Split rims worth $$ ?

[AZKen]

Are 15" 6 lug GM split ring wheels with hub cap clips worth much? How much?

[GMCNUT]

Ken, post some pics of them - I might have a use for them if they have the correct caps etc

[AZKen]

I really need to know prices from someone who has sold or bought recently.

[GMCNUT]

So, the split rims are called "widowmakers" because of how dangerous they can be when they come apart - 90% of today's tire stores will not mount tires to these rims because of how many people have been killed and seriously hurt by them. So the value of these type wheels is hard to say because its so hard to find anyone who will use them. I chose to retain the original split rims on my 64 despite all this because I wanted to run the stock hubcaps. Likewise, I have bought a 3/4 ton 59 Apache now that will arrive here soon from Idaho, and it does not have the stock split rims, but I was considering hunting a set for it because I incidentally happen to already have a set of the correct hubcaps for it. I would like for some other members to chime in on their thoughts on values of these type wheels before I say anything about what I think they are worth....would like you to get a good accurate idea from people who are not necessarily interested in buying them first

[Funky61]

It would be a unique sale to someone looking for the correct restoration/look.

I tried selling a set from my 73 GMC; 16" lock-ring original and it was a no go. I liked the "Look" but I ended up giving them away. Still I got a chance to meet fellow member Foley so it turned out great.

[AZKen]

I agree about the danger for me but many are not afraid of them. It's easy to build a safety cage.

[Clyde]

Every truck tire retailer should have a safety cage. The mounting area on the rim should be cleaned properly and inspected for cracks along with the ring, then mount the ring on the rim with out the tire and make sure it seats correctly, then there should not be any problems. Just make sure and use a cage and an air inflator that clips on to the valve stem so it will inflate the tire unattended, this way if the ring comes off in the cage it will be knocked off and no one gets hurt. During the early 60's I worked in a Foreign car shop that was next door to a truck tire store, one of their employees got killed by a ring coming off, the tire was not in a cage.

[Foley]

The buying market is a very, very, small special niche of people like those of us on this forum. And then, even a smaller percentage of that particular group who might be interested in the originality of those wheels. Most guys don't want to deal with them and most tire shops WON'T deal with them. So, add all that up, and I'll just say what I've learned over many years of buying/selling/trading parts for old vintage machinery. It's only a good deal when the buyer and the seller both walk away with smiles on their faces and a warm hand shake.. The best way to start the dance is to throw a dollar value out there and see what kind of response you get from the other parties.

As Henry said, my set (with tires) cost me an overnight trip 875 miles down and back to Southern California. The chance to meet another collector, a warm hand shake and a new GMC friend. The value of those wheels: Priceless.

[AZKen]

I would only sell them locally anyway, which is even less chance. Don't want to ship.
Thanks for all the input. I would never be nostalgic enough to use them. Many farmers, ranchers and enthusiast are experienced and use good caution on them. The part that would bother me is age and unseen fatigue. That is the main reason for not using old widow makers that I see.

[GMCNUT]

Originally Posted by AZKen

I would only sell them locally anyway, which is even less chance. Don't want to ship.
Thanks for all the input. I would never be nostalgic enough to use them. Many farmers, ranchers and enthusiast are experienced and use good caution on them. The part that would bother me is age and unseen fatigue. That is the main reason for not using old widow makers that I see.

Shipping wheels is one of the easiest things you will ever do - simply lay the wheel on flat cardboard and cut a perfect circle using a box cutter, and repeat until you have enough "disks" to cover the front and back of each wheel - then simply wrap silver duct tape over and over until decently secure, and wait for the buyers' scheduled FedEx guy to come and take them off your porch. Not painful at all. If you change your mind about shipping I'd probably give like 30 bucks each for them....no big deal if not