Hi Guys,
1953 3100, original wheels/tires replaced sometime in its past by a previous owner. Stock front end, 235 engine, 3 speed transmssion, torque tube driveline.
My question: Is there a way to tell if the wheels that are on the truck now are still good enough to mount new tires to, without actually removing the old tires?
Front Driver's Side Wheel,
Rear Driver's Side Wheel,
Front Passenger Side Wheel,
Rear Passenger Side Wheel.
The pics show that whatever paint that was applied is now coming off. So, I was thinking about media blasting/powder coating them if they are still deemed usable. However, I don't want to take them off of the truck and the tires off of the wheels without knowing, unless that is the only way to find out.
Also, as I've learned, just because a previous owner did something, does not make it right. Since I haven't driven the truck yet, I don't know if the wheels will fit right or interfere with the steering. A follow on question is how do you tell if the wheels will work right or not? Is there a measurement that I need to take to find out?
The back side of the wheels are a little rusty, but not to the point that there are rust through holes.
In the first pic, you can see the tire size the previous owner used is P235/75R15. I've read numerous threads about wheel/tire size combos. I have to admit that it is quite confusing to me. From just the appearance in the truck, these tires seem to really fill the wheel well and might actually be too big. In the previous threads, this tire size seems to be a common size that many people use. So it must work, but I'm wondering if there is a combo that works well in the half ton trucks and looks a little more stock. I did get the original spare tire with the truck. That looks positively antique compared to the larger tires that are on it now.
Also, just out of curiosity, does anyone know the approximate vintage of the wheels and/or tires?
Like I said, lots of confusion, a few questions and hopeful for some clarification and advice. Thanks in advance!
