The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk '62 Chevy Dually Rims

I'm close to finally getting my '62 dually on the road and I need some help making a decision about the old split rims and tire size as the truck needs new tires all the way around. From what I understand from reading these forums I can use a later model 8 lug one piece rim. Here's what I found today at the local pick and pull:

-1st truck is a mid 70's Chevy dually with a good set of 16 inch 8 lug rims and bald tires, I can get the rims for $25-30 each.

-2nd truck is a late 70's\early 80's box truck with 8 lugs and near new 8.75 x 16.5 tires, don't have a price yet on these however.

My truck currently has 7.50 x 16's. Can I run the larger 8.75 x 16.5 rims and tires or should I stick with the 16" rims? I priced new tires today for the 16" rims and they were $119 each installed so I'd be looking at $900 to get rolling if I go that route. Let me hear your opinions.

Thanks, Phil

I would opt for the 16s. This is more due to 16.5s becoming harder to find. They've become an obsolete size, so he manufacturers are dropping them, exept for some specialty tire makers. But I don't think a 38' Swamper is what you have in mind !

Thanks for the response, so the 16.5" tires would only make sense if they were a great deal $-wise. Other than the fact they're a near obsolete size is there any other reason for not using them?

Not really. It's more of a case of if/when you need new tire, being able to get them. If it's a good deal, then go for it. Lie I said, though, many of the 16.5s are beign discontinued. Same goes for 12, 13, and many 14" sizes. drives the guys with older Rangers nuts because they can't get tires for them.

If they're cheap enough I'll get the 16.5's since they have so much tread left and will last me for years, otherwise I'll go with the 16's. I think I'm going to get the 16" rims and set aside them even if I do pick the other 16.5's.

Thanks.

i agree with the 16 inch wheel. the 16.5 wheel has a more rolled bead that the tire inflates against. therefore if you have a tire getting low , you could possibly have a blowout quicker with the 16.5, or even a tire go low over the winter sitting in the garage can be a problem coming off of the bead.
another downfall to 16.5 is some tire service companies wont work on them anymore due to the bead of the rim.

F.Y.I your 750-16 is 31.6 inches tall a 235-85/16 is 32.0
and a 265-75/16 is 31.6 these are readily available sizes
also the 875-16.5 is only 29.2 inches tall!!!!!

B & K, thanks for the info!

I haven't heard back about the 16.5's yet so I think I'm going with the 16's.

Better rethink that decision. Unless something has been changed concerning the brakes, the 16" tubeless rims with the drop center won't fit over the rear brake drums on that dually rear end. There's just barely enough room for a straight-center 16" tube type rim to slide over the drums. The 16.5's should work OK, but I doubt you'll be able to run the tubeless rims on the inside of the dual rears. My 87 F-150 with the mid-60's GM 14 bolt rear end is like that- - - -I have to run tube-type tires and split ring wheels on the inside dual position for brake drum clearance. Later model trucks with tubeless tires run smaller diameter, wider drums.
Jerry

Wheels and tires are a major issue for me, because I need 14 sets for my two projects. Have you considered 19.5 wheels and tires instead of 16.5? They may be too big for your truck, but, if they will fit, I think that they will be around for a while.

the 19.5 combo is what i am looking for to put on Gretchen. right now there are 18" wheels on it. I also thought about the drum issue earlier today so glad it got mentioned. so if any one hears of a set of 19.5 for me or know what will fit it pllease let me know greatly appreciated!!!!

Lots of info here and now I really have to consider this from all angles so I'm gonna need some education.

From Hotrod Lincoln's post it looks like the later model 16's are not the same as the earlier factory 16" split rim. And the 16.5" rims may not work either.

So now I'm wondering if the original split rims may just be the best choice. Either that or swap the entire rear end for the mid 70's dually rear. The rear end swap would probably get into some spring location and drive shaft issues that I'm not equipped to deal with.