healingbear,

I do not know the tread width of a 6.50x16" bias tire; however, 6.5 refers to the tire tube section .

The tread width of a Cooper SRM II Radial LT (Light Truck) 215/85/16 is 5.93". A narrower rim would result in the same tread width, but would also result in a narrower section width and a higher/wider loaded diameter (a narrower and "faster" tire).

As has been stated many times, from 10 or more feet, these tires look like bias-ply tires. I have had people look at the tires on my Suburban from a distance and tell me that they couldn't be radials (until they get close enough to read the word "radial" on the tire).

http://www.coopertire.com/html/tireselector_bySize.aspx?twtd=215&artw=85&rd=16

http://www.coopertire.com/HTML/products/tires_lighttruck.aspx?page=srm_2_radial_lt

Tim
1954Advance-Design.com
1954 3106 Carryall Suburban
1954 3104 5-window pickup w/Hydra-Matic
The 216 and early 235 engines are not "splash oilers" -- this is a splash oiler.