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| | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 22 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 22 | I have a '46 chevy panel... Heidt's front and rear suspension. It's a chevy 5 bolt pattern - what size rim and tire did the original '46 Chevy have? | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,061 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,061 | I have 8 lug, 7:50-17 Tornels on my 46 1 Ton. Original Lock Ring Rims
1946 1-ton Panel
1952 1-ton Comml. W/Grain Body
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 237 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 237 | It varied between 15 and 16 inches on the rims. I believe the tire width was a 6.00 series.
My 46 Suburban has 15" aftermarket artillery wheels.
Keep in mind the wider you go with the tires the harder it is to steer these old trucks unless you also added power steering.
I went for the largest diameter I could get due to that very low rearend you have.
I finally changed my entire rear end to a 3.46 to get a higher cruising speed.
With my 41 1ton I stayed with stock 750 x 17 and went to a 3.70 rear end using a 700R4 transmission I get 70 mph at 2,000 RPM.
Your final decision should be based on how you intend to us your truck. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | It varied between 15 and 16 inches on the rims. I believe the tire width was a 6.00 series. Since we know nothing abut the size of the 1946 panel truck ( fours sizes are possible, as indicated above), the information at the link I gave in my earlier post makes it clear that a variety of rim sizes are possible. And, a standard 5-bolt 1946 rim looks like it would be a 20" rim (unless I am reading the chart incorrectly - a distinct possibility). | | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 22 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 22 | Thanks guys, it appears I have the "Light Delivery Panel" model.
The Heidt's are Five - 4 3/4 bolt (I have no clue what I just said)
I have to order rims and tires for it. I'd like to use as large a rim and tire that would work well for casual driving. I fancy something like artillery rims, but I wasn't sure how wide a tire I could go (hah! for that fact I don't even know who makes artillery rims...guess I'll have to do some looking around on the 'net).
I had the frame boxed, new engine mounts for a crate chevy small block 350, (I'm told it has a mild cam modification) the transmission is 700R. power steering, disc brakes all around, brake lines are in, exhaust system is mounted, and i have an aluminum radiator, 15 gallon fuel cell fabricated for it.
I have some minimal body work to finish up outside - then it's the electrical system and interior... | | | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 237 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 237 | Check with "The Wheel Smith" in Santa Ana California. They have your atillery wheel in your lug size.
Since you did not say what size your lug pattern is in the rear you may need two different sizes.
I would also talk to the guys at Coker Tire in Chatanooga,TN. They have wheels and tires as well and have been around for a long time.
I have a feeling that you will probably end up with 15" rims. | | |
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