During WWII there were major material shortages for our citizens as our country placed most of their energy in supporting the over-seas war effort. U.S. factories produced a very limited number trucks that were used in this country (almost no cars).  It was expected pre-existing used trucks would supply local farms and businesses. Repair parts for immediate needs were so often obtained from local salvage yards. (U.S. citizens tolerated this as it was only a prior generation when their parents or grandparents depended on horse and wagon.)

Of course, a few new trucks would be sent to local dealerships to then be bought by residents when there was a large need for the survival of our citizens.

Examples:

  1. Keeping telephone lines intact.  Communication throughout this country was so important. Carry roles of electric overhead wires to a job site to keep building lights on.
  2. Moving food from farms had to be of top priority for locals as well as our overseas military.
  3. Carrying firewood and heating oil was a must to keep schools, businesses, and homes warm in the winter.
  4. No downtime at factories that supplied local needs as well as for the overseas military.
  5. Yes, trucks (and the railroads) kept the U.S. running at war time as always.

Thus, having some new trucks from the assembly line for local use continued. However, one very noticeable shortage became a big local problem! The Japanese controlled most of the islands that supplied rubber from specialized trees! During the worst time of the war rubber tires became in very short supply. In many cases these were not available on the new trucks leaving the factory.

What now?

American ingenuity allowed the new trucks to still be shipped to “approved” dealerships. No shortage of wood. Bolt two layers of board’s together in two opposite directions. Saw this into a circle, and drill 6 or 8 holes to receive the wheel studs. (The new metal wheels were tied to the frame rails.)

The result:

You now had drivable new trucks to slowly move to the dealerships or move up on the rail cars to distant locations.

Now comes the question: How did the dealers sell trucks with no rubber tires? “Buy the new truck with wood wheels or other dealers are waiting to resell them to their other important customers.”

It was up to the retail customer to use local tires from other trucks or ---??

(It is suspected that these wood 20” wheels had very few miles before their life was over!)