I have 7.50-17 tires on a ‘53 3800 pickup. I was looking for some more aggressive tires for the back, and saw some nos 8.25-17 nearby. Anyone ever use this size? They seem pretty uncommon.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
What is your rim size? The 1953 Chevrolet Truck Data PDF shows 2 rim sizes for 1953 3800's. 17 X 5.0" is the standard width listed for 3800 with a special 17 X 6.0" rim for 3802 models (Flat face cowl).
A chart I came across looking for tire width to rim width limits suggests the 8.25 tires need a minimum 6" wide rim for safe mounting and operation. Hope this is of help in answering your question.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
When were those "NOS" tires made? If they're more than a few years old, they're no bargain. Tires have a definite "shelf life", even if they're never inflated. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
It appears to be a nylon tire. Age doesn't affect nylon tires much. I install worn out nylon tires on storage trailers because don't blow out like radials. However, if the guy only has one of them, you may never find one to match it. We used 7.50x17 on our pickups back in the 1950's and 1960's. 8.25x17 were in the price books back then, but I'm not sure I ever actually saw one. I have a couple of old pickups with 17" wheels. Next time I put new tires on my 3500HD I plan on putting radial tubes in the old tires and use them on my old pickups.
Age may not affect the nylon cord, but the rubber sure does go bad. I've seen nylon cord tires that are cracked and brittle.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
