1938 Ford Pickup wheels/tires
 

I just bought a 38 Ford Pickup with the wide bolt pattern. Will the wheels work with tubeless tires?

Re: 1938 Ford Pickup wheels/tires
 

I'm running tubeless radials on my '39 p/u with wide fives. The front tires loose 10 pounds or so every 2 weeks but the backs don't loose much pressure at all. Don't know if its due to the turning stress on the fronts that cause the air loss or if the wheels themselves leak. I'm guessing the loss is due to the stress from turning since the rear wheels are fine. At some point I'm going to dismount all the wheels and coat the insides with flex seal to see it solves the problem of the front loosing air. As for now I just air up every 2 weeks or so.

Re: 1938 Ford Pickup wheels/tires
 

Another thing to consider is the condition of the wheels. Are they nice and smooth or pitted slightly? Does it look like the bead will seal and hold air? I have a '39 pickup. I'm running the radial tires that look like bias ply and the tubes inside.

Re: 1938 Ford Pickup wheels/tires
 

I've had good results from xtra seal stopping air leaks on the beads, works way better than flex seal.

Re: 1938 Ford Pickup wheels/tires
 

I have a 39 chassis and its wheels are like regular ford pickup wheels. The 38 has the big bolt pattern and I've never dealt with them before. Really want to get this truck on tires.

Re: 1938 Ford Pickup wheels/tires
 

Great looking truck , looks like my 39 when I bought it . My rims were so pitted I had to find some better ones , I found a guy who was street rodding a 37 car . They hold air very well . The old stock car guys loved these wide 5s claimed they were stronger .Sunshine

Re: 1938 Ford Pickup wheels/tires
 

I run tubes also. Not a big deal. Some line the old rims with duct tape or get rim liners if you think needed. Tubes are fine. Why would you trust tires on a wheel and not tubes. 20 yrs now on tubes.

Re: 1938 Ford Pickup wheels/tires
 

Bart there is a set of 4 radial and good looking wheels 4 sale on the Barn Swap area in FL. subahine

Re: 1938 Ford Pickup wheels/tires
 

My 39 pickup had terminal cancer and I knew it was going to be a while before I got it on the road. I researched and bought four radial tires/tubes the same height as 16" bias tires and let's me move the frame around while working on it. Got the mechanical side done and now the really slow body work begins. I plan on running radials once drivable anyway.