safe. These rims are the style
that came before that where the beads are one piece and there is a
joining ring in the center of the rim in the well. Basically the rim
spits in two in the well and there is no lock ring out at the bead. The
point at which the two rims joins becomes rusty and there is no way to
"know" for sure, even with good technique, if they will hold together.

Whats even a bit more spooky is that if that thin locking bead rusts
enough it is said they can blow apart at any point. Some of the old
timers swear that the rust can "jack" them apart and cause enough wear
that under normal/heavy operation they can just up and let go. Very
scary thinking that someone could get clipped off at the knees, or
worse, as you are rolling down the road.

I am not sure I believe they can blow at any momemnt but I definately
dont want to roll the dice breaking them down and reassembling. I also
take great care when airing them up.

I have yet to even look into a set of replacement rims for the truck so
for all I know they may be readily available at the junk yard but I cant
imagine them costing the same, or less, than an average truck rim.

The truck currently is just a simple 4 spd, no jack shaft, no 2spd rear,
nothing. I would be happy if I could just get a set of tires on it and
either do a quicky rebuild on the motor or perhaps as you say up it to a
V8. But then I would have to track down a tranny and all the other bits
and pieces hehe.

I am torn between the nostalgia of the old truck and the fact that I can
pick up a late model F700 cab and chasis which was a propane delivery
truck, thus ran on propane (spotless engine) for 2500.00

Its one of those slippery slopes. Once I spend a nickel I will have to
spend a dime, and then a dollar, if you know what I mean hehe.

Great info, and its greatly appreciated.

Mark