I got my original {1954 3100) 16" wheels from a truck that lived its entire life on the eastern side of the coastal mountains in Washington state.
Cleaned them up, stripped them, and, had them powder-coated. No leaks. [with Goodyear light-truck radials]
I have the same 1954 3100 rims on my Suburban. Those wheels were a little "rougher". The tire dealer put Cooper 16" radial truck tires on with tubes and protective "covers"/protectors where the valve stem comes through the hole in the rim. No problems after 12K miles.
If your rims are questionable, use tubes (or, use new rims).
My biggest/bigger concern about tires is how long will they last (how long should we use them)? Obviously, if the side-walls start cracking, replace the tires. My trucks do not get driven much, and they are garage-stored. My hopes are that their tires will last longer.
