The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk trying to find original rims for my 1954 3100

Yes, I gave up trying to find original rims for my 54-3100. As soon as I can find two more original 16" I will put them on. Makes a wee bit harder to steer and the rims and tires look too bulky so I lost the original look.

There are also no baby moon hubcaps that will fit that I have been able to find.

Regarding original look rims, there are several companies that make original style wheels. Some will make them in whatever width you choose, including 4.5 x 16.

I had Wheelsmith make a set of 16" smoothies for me which came with original style moon hubcaps.

I just hope they exist somewhere or can be made to spec. I just have one, with tabs, that appears to be original and was mounted on the bed side panel.

Thanks Otto, I guess I will have to stop being Jack Benny and open my wallet. I saw them and they also have the hubcap spring strips that work on the original hubcaps. I'm in the process of selling all of my Chevy parts so it is not like I don't have the money. More than several items (once I get too them), I want to donate to Stovebolt. Y'all have been so good to me over the years. Doc.

Wheelsmith will make them for you and weld the clips on to utilize original hubcaps. I opted to purchase their reproduction caps and wheels together. Their caps don't require clips.

Oh, Rochester, take the Maxwell and put a quarter's worth of gas in it at the filling station...

Back then a quarter would probably buy you a gallon and a half!

are these what your looking for ? I'm not sure but i THINK they came off of a car, late 30s maybe???? Jay D.

For the most part cars and 1/2 ton trucks shared the same wheels...

Mike B

Doc.Hall,

The standard 16" X 4.5" 6 lug (w/6 spring clips for the hub cap) shouldn't be that hard to find my friend.

According to several different year Chevrolet Master Parts Catalogs, the GM# 3693214 wheel (16") that was used for your 1954 3100 was also used for the following vehicles and years:

1939-1948 Passenger cars and 1/2 Ton trucks

1949-1955 (1st Series) 1/2 Ton Trucks

The wheels pictured in "jay d"s post above certainly look the right ones.

Perhaps "jay d" could measure them to confirm?

Maybe you would like to post an ad in the Truck Parts Wanted forum to see if any fellow Bolters may be able to help you out??? You aught to be able to find some for a reasonable price.

Dan

PS - When you decide you want to start donating some of your stuff to Stovebolt (or even looking to sell stuff outright), send me a PM and I would be glad to help you out with any ads in the Swap Meet section!

What might be the widest radial tire that will fit the 16" x 4.5" wheel?

I have 215x85 R16 Capital HT tires on my Packard which has 4.5" rims. That is as close to the original bias ply size you can get. Tread width on the ground is 6.25".

I went down the “ find someone who will make new wheels” trail recently with no success, I really wanted wanted 16 x 4-4.5 wide tubeless ready steel wheels with vents like my originals. Can do in 15” but nobody makes the 16 w vents. Smoothy yes, but no vents. Even sent a rim to WheelWorks? To see if they could put new hoops on my centers᠁.
Eventually got a few nos wheels & 2 other old wheels that were acceptable so I have 5 good wheels.
I run the Diamondback Auburn 650 x16 radial tires, Blackwall.

Chuck

If I lived closer to Florida, I have 6 1954 oem wheels! But getting them from Brtish Columbia Canada to you would be more than what the wheels are worth .. Don't give up, they are out there!

It might not be as expensive as you think to ship the wheels.

I received a set of 4 wheels from California for $175. That included the seller's markup on the shipping.

I have 5 of them 4 are 4 1/2" one is 4"
Jay D.

4 1/2" was used in 1954 and probably later/newer?

16x4.5 rims were optional in 1947 thru 1949 with 6.50x16 tires. Standard rim size was 16x4 with 6.00x16 tires. Data not available for 1950. In 1951 and later, 16x4.5 rims were standard for both 6.00x16 and 6.50x16 tires.

Jay D,

Just a note that I edited your last reply post as the guidelines do not allow for offering to buy or sell anything in any of the forums, with the exception of in The Swap Meet.

Feel free to either send Doc.Hall a PM to make your offer, or post an ad in Truck Parts For Sale per the guidelines.

Best Regards!

Dan

Otto if they are 16", that is what I'm looking for. I have moved back to the homestead and have been offline for several days. Thanks!!