The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Proper Tire size for 1946-early 47 GMC EC-302

Does anyone have factory literature that gives details on proper tire sizes for a 1946 EC-302? I assume the fronts should be 7.50 x 20 and the rears to be 8.25 x 20. My truck now has 8.25 all around and I can see where the front fender lip has been hit from the tire. I am looking to remove the tires for Powder Coating, then replacement of the tires and want to be correct. Please give your thoughts on this matter. The wheels are of the 8 vent hole, five lug design.
Al

Al, You should check out the wheels, rims and tires sticky thread at the top of the Big Bolts section. I have a 46 2-ton and it does very well with the 7.50 up front and the 8.25 in the rear. I did have an 8.25 on the front for a short time and it rubbed and was hard to steer.

Stick with the combo you suggested and you will be in good shape. Also check what wheels you have to make sure you are not messing with the RH-5's.

I would also suggest that you have your rims painted and not powder coated. Powder coating tends to be thick and when mounting your tires you will chip whatever coating you go with and powder isn't exactly friendly to being touched up....

My $.02 worth!

Hello Randy, Thanks for taking the time to respond. I agree on the size factor for the front tires. I have not totally made up my mind on Powder Coating. However, I have used Powder on several sets of antique wire wheels (with lock rings) and they have turned out nicely....really nice. Even with those wheels, you always run the risk of paint chipping during the dismount/mount process. I need to find one more 8 vent hold rim before I do anything however.
Al

You'll notice an improvement in your fuel mileage when you replace those front 8.25's with the 7.5's. The 8.25's are a bit taller, means your truck has been going uphill all this time....

My EC-302 had 8.25's all around when I got it. I just replaced with like tires and it is a bugger to steer, for sure.

Big Al, may I ask your serial number? I have 8939 and I am not sure if it was assembled in 46 or 47, but it looks as though it would have been within the last 100 EC-3xx series assembled.

Hello EC-302....
My EC-302 is an early 1947 rig. The serial number is 1389. You truck must be a late first series 1947 to have a serial number as big as it is. Post a picture and I will try to post one of my truck.
Al
PM sent

1946 trucks were built/sold into early 1947. Chevrolet called them 1946 trucks. Dealers, owners, and DMVs might have called them 1947 trucks.

Here are 1946 truck wheels.
Here are 1946 truck tires.