The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 15 inch or 16 wheels ?

Hi List,

I Have been tracking down a set of wheels for my 55 first series and I was going with 16 inch because that was standard. Most of the wheels I find however are 15 inch (which was an option). I was wondering which is the better way to go, 15 or 16, any thoughts?

Using 16 inch wheels you have the andvantage of having 1 inch larger diameter for the same tyre width.That will increase (in comparison) your cruise speed with the same egine revolutions.
Jianis

mendonjo

The original 1954/55 optional 15" wheels/tires were a slightly larger diameter (loaded rolling diameter) than the original standard 16" wheels/tires.

Where are you finding the optional 15" wheels? Have you checked the diameter of tires available for those 15" wheels compared to the diameter of tires available for the 6.50x16" wheels?

Tim,

I would not have expected it but you are right on the money...the tires available for 15 inch rims have a bigger overall diameter than the 16 inch offerings. Tires for the 16 inch are cheaper too.

I referenced Coker tire's website. They are near me (in fact I was there yesterday and went through their museum)so that's probably where I will get the tires.

So...to answer my own question. 16 inch tires are cheaper and have more widths available, so that's what I will go with.

Joe

P.S. When I bought my engine, the guy had (7) 15 inch wheels setting there. I called on a parts truck in Knoxville last week and yep, 15 inch wheels, craigslist...15 again. It just seems like I run into the 15 inchers more readily.