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| | | | Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 90 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 90 | What would be required to change a 1959 3800 with single rear wheels to dual wheel config? I've read about hub extender for the front wheel, what would be needed in the back? Right now I'm running 8-bolt 9.50x16.5 rims/tires. What would be the best/most common tires/rims to switch to for a duallie?
I have access to a good (older-nothing gets crushed) salvage yard, just need to know what I'm looking for. Thanks for the help!
1959 Chevrolet 3800 Pickup
1937 Chevrolet GC Panel
Can you still call it a barn find if it's your barn? | | | | | Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 486 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 486 | I think the best option for the rear is 19.5" wheels. You'll need wheel studs that are long enough for both wheels. For the front, you can either change out the hubs or use the extenders you mentioned. Beware that most, maybe all of the extenders on the market are for 5/8" studs. That might be okay but I don't know. You'll need flat nuts for both front and rear or use the tapered nuts with the taper turned out. You might post in the parts wanted area for someone to trade front hubs with you because there are always people wanting to change from dually to single wheels.
'64 swb stepside (gone)
'57 1 ton
'53 phone truck
'59 swb
'46 1 1/2 ton
'68 swb gmc
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 90 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 90 | Can the conversion be done with 16" dual rims? Otherwise, what 19.5" rims will work (years, models, etc.)? Just wondering how scarce the rims might be.
1959 Chevrolet 3800 Pickup
1937 Chevrolet GC Panel
Can you still call it a barn find if it's your barn? | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | The problem with using 16" wheels is that they will not clear the drums on the rear.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 90 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 90 | How common are 19.5 rims and tires? Are vehicles still using them, or are good used tires going to be pretty scarce?
1959 Chevrolet 3800 Pickup
1937 Chevrolet GC Panel
Can you still call it a barn find if it's your barn? | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | They were pretty common on the P series forward control trucks, plus there's several companies that are making them new, in both single and dual wheel version. As far as tires go, I would suggest getting new, rather than trusting a used tire, unless you 100% know the vehicle it came from. Too much risk of a zipper rupture if the tire has any damage, especially from a runflat situation. This company manufactures 19.5 wheels. Might be worth checking out if you don't find any used wheels.
Last edited by LONGBOX55; 06/21/2011 9:44 PM. Reason: added information
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 56 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 56 | | | | | | Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 90 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 90 | Thanks. Even with the 67-72 spacer like this, would the 16" rims clear the brake drum on a 59 1-ton?
1959 Chevrolet 3800 Pickup
1937 Chevrolet GC Panel
Can you still call it a barn find if it's your barn? | | |
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