The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Do It Yourself (DITY) Gallery 1953 GMC 3/4-ton, deluxe cab, long bed -- "My Biggest Project"

a little more progress has been made...

I have the intake manifold ready to go on but, when cleaning and prepping exhaust manifold, I found a crack in it. Dang it. Sourced another, but need the broken studs taken out, my attempt with heat, PB blaster, drilling, ez out was an utter failure. I dropped off today at a machine shop to deal with it. Next up is to clean up and paint transmission, install fly wheel, clutch, pressure plate and then work my way down to the rear end. I did order front disc brake conversion kit from Rustic disc brakes based on reviews I have read here on Stovebolt.

So far, this journey has been fun but the biggest challenge, hurdle or question I can't seem to answer is which wheels do I go with? I know I want a 16x6" wheel, 8x6.5" bolt pattern and there are options out there but, none of those options will accept my 72 year old original and very cool looking GMC dog dishes.

Is there such a wheel out there y'all have found? Very frustrating!

Also, the original tie rod is a toothpick! Really, this thin diameter tie rod for a 3/4 ton pickup truck? I am looking for a heavier duty (7/8"?) with modern day ends. I will search here to see what solutions you all came up with.

Thanks for looking...