I am going to convert my 53 to front disc brakes this summer. Currently it has the original drums and wheels. I know I can not use the original wheels once I do the conversion due to the rims not fitting. What have you found that works for you? I looked at wheel smiths selection but I am not a fan of the smoothie look.
For my ‘52, I bought artillery rims from wheel Smith, custom made to my specs and they fit over my CPP disc brakes. Mine are 6x15” 3-1/4” backspace. I also bought their hub caps and beauty rings. I love the look.
Last edited by Phak1; 06/26/202612:01 PM.
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
For my ‘52, I bought artillery rims from wheel Smith, custom made to my specs and they fit over my CPP disc brakes. Mine are 6x15” 3-1/4” backspace. I also bought their hub caps and beauty rings. I love the look.
Thanks for the reply! The CPP is the same set that I have for my conversion. I have to admit the picture you posted looks better than their catalog picture. Did you choose the paint color? I would like the rims to match the color of my truck.
I would like the rims to match the color of my truck.
Wheelsmith offers the wheels in chrome, powder coated, or primed.
You'll have to buy the wheels in primer and paint them yourself if you want an exact match. They'll powder coat them in any color but it wouldn't be your exact body color unless your truck is black or white.
Last edited by Otto Skorzeny; 06/26/20269:18 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)
They were powder coated red and they are going on a ‘52 painted Washington Blue.
Last edited by Phak1; 06/27/20261:01 AM. Reason: Typo
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
As Otto said, you can get them in prime and paint them whatever color you like.
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
A couple of years ago Bill Hanlon had a wheel to come apart...as I recall the center part oddly broke. It was not WheelSmith, however. I don't remember who made it.
I just painted 4 common GM wheels (15 inch...the ones from the 60s with the hubcap "nubs" for moon or center button type hubcaps). Those are some extremely well made and well engineered wheels, by the way.
Last edited by Jon G; 06/27/20269:03 PM.
~ Jon 1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
Too bad Wheelsmith doesn't make anything in 17 inch ...
~ John
A kid raised on Hotwheels, Matchbox and Tonka cannot be reasonably expected to own only one vehicle as an adult.
1949 Chevrolet 3804 In the Legacy Gallery | In the Gallery Forum 1973 IH 1310 Dump 1963 Kaiser M38A1 2001 International/AmTran RE3000 "Skoolie" 2014 Ford E-350 4x4 (Quigley)
~ 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)
