JohnnyBoy,
On my 1951 3/4 ton I got real lucky on wheel replacement. The guys at the local Les Schwab put their stock 15x7 8 Lug wheels on it, with new p225/70r-15 tires, it worked perfect, no hitting tie rod ends, and no spacers. The wheels are $26.82 each, in white, and if I remember right add $10 for chrome. Center caps were $20 for 4, and with $32 for lug nuts I was done. I know there's no Les Schwab in NY, but maybe a call to there home office can get you a set, assuming they will work as well on your '53 as they did on my '51. Product code for White wheels is 03508038 Product description on my bill reads,"8057080 15x7 8-6.5 Allied Type 80 White Spokes RWD".
Home office for Les Schwab is Prineville, Oregon. I'm sure you could get their number from information, maybe they would be willing to ship some of these, or tell you who manufactures them, and you may be able to find some closer to you.
Just to be sure they fit fine, I only let them put one on the front, had someone turn steering wheel both ways, as far as it would go, it was close but never hit anything underneath. Maybe I was just darn lucky. Good Luck.
Frank in Spokane
Driving my '51 every day to work, always know the turn signals work, cause I can see the light from them through the holes in my floor.
