Just curious what brand and style of wheel I should go with for my pickup? Truck is all stock (mostly), and I prefer to keep the original look. I just picked up some nice 215/85R16 tires, so obviously I'll be going with a 16" rim.
The reason for my questions is I would like to find rims that accept original or aftermarket hubcaps. I also am not opposed to a set of used rims either.
The only wheels I'm aware of that will accept original hubcaps are the original wheels, although you may be able to add some inside clips to other wheels. There were some nice 16 inch Rally Wheels made by Chevy for some 70s pickups but they're pretty rare. Some of the aftermarket hubcaps will work on the Rally Wheels or any other standard 16 inch wheel.
~ Jon 1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
I had Wheelsmith make a set of rims for me that mimic the original wheels.
The originals were 16"x4.5"
I had these Smoothies made in 16"x6" with 3.5" backspace. If I were to do it again I'd have them made in 16"x5" to more closely match the original appearance. Radial tires are installed.
They sell the hubcaps too. If you want to use your original hubcaps, they will have to weld clips to the rims to hold them. Their caps attach differently.
$1,523 including shipping. Worth it in my opinion.
Last edited by Otto Skorzeny; 05/04/20235:09 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)
I should add...not the reproduction Rally Wheels. Those are out there but only work with the center cap approach. To find one with 6 holes and the little hubcap nubbins is not easy.
~ Jon 1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
By the way, I looked for original rims or some similar but they are very hard to find , especially in usable condition. I figured it was easier to have nice new ones made and pay the price, rather than trying to find and repair beat up rusty wheels.
I'm very happy with them.
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)
I had Wheelsmith make a set of rims for me that mimic the original wheels.
The originals were 16"x4.5"
I had these Smoothies made in 16"x6" with 3.5" backspace. If I were to do it again I'd have them made in 16"x5" to more closely match the original appearance. Radial tires are installed.
They sell the hubcaps too. If you want to use your original hubcaps, they will have to weld clips to the rims to hold them. Their caps attach differently.
$1,523 including shipping. Worth it in my opinion.
This is great information! Thank you. It sure sounds like a good option.
I don't have original hubcaps so I would need to get a set as well. The look of your truck is what I am going for in terms of wheels and tires. The tires I bought are 10ply radials and they were about as close looking to stock as possible without the rough ride.
I'm glad I could help. The guy I placed the order with at Wheelsmith has an AD truck as well so I went with his suggestion/knowledge on the backspace. I do not know what the wheel offset or backspace is on the 4.5" wide originals.
I also didn't have original hubcaps or wheels so ordering these was a simple solution. When you go to the website, look for the 16" Smoothies.
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)
