Posted by Clint Dixon [172.68.38.115] on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 19:56:29 :
In Reply to: wheels posted by Duke [172.69.63.94] on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 14:39:12 :
Most of the Elenco conversions I have seen used a surplus WWII 1/2-ton Dodge front axle assembly, tires, and wheels. But since your's is a relatively later Elenco kit, it may be possible that the M37 3/4-ton front axle was used. However, no Dodge corporate front axle, whether WWII, though M37 production, or early 1-ton civilian Power-Wagon ever used split ring 5-hole, Budd rims in a 17.5 size - unless it was an extremely rare Special Equipment Group order. I have not seen, or even head of, a single one in over 40 years.
I will bet you will find that the wheels are actually 16.5 diameter by 5.50 width early WWII 1/2-ton Budd rims. These should accept tires sized 7.50x16.
Now with that said, I have seen some later Elenco conversions where Elenco used only the Dodge third member in a fabricated axle housing of their own design. And these very well may have employed wheels that would accept 17.5 tires. Also there is the possibility that some previous owner somehow semi-successfully mounted 17.5 tires on 16.5 wheels.
Hope this helps. Good luck in your search. I personally have none available, but I know they are out there.
Junior