Stovebolt.com Forums The Parking Lot General Truck Talk New member intro, a few photos, info on fluids, and a question about wheels

Hey all...thank you for taking the time to respond. After some phone calls, taking some measurements, and speaking to someone who seemed very knowledgeable as well at Coaker, it seems the wheel below will bolt right on with no spacers required for the front. Being a 16" and only a 4" backspacing, it seems it will clear the tie rod. Now...to find the tire to fit with the proper load rating. Pretty much all sizes with the width and aspect ratio combo that would result in a height very close to a 7x15 bias, is only available in an "XL" load rating...basically, a slightly stronger passenger car tire. Definitely not the best choice. So...the quest continues. In all honesty, I'm not terrified of split ring rims. With a flapper, radial tube, and radial tire, the stock 15s would work just fine too. Split ring rims can be dealt with quite safely as long as one is aware of necessary precautions. that said, I may very well just order some F Load rated 15s and put em on the stock wheels. Option 2, the bias look radials from Coaker.

https://www.cokertire.com/wheels/8-lug-wheel-primed-16x6.html

I used Dexstar am20766 trailer rims on my 1 ton. I haven’t put the hub cap clips on yet, but have read that it’s simply a job of riveting them onto the rim. They are 16” rims and I run 215/85/16 on them. You will lose a little bit in tire height but it sure rolls nicely. These were a very good modern alternative. Go to their site and look up FAQ about this model rim. You will find a lot of info regarding their fit on 3/4 and 1 ton chevs/gmcs from these years.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/AkvxEaSMRTxbzi6q8

Plus they look original...ish.

Beautiful truck. Congrats!

Years ago I put P225/75R15 radials with tubes and flaps on the original 2-piece wheels of my 50 Chevy 3600, and they ran great. They are not as tall as the bias 700-15 tires. And they were load range "B" tires. If you can get LT tires they will have a higher load rating, but I don't know about availability in that size.

The suspension on my truck is the same as a trailer, and I don't go over 45 MPH with original drive train. No freeways or high speed corners. No problems that I can see running these tires.
Others are running them as well.
And - they have to be better than the original bias ply that came on the truck in 1954.

Word of caution since this thread has wandered off the deep end and gone to the dark side. Here is the issue with non DOT certified wheels/tires. If you are involved in an incident or accident while on public roads and the investigating officer does not find the proper DOT markings on the wheel/tire you are at the very least partially responsible for damages or injury. Running non legal equipment on your truck is not endorsed by Stovebolt.com under any circumstances. 🛠

Kevin, very nice truck.

Welcome

John

Here's what I've come to fellas. I'm going to keep my stock split ring rims and caps, pop in a new flap, radial tube, and run a F Load rated Radial. Thanks for all the input.

Cancel that. Couldnt leave it alone. Haha. Ok...heres the skinny. A stock, 1949 GMC 150, with a stock 15x6 8 lug split ring rim, has a 3 1/2" backspace. To clear the tie rod, the wheel must have that backspace or less. The closest commonly available wheel has a 4" backspace. So....I will be welding up a set of 7x16" steel wheels with a 3 1/2 inch backspace, and mount a 235/70/16 on it. That will be approx 1.2" taller than a 7x15 bias on a 15" wheel. Is anyone out there interested in a set of these wheels? The centers will accept the domed caps from coaker which are on backorder, or I may make a clip kit you can use with your stock cap. Anyone interested? This will result in a true bolt on conversion kit to radial 1 piece wheels for these trucks. A 225/70 or 75/16 could also be used if you wish to be closer to stock ride height. They would be black powdercoat. If I'm fixturing up, might as well make a few.

I find it strange how a trailer tire can handle loads on a work trailer carrying up to 8-10,00 lbs rolling down the highway at 70 mph, but they can’t “safely” drive an old pickup in a straight line at 50mph. The DOT must know something we don’t...or it’s a money grab. Hmmmm. Have I shut this thread down? 😬

Of course, I know you’re right, Martin, but it still seems ridiculous to me. 😃 I’m glad it’s not that nit picky up here.

Let's switch it around a little.
Does anyone else run truck tires on a trailer.
Martin, is that legal?

For those who have not met Martin. he is a retired LEO and a sharp cookie.
Don