Some discussions on the GMC site indicate that 48-53 (likely other years) most commonly had wheels the same color as the body.

So might be the original paint I'm seeing for the red wheels on my red truck.

Some general GMC color info/discussion and helpful links
http://oldgmctrucks.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/633004236/m/47820485373?r=49820485373#49820485373

Most all the answers with factory documentation
http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/page0355.html


1951 colors and codes
http://paintref.com/cgi-bin/colorcodedisplay.cgi?make=GMC&con=k&year=1951&rows=50



1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-