The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Wheel Vintiques 15" smoothies... Bang for buck?

I decided I will have to steer away from my factory 6 lug 2 piece wheels on my 52 3100. Im trying to find something reasonably priced to replace them with. Would prefer something powdercoated black, but I found these that I could paint. Does this seem like a decent price? Or do any of you happen to know where I could get something similar that is already powdercoated black that isn't a lot more expensive? Thanks!

Wheel Vintiques 12 Series Smoothie Wheels 12-570604

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wvi-12-570604/applications/?ibanner=SREPD2

The rims I got years ago were powder coated and once they rust they are very hard to clean up and paint again . Painted ones may require you to paint them occasionally but I would rather paint them than have to spend the time to sandblast and get the hard powder coat off once they begin to rust under the hard powder coat.

Wouldn't the best bang for the buck be to get some used wheels from another vehicle?

I bought my carriage wheels for my 54 from Vintique and I am pleased with them but I wish I had gotten already painted or chrome.

If it comes from Summit it's probably the best price you'll find anywhere. I get all my wheels from Summit, mostly Wheel Vintiques models.

BTW, powder coating disadvantages include difficult to touch up chips, and nearly to impossible to change colors. I've changed my wheel color twice; spray paint makes it easy.

I opted for a set of chrome Ralley Wheels, even with a good base coat of wax and several re-applications they still have a tendency to rust. If I had to choose again I would go for the paint version.

I don't want to hunt down a set, hope they aren't rusted in the beading area, bent, pay to have tires removed, pay to have them sandblasted, just to be where I'd be at by buying a cheap reproduction wheel. If I had a tire machine and sandblaster, that'd be a different story.

Thank you all for your input. I will go with the "paint yourself" wheels.

One last question. If I was to go with a 15x7, what common tire size would get me to about factory ride height. Would a 225/75 be too tall? My truck has 670/15's and 700/15's on it now, so Im not sure what stock height should be.

Unless chrome is 'triple chrome plated' meaning Cu, then nickel, then chrome, it won't last but will be cheap, made offshore. Not useful to waste $ on cheap.

Ed

Another option for you.
I bought rims and hub caps that I'm very happy with from Jim Carter Truck Parts. They came primered, and I painted them.
I wanted hub caps that would fit the rims, and look as stock as possible. I know they are pre-1954 hub caps, but I like them.
http://www.oldchevytrucks.com/

Wheels:
MST150  - 1936-1966 Wheel New 15x5 Chevrolet and GMC Pickup Truck

Hub Caps:
MST159 
1947-1953 Hub Cap For MST149 and MST150 Reproduction Ralley Wheels Chevrolet Pickup Truck, EACH 47-53 RED LETTERS 

Another member of this site directed me to the Power King ST205/90R 15 Radial tire. Love them.
https://www.tires-easy.com/205-90-15/power-king-tires/radial-f-p/tirecode/PWST37

excellent info, thank you! I love your wheel/tire combo. I will look into that, thank you

darthintel,
After all I went through, I probably should have done the same. I considered going that route, but hey, I had already purchased the 54/55 1st series hubcaps, also from Jim Carter. Those wheels and caps do look nice on your truck! I really like the spare too. It looks really nice as well.
Tawd
You are wise to follow darthintel's and the other posters ideas and options. Good luck and send pictures when you do decide.