I have a 1951 gmc 3/4 ton pickup the tires and wheels that are on it are (not original) are 8 lug 16 inch tires on split rims. I also have a set of 8 lug 16 inch rims and covers that I was told were originals it appears that these are two different widths. Regardless of that the covers will not fit on either. Did the 51 3/4 ton have covers on the rear wheels? Are the rear wheels and front wheels different widths? I would like to put wide white walls on is this original?
They do have hubcaps that are different from the 1/2 tons, they are specific to the 3/4 and 1-ton models. The originals are fairly rare and expensive, there are re pops available but they are also expensive. Attached is a picture of mine for reference, I bought chrome off eBay and then filled the dents and repainted them in white (refrigerator enamel) GMC branded are even more rare but they are available. https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8129054429/in/album-72157631867396207/ You will need to drill and install clips to make them accept caps, they do not attach to the wheel without them. I have some step-by-step photos I can post if needed. I installed four per wheel and adjust them occasionally to keep them tight.
Thank you! Just some more questions. What size tires are original? Are the rear wheels and tires wider than the front. It appears that the rear wheels are slightly wider than the front in the set of original wheels that I have. Yes I would like to see the photos of the clip installation. Any suggestions on where to look for caps that fit? Thank you again.
Pictures start here for the clips, I believe I bought them from Jim Carter. Buy a couple extra because occasionally they break. Someone will chime in on the sizes (I will check the Salesman Data Book tonight) to confirm. I don't think they should be different widths, I also do not think whitewalls were an option in 1951 on Chevrolet or GMC. https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/48992108807/in/album-72157631868452754/
If you do like i did.... i used 16” ford wheels from a early 90’s 8 lug truck. Steel heavy duty and they are already the correct offset for the most part. I run 225/75/16’s on them and they look like the perfect size to me. Still skinny enough to look like they belong. Mine are a snow style tire so they are very squared off looking on the edge. I actually got the 4 original 3/4t hubcaps with mine and i made them fit the ford wheels pretty easy. I can do 1 wheel start to finish in probably 20min and that included robbing the hub cap clips off the stock wheels. Just flip the wheel over and grind the rivet and punch it right out. Drill hole in the ford wheel and rivet it on. I needed to rivet mine from back side because the rivet gun wouldn’t fit down into the dish of the wheel but it worked out perfect. I got the exact look i wanted with the stock hubcaps and modern rubber. **note.... i just remembered i did have to tack weld 3 5/16’s nut onto the back lip of the hub cap so they sat tight against the rim. The dish isnt deep enough to let the clips hold them tight so the nuts are just a shim. Cant see them and its a easy fix.
Did you need to change the tie rod ends? I see some 16x7 ford rims for sale - is that the size of the rims you have? I currently have 15 inch rims with the lock ring and all the original hub caps.
Did you need to change the tie rod ends? I see some 16x7 ford rims for sale - is that the size of the rims you have? I currently have 15 inch rims with the lock ring and all the original hub caps.
I didn’t change the tie rods but i did grind them slightly and i run a spacer up front.
