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#1418398 07/27/2021 8:57 PM
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 620
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'Bolter
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Until I can find three more stock stock 16" wheels for my 1954-3100 I'm using 16 inch smooth GM wheels with tires which I believe are off a 1986 and up Suburban. It appears that it is what is called (a smooth wheel), I don't know and I need help. I just want the old truck to look a little like the original (less the logo). can some one please help me? I found a set of 16" baby moons for a GM smooth rime on Ebay. This is my third attempt to get something that will look good and fit. Doc

Last edited by Doc.Hall; 07/27/2021 9:10 PM. Reason: Removed offer of free parts

Currently making 1954 3100 better than new and Genetics
Doc.Hall #1418442 07/28/2021 1:43 AM
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,659
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Curmudgeon
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Modern tires are wider. Most modern trucks have power steering.
1986 Suburban with 16" rims = 8 lugs. 6.5" width. Hubcap nubs.
1986 Suburban with 15" rims = 6 lugs. 5.5" width. Hubcap nubs.

The original tires are narrow to make it easier to steer. No power steering.
1954 Chevrolet 3100 16" rims = 6 lugs. 4.5" width. Hubcap clips.

If you are going with stock 54 rims then you need a hubcap made specifically for the clip style rim.
Make sure your clips are in good condition. They can be replaced.

Example of caps without the Chevrolet bowtie embossing:
https://hubcapmike.com/baby-moon-hubcaps-for-40-63-chevy-truck-chevrolet-truck-moons/
Attachments
Rims 01.jpg (55.34 KB, 159 downloads)

Last edited by buoymaker; 07/28/2021 1:57 AM.

"Adding CFM to a truck will only help at engine speeds you don't want to use."
"I found there was nothing to gain beyond 400 CFM."
Doc.Hall #1418754 07/30/2021 3:43 PM
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Posts: 620
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'Bolter
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Buoy Maker, Now I still need to find two more 1954 -3100 4.5 16'S. I have these on right now until I can find two more original's. I have about 40 new OEM clips in my inventory. I don't see how I can put clips on these newer rim's. I can try three but they original clips will have to be heat bent to work. I'm a blacksmith, I guess I could make longer clips to compensate for the deep smooth dish of the new type. I have been looking everywhere for original 4.5 or 5.0 wheels. On Ebay they can go as high as $140.00 and no guarantee. Ed


Currently making 1954 3100 better than new and Genetics
Doc.Hall #1418795 07/30/2021 9:09 PM
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 620
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'Bolter
'Bolter
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Thanks again Buoy Maker. You have given me some ideas regarding my delimma, and stock wheels. The problem is many of us our age took the old 16" wheels off and junked them in the 60" and seventies. So many of us were looking for 15's and wide tires for our hot rods. And we tossed away what now is a classic item. I think I read somewhere that the GM 16" wheels was used in millions of domestic trucks and military use. The last I found out was 16 million but, it could be more. When one is young and full of zip and vinegar we don't think anything about restorations in the future. Dang, my bad. I did restore a 42 Chvey Delux coupe in 1967 but because of vacuum shift and 216 engines I sold it for nothing. If I can make the right length out of spring steel I may be able to get the new 1954 Chevy truck hub caps to work. The 16" wheels that I have on it now don't affect the steering very much. I was used to driving tractors and hard steering trucks and cars without power steering so, it's not a big deal. Please let me know if you can find some 54 original wheels and it make this old guy's life a little easier. Thankyou again for you input. Doc


Currently making 1954 3100 better than new and Genetics
Doc.Hall #1419192 08/02/2021 11:54 PM
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 114
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'Bolter
'Bolter
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Toyota 4 x 4 wheels have the same pattern, not sure they well clear the tie rods by being to deep tho


woof359 Family 1952 3100 5 Window

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