The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Wheel dilemma....

Bolters,

My boys and I have made alot of progress on our 55.2 3600 3/4 ton project. However we are looking for either black or chrome wheels for it to use with baby moon centercaps.


Our problem is I cant find wheels in 16.5” that are 8 lug and 7” wide for the front.

We have a sids drop axle in it and a 16” wheel is a little tight.
In the rear we need a 10” wide rim.
Does anyone know where we might find the wheels we r lookin for?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Brian, Grant and Spencer.


Or another suggestion?

16.5" rims are specialty items made for very low profile tires. You're not likely to find a good selection of tread designs or widths with that rim size. Also, a 16.5" tire has a tapered bead seat without a safety locking groove, so if a tire gets even a little low on pressure it will go flat and separate from the rim. The height of any XX.5" tire will be the same as an equivalent tube type tire. For instance, a 16.5 tubeless will have an exact-height equivalent in a 15" tire. The same holds true for 16" and 17.5. 18" and 19.5, 20 and 22.5, etc. If you're looking for an equivalent-height tire for a 16", start shopping for 17.5" tires and rims. Yes, they might have a little extra room on the inside, but they will look weird and you won't have much selection of tread widths to choose from. They're commercial vehicle tires, not really suitable for a weekend cruiser with altered ride height.
Jerry

I recall having a '72 Chevy K10 1/2 ton with 16.5" wheels. A '75 GMC K2500 3/4 ton that I had also had 16.5" wheels. That was an 8 lug wheel. Like HRL said, they were taper bead seat, so the inside diameter of the wheel won't be much bigger if at all than a 16" wheel.

Thanks for that great headsup on 16.5 wheels. Looks like We really just need to find an wheel that will bolt onto our 8 lug knuckles and clear the brake calipers.

My boys like the look of the black steel wheels with baby moon center caps and whitewall tires. ( or black wall....)

Also, we need to be mindful of our dropped front end and clearance on fenders with turning.

Any suggestions?
Brian,Grant and Spencer

The dropped front axles will limit what tire/rims will work to clear the fenders on turns, especially when body roll is encountered from high speed turns while hitting potholes.