The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop AD wheel sizes and clips.....(again!)

OK, I know that this has been beaten to death in the past, but just so I know that I have it right...

The 16"x4.5" wheels with 6 clips were the standard wheel on the AD 1/2 tons, right...?

A factory option was 15"x5.5" wheels with 3 clips, right...?

Clips for the AD hubcaps can be installed on the later TF truck wheels, right...?

My tire shop guy is trying to convince me to get rid of my narrow 16" wheels and go with the wider 15" so I can get cheaper and better tires, and, be safer too. He says he can match the original diameter of the 6.00x16 tires with a 215 85 R15 so speedometer accuracy isn't affected.

I'm OK with that, but I just want to get the right wheels at the salvage yard and be able to use my original hub caps.

Thanks,
Steve

p.s., the '54 261 engine arrives tomorrow from the machine shop!!!

I really don't know anything about correct wheel sizes but the rolling chassis I bought for my 54 has 16" split rims with 6 bolt pattern. Right now they are playing the roll of making it a "rolling chassis" but when switchover is complete, I will not need them if they will help someone else out with their project. Let me know, G.H.

Well now I'm really confused.....

I just got back from the salvage yard, and I saw trucks with 15 inch wheels that had three clips and some with 6 clips.

It appears that the Task Force Trucks used the 3 clip wheels and the AD trucks used the 6 clip wheels. Is this correct?

Are the 15" TF wheels 5.5" wide like the 15" AD wheels so I could "mix and match" on the same truck?

Can the AD hubcaps be used on the later 3 clip wheels? OR, will only the TF hubcaps work on the 3 clip wheels?

Any input appreciated!
Steve

Actually, the stock rims on the AD trucks were 4 inches wide. Optional was the 4.5 inch wide ones, and the 15 inch rims resulted in the truck meeting the max GVW rating. GM changed from 6 clips to 3 at some point, I am not sure when, as a cost saving measure. The hubcaps stay on the same either way. But I have seen 15 inch rims with 6 clips.

53: I have two NOS 16" wheels that have only 3 clips. Clear as mud, huh?

The number of clips really doesn't matter, as long as there are at least 3. What does matter is the wheel/tire clearance to the tie-rod end on the front end.

To maintain clearance, you need rims with the proper set-back. Measure this by placing a straightedge across the back side of the rim and measure from there to the mounting face, the part of the rim that sits against the brake drum. You need to find some wheels that are close to the originals. You can go with less setback, as long as your rear tires don't rub the fenders.

Most modern gm 6 bolt wheels will accept your hubcaps. If they don't have the clips, you can put your clips on newer rims without a lot of work.

Thanks for the info guys!

I'm heading to the salvage yard tomorrow. I'm hoping to find a set of wider 15" wheels that aren't all bent outta shape. I'll go with the later GM rims if I have to, but I'd really like to stay with the original GM wheels.

Steve

53,
I just came from the garage where I measured my stock '54 wheel, without the tire mounted. It is a 15 inch by 6 inch, inside. The wheel has 6 clips. I believe these wheels to be the originals for my truck. Hope this helps.
Lonnie

Im using 15/8 six lug blazer rims on my 51 ,3100.with p-235 tires,Im also using chrome trim rings ,and I installed hub cap clips four per wheel and have the chevy reproduction stock type hub caps,I had to make adapters for the caps to fit the blazer wheels ,they look great on the truck. Wayne,old navy 51...........................