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#1474782 11/10/2022 10:45 PM
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 162
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'Bolter
'Bolter
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53 ,3100 what is the widest size wheel can you run on the front with stock suspension?


1953 with a 216
Luray #1474786 11/10/2022 11:27 PM
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Curmudgeon
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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).
Attachments
1953 Tire Sizes.jpg (139.67 KB, 230 downloads)


"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."
Luray #1474908 11/11/2022 9:40 PM
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Posts: 1,660
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Curmudgeon
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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."
Luray #1474913 11/11/2022 10:58 PM
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 162
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'Bolter
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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.


1953 with a 216
Luray #1474938 11/12/2022 2:42 AM
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Curmudgeon
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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."
Luray #1474946 11/12/2022 9:48 AM
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Posts: 162
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'Bolter
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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 .


1953 with a 216
Luray #1474972 11/12/2022 2:48 PM
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 6,684
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'Bolter
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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)
Luray #1474986 11/12/2022 4:32 PM
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Curmudgeon
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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.

If you read past Stovebolt posts you will see recommendations for 215-85 R16. The tire height is 30.4". I have no experience with this size tire.
Example posting:
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1438279/1.html

I have no idea of the quality of Wheelsmith hubcaps. I have seen caps for Rallye wheels that are chromed over plastic. Check before you buy.
Attachments
Wheelsmith 01.jpg (74.75 KB, 136 downloads)

Last edited by buoymaker; 11/12/2022 5:35 PM.

"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."
Luray #1474991 11/12/2022 4:55 PM
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 6,684
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'Bolter
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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.
Attachments
IMG_20220203_170446.jpg (54.47 KB, 132 downloads)
IMG_20220203_170802.jpg (92.32 KB, 131 downloads)
IMG_20220131_152847.jpg (67.07 KB, 130 downloads)
IMG_20220131_152910.jpg (84.41 KB, 129 downloads)
IMG_20220201_122952.jpg (67.85 KB, 130 downloads)
IMG_20220212_125123.jpg (72.13 KB, 127 downloads)
IMG_20220212_125845.jpg (63.95 KB, 129 downloads)
IMG_20220212_125825.jpg (70.24 KB, 130 downloads)
IMG_20220301_181918.jpg (68.66 KB, 130 downloads)

Last edited by Otto Skorzeny; 11/12/2022 5:03 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)
Luray #1474998 11/12/2022 5:38 PM
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,660
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Curmudgeon
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Otto, thanks for the pictures and the report on the steel hubcaps.


"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."
Luray #1475005 11/12/2022 6:19 PM
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 4,471
AD Addict & Tinkerer
AD Addict & Tinkerer
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 4,471
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
Luray #1475006 11/12/2022 6:39 PM
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 6,684
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'Bolter
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The wheels are 16"x6" with 3.5" backspace.

The tires have a ~6' wide tread.

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)
Luray #1475008 11/12/2022 6:58 PM
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 162
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'Bolter
'Bolter
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Posts: 162
Great info , I will have to contact them, my only concern is the disk brake set up in the front. Clearance?


1953 with a 216
Luray #1475014 11/12/2022 7:17 PM
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 6,684
O
'Bolter
'Bolter
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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)
Luray #1475016 11/12/2022 7:49 PM
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 162
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'Bolter
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Posts: 162
Thanks


1953 with a 216
Luray #1475064 11/13/2022 1:28 PM
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 4,471
AD Addict & Tinkerer
AD Addict & Tinkerer
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 4,471
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

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