20 inch rims for 1928 Dictator

[1928D6]

Following a recent rim blowout, due to rust, I am in desperate need of at least one 20 inch split-rim, (and hopefully a set of five) for my 1928 Dictator. Of the four remaining rims, only two are still in good condition, and

When I purchased the car, she had a set of 4.75 x 20 tyres, so I am now replacing them with a set of 5.50 x 20s, which I believe are correct for the car.

Any information regarding a supplier of replacement or second-hand rims would be greatly appreciated, as all my efforts to locate same to date have drawn a blank.

Here in Christchurch, New Zealand, ther is a split rim manufacturer, but they cannot roll the internal ridges on the Studebaker rims, and it appears they cannot be welded either.

As I have said, any advice and information is very much needed and appreciated.

[jjfourstar]

Howdy;

I have one wood spoke but it's about in the same shape and It's keep in the sidemount as the other's were in bad shape. The fellow that restored my 29 switched to a later model(64)Studebaker rear and a solid front axle and put after market wire wheels on it. Looks nice and is modified(also changed engines) and is a nice driver but you have to realze the car is almost 80 years old,a lot of us willbe lucky if were still here at 80.

jjfourstar

[Guest stude8]

I thought the factory tire size for these 1928's was 30x5.50 (early size system) that translates to a 19" rim size. 5.50 x 2 = 11; 30" tire OD minus 11 = 19" rim size.

Now maybe for export cars there was a deviation, but what I am saying you may have a tough time finding 20" rims when they made 19" ??

If you have a shop down there that can roll a rim fellow it shouldn't be too big an engineering job to roll some ribs to weld to the fellow to mount up a tire. It might be more than your budget can stand for but 80 year old stuff is getting hard find in usable shape these days. Stude8

[Guest stude8]

Hello Down There in NZ:

I thought about your search when I noted an ad for new rims from this outfit here in USA. Perhaps they have something you can use.

This link should take you to their online catalog of reproduction rims. Universal is a full line supplier of vintage tires and related equipment. I have never heard anything bad about them and have friends who have purchased special size tires from them with good results. Stude8

http://www.universaltire.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=296

[1928D6]

Hey, thanks to all who offered help. Mine is a 1928, series 3, which by all account did come (here anyway) with 20' split rims. I was fortunate enough to find several good second-hand rims in my local Vintage Car Club parts shed, which saved a lot of hassle, and money. I have kept your advice for future reference though. Thanks again.