With stock rims, here is spec info that Chevrolet printed in 1953.
With stock rims and stock suspension you have to allow from front axle movement (hitting a pot hole for example) when turning. If the tires are too tall or too wide, they could rub the fender(s).
"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."
You didn't respond to this posting so I went back and looked at your previous post (Cpp six lug disc brake conversion). You are now aware that original 15" wheels don't fit your disc brakes. You were given advice (other options) but you didn't respond to that posting as well.
People normally have the same size tire for front and rear axles so they don't have to carry two spare tires. Tire height, rear axle ratio and final gear ratio of the transmission affect your top speed (highway). Changing rear tires can affect your speedometer. Looks like you decided to stay with a torque tube drivetrain.
What size tire were you planning to run on the rear axle?
"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."
Truck came with 235 /75/15, from what I am told from different wheel companies, that i need to run 17" wheels. I was planning on getting new wheels with the brake conversion, I am not big fan of wheel spacers. Yes this truck is pretty much stock.
235-75 R15 is on my 1955 1st truck. It also has stock front axle, front disc brakes, Rallye wheels and does not rub the fenders. I would say the tire width is maximum for manual steering (unless you have strong arms). There are websites that have a tire dimension calculator like https://tirecalculator.com/235-75r15-tires. The website says the height of the 235-75 R15 radial tire is 28.9 inches. If you look at the BF Goodrich bias ply 600-16 (close to a 1953 stock tire), the height is 28.36. At one time the Rallye rims were the easiest to find used and were cost effective. No rocket science.
The problem I and many others have is that our favorite tire brand no longer, or soon may not, make our 15 inch tires anymore. I blame it on kids who want enormous rims and rubber bands for tires that give a harsh ride. I'm sure 15 inch tires will continue to be made in other brands but they may become specialty order and more expensive in the future.
Today's trend is to have 17 inch and larger rims for tall tires to obtain fuel efficiency and please the new generation. If you want to do a 17 inch rim, use the calculator to figure out the tire you need. Find a picture of what the rim and tire combination will look like on your truck before you purchase. It's a personal taste but I like my 15 inch truck tires.
"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."
Thanks for the help. I like the rally wheels, but cant seam to find the 6 lug and bolt pattern in new rims , Ebay has tons of used for enormous prices, for those prices I would buy new rims .
I had Wheelsmith make 16x6 wheels for me that mimic the original look. 16" tires are still pretty common for medium delivery trucks. I found a set of 16" Firestone tires for $94 each on Amazon. There were lots of 16" tire choices to choose from.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
Wheelsmith "Vintage Wheels" do not have 6 on 5.5". The "Smoothie Wheels" and "Rallye Wheels" do.
One thing I didn't take into consideration on my previous post. I was assuming the brake disc is the same size (diameter) for 15" and 16" wheels. They may not be. Check with CPP. I'm human and make mistakes.
I purchased the Wheelsmith Smoothies along with the hubcaps. The hubcaps are chromed steel.
I'm very happy with the Wheelsmith wheels. They are powder coated and the finish is smooth and durable.
I have 215/85-16 tires on my Packard and they would fit nicely on the truck. Unfortunately they were much more expensive than the $100 75 series I eventually went with.
Last edited by Otto Skorzeny; 11/12/20225:03 PM.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
Otto, what width and backspace did you go with and do you have a front disc brake conversion?
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
If I did it again, I'd go with 16"x5" wheel to be closer to the original look.
The 6" wide rim, however, gives a little more options on wheel selection. It also allows the sidewall to stay relatively straight instead of bulging out as it would on a narrower rim. This also keeps the entire tread surface on the ground instead of allowing the edges of the tire to curl up into the sidewall as they might do on a narrower rim.
The truck has stock suspension and stock drum brakes.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
When I ordered my wheels, the guy I spoke to also owned an AD Chevy. I think he said his had front discs but I don't remember for sure. I don't remember his name but you can ask for the guy with the '50 Chevy to get specific information on wheel fitment.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
Thanks Otto! I plan on installing front disc so like Luray, I looking for the wheel specs to fit without spacers.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum