Ford Milk Truck - 1930's

[Pre1898]

Can you experts out there post a few pictures of late 30's or early 40's Ford "Milk Trucks" showing what people call the high clearance "Milk Truck or Divco" type wheels ? I have read these wheels were built by Kelsey Hayes Co as an aftermarket wheel for higher clearance in muddy areas and rural areas. But I cannot find a photo of such a truck anywhere showing this exact wheel in use. Thanks. I have been on a search to purchase a pair of these 18" wheels for quite some time now and thought if I could tie a photo of them in actual use it might narrow down my search. [email protected] . Thanks again Dusty.

[GB SISSON]

Is that a typical 5 on 5 1/2" bolt circle, so we're talking about a half ton milk truck? I don't blame you for wanting a set! Seems like within the last week or two, Stu 'Truckdog' commented on a picture here or on FTE where he was looking at but couldn't see past the 'milk truck wheels'. I predict he will show up with that photo.

[Pre1898]

My understanding is yes they were a 5" x 5-1/2" lug pattern. I have seen many old Bonneville Salt Flat racer cars with this wheel set up but cant seem to find any pics of what truck set up they were supposedly used on ?

[truckdog62563]

Here's that picture. I can't look up the info right now but will post the Ford and K-H numbers a little later. There was also an excellent article about them in one of the hot rod journals a while back. I'll see if I can find my copy of it and post the issue name and number. Stu



Edit - There were three versions according to old K-H and NWRA references. The earliest 18" x 3.62" having the wide five 5 x 10.25" pattern was K-H 20988 / Ford SE78-1015. The 5 x 5 1/2" pattern Ford wheel was K-H 23278 / Ford 01AS 1015A. The Merc number was K-H31873 / Ford 8CS 1015B or 1C 1015A. One of the references refers the 23278 number to the 31873 number and cites them in a kit. The last K-H reference to give these numbers is dated 1953. The Green Bible makes no mention of any of these numbers.

I can't find my copy of the journal article. Will keep looking and add its info when I find it. Stu

[Pre1898]

Thank you kindly Stu for the photo you are a wealth of information. I am still searching for a pair if any come up for sale.

[Tim Ayers]

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Search the HAMB. Someone was casting exact replicas of these wheels in aluminum. Cheaper, obtainable and much lighter than the originals.

[truckdog62563]

I'm still looking for the article. Agree finding the repop's would be easier and cheaper. If only originals will do, watch Ebay. Here's a close up pic. Stu

[Cecil/WV]

Here is an email address for Jay Crist in Manchester, PA who has a collection of and restores Divco milk trucks. He may have some info that will help you.

[email protected]

[truckdog62563]

It's a misnomer. Divco never used these wheels. In fact few milk trucks I've ever seen were half tons and spec'd to use the 5 x 5.5" or 5 x 10.25" bolt patterns. Divco traditionally used wheels made by Motor Wheel Corporation, not Kelsey-Hayes, and most had a 6 x 7.25" bolt pattern. The "rural delivery" or "high clearance" names are more correct. Stu

[Chris Marshall]

Here's photos of the aluminum 18" hi-clearance reproduction wheels. This particular set has 5 on 4 1/2 bolt pattern (ford car or mopar). Quality pieces.

This set is available (shameless plug) PM if interested.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Chris Marshall

Here's photos of the aluminum 18" hi-clearance reproduction wheels. This particular set has 5 on 4 1/2 bolt pattern (ford car or mopar). Quality pieces.

This set is available (shameless plug) PM if interested.

Thanks for posting. The ones I saw had the "windows" cast into them as well.

[GB SISSON]

Originally Posted by Chris Marshall

Here's photos of the aluminum 18" hi-clearance reproduction wheels. This particular set has 5 on 4 1/2 bolt pattern (ford car or mopar). Quality pieces.

This set is available (shameless plug) PM if interested.

Funny, they don't look cast. At least not sand cast. I was having a hard time picturing how one could make a realistic cast aluminum version of a stamped steel wheel, but this guy pulled it off for sure. Love to see a pic of his other version with the windows, and I wonder if it has the innie hubcap nubs. These nubs could inhibit release from certain moulds.

[Pre1898]

Thanks Stu again for the details. Sorry, but I am set on an original pair and still searching madly. Any leads or tips are greatly appreciated. What year and model is that old Ford truck picture Stu ?

Thanks guys.

[truckdog62563]

1948-1950 Ford F-1 based woodie. Stu

[Pre1898]

Thanks once again Stu for the details.

[truckdog62563]

I've looked for the article till I've run out of places to look. I'll save your email address and will let you know if I find it. Stu

[-Big Al-]

http://www.allamericanwheel.com/milk.html

there is a article about them in an issue of the rodders journal, I think #35 or #36. there is a feature in another magazine but I cant recall which one at this present time.
Al.

[expavr]

Originally Posted by truckdog62563

I've looked for the article till I've run out of places to look. I'll save your email address and will let you know if I find it. Stu

Stu
There was an article on Divco wheels in Rodder's Journal last year. Could that be the one you're thinking about? I'll try to find it tomorrow.
Les

[truckdog62563]

I think it was Rodder's Journal, if I'm right that it is the high quality large format magazine. But the article I copied from my buddy Dave's issue was longer ago than last year. The picture that I recall was of one of a guy's vintage trailer sitting out on the salt flats. It was wearing a set of four of the wheels. Stu

[Chris]

I have had those wheels. They are extremely hard to find. They were never on delivery trucks, they were and aftermarket "high clearance" wheel as some on here mentioned. Contact Bobby Green in SoCal. He always seems to have them. Expect to pay around 1,500.00 per wheel if you want originals.