I have a 54 Chev 3100 with original 16" wheels and 6:50x16 tires. I would like to replace them with radials. What is a reasonably priced radial tire that will perform well? I only drive approx. 7000 miles per year.

I'm going with 215/85/16s made by Cooper Tire but there are alot of other brands out there .That seems to be a good size for that rim I also have 6:50X16s and just went thru the same question here last week .


Pete

I've been running that sized Cooper SRM II Radial LT tire for about 5 years with complete satisfaction. I'll soon be buying a set for another 1954 1/2 ton truck.

Tim

Tim - are you running the 215/85/16s on 4-inch rims? Has anybody tried them on 4-inch rims??

No - 4.5" rim size (rim section?)

Supposedly all 6-lug 16" wheels on 1954 Chevrolet trucks were 4.5"

4.5" is even a little "tight" for those radials; 4.0" might not be a good idea.

Tim

Tim, Are you using tubes with your radials? If I still have my stock wheels, would I need tubes with radials? Is there a six lug, 16" wheel that I could use with a radial that wouldn't need a tube? If so, would I have enough clearance so as not to rub anywhere?
Thanks, Ted

I bought the radials mentioned above for my stock 49 half ton. When the dealer saw the narrow rim he was very reluctant to put the tires on them. In the specification book he had it stated a 6" rim was the minimum I believe. A 4.5" or a 4.0" would never be acceptable. He said he would install them but would be absolved of any problem or warranty. In the end he refunded my money.
I went elsewhere for a second opinion and got the same. Having said all this there are many trucks like ours running that size radial on narrow rims without problem.
In my case I bought new Firestone 650-16 bias-ply tires and am very happy with them.

You shouldn't run tubes in modern tubless radial. 1, it's illegal, and 2, it'll cause premature sidewall failure. Seen it plenty of times, usually with less that 100 miles after the tube was installed.

California Vehicle Code Sections 27450-27503
Article 4. Tires
.
.
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27455.

(a) On and after January 1, 1975, no person shall sell or
offer for sale an inner tube for use in a radial tire unless, at the time of manufacture, the tube valve stem is colored red or is
distinctly marked in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the department, taking into consideration the recommendations of
manufacturers of inner tubes.

(b) No person shall install an inner tube in a radial tire unless the inner tube is designed for use in a radial tire.

I am running Toyo LT radial tires (over 10 years old) and Cooper LT radial tires (over 5 years old) with radial tire inner tubes. These tires were bought and mounted at licenses NYS tire dealers.

I do not know for sure the vehicle equipment law for tires in NYS. I will check with the DMV next week (if I can remember to do so).

Nonetheless, I have a beautiful set of original 1954 6.50x16" wheels on which I will try to mount tires without tubes (because it is simpler and cheaper to do).

Tim