The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Best stock looking wheels and tires for '50 3100

I am working on restoring a 1950 3100. I want to keep the stock look with hub caps and trim rings and go with wide whitewalls and just wondering what tires and wheels are best to use for that? I am swapping to front disk brakes. I have the stock 6-lug wheels on it now which look to have g 16 x 6.00 bias ply tires on them (which are beyond shot). Just wondering which is best? Keeping my existing wheels and new set of tires (which ones?) or am I best to swap out to newer wider rim and radials (if so which to keep the stock look with wide whitewalls)?

Here is the problem with your post. You say in your first sentence “restoring”. If you are indeed restoring your truck the stock wheels and tires are in order. Then you say “swapping for disc brakes “ in your third sentence. You first need to decide exactly what you want, then you will answer your own question. Stock is stock and modified is an entirely different matter. Welcome to the mad world of Stovebolt. Stop by the Welcome Center and tell us a bit about yourself and your project.

To look “stock” keep the skinny tires, and you have 16” wheels which are a good tall choice, so keep them too.
I don’t believe white walls were, or look, “stock” so I’d stick with black.
You can use the old rims with radials, many have.

My apologies as I am a newbie. Thanks for the replies. I am restoring it to look as close to original as I can but any small safety improvements I can add along the way (like disc brakes and seat belts) without drastically altering the appearance is my intent. For instance, I don't want to pop the hood and see a crate engine, but an upgrade from a pressurized 235 is fine. I guess period correct is more the direction I am after. I did not realize the white walls were not an original option. I do like the look of them and feel they are "period correct". Do the stock wheels require tubes or will tubeless tires work with them? Any recommendations on sizes/sources is greatly appreciated.

Have all but finished a 49-3100. We have 255 75R16 tires on Sand blasted and epoxy coated rims. Rides fine. We got it with a 54 235 which had not been rebuilt, Rebuilt it 40 over, put in an 848 Head, Fenton Headers, all new rocker assembly and Weber 32/36 Carb from Tom Langdon. More than enough power.. Send me your email and I'll get you pictures--Bill

What is your rim width on which you used a 255 75R16 tire?

Tim--I think They are original to the Truck--Bill

Got to make a PLAN. If its drivable, or can be fairly easy, get it running and drive it awhile. These old trucks will talk to you.

One thing to keep in mind. In "general" when you modify one part...then it will require yet another modification and this will keep repeating itself. I think there is wisdom in something Jay Leno once said. It is cheaper to restore to original than modify because going with original saves you a lot of time and money.

Yes, many mods can be made with out much hassle and will help with daily drivers. But, as most above will agree, its YOUR truck so do it the your way....and we will help you do it.

NOTE: I've seen the picture of your truck and boy, would I have loved to run across one in that shape to start with! Nice pickup.

Thanks for all the replies/info guys. 49 3100 - I just shot you an email. Thanks for the info! Achipmunk - thanks and I can't wait to drive it! I already want two of them. One to fix up to pristine shape and one to drive right now!