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What is the maximum wheel width for a 1950 3600. I currently have split rims that I want to replace with steel wheels and radials. OR, to be cheap, I could use the split rims and tube radials?

Thanks

I had 6.50 x 16 on my 53 pickup when I bought it, but got a set of used 225 75R 16 to mount on the rims as the 6.50's were rotten and wanted to move the truck. I haven't done anything to the rims other than sandblast, prime and paint. I am hoping to maybe get some whitewalls someday.

I assume you have the original 15" two piece rim? Don't waste any time or money on them.
All you’ll be able to mount on them are bias plies with tubes and flaps. Might even have a
hard time finding a shop that will work on those rims. Best bet is to just get rid of them
and find a later set of eight lug tubeless rims. There’s a discussion started on that subject
every other day here on the forum so you can do a search and start reading opinions on
which rim is best suited till the cows come home. There is no definitive one best rim
answer for stock rims so be prepared for some confusion. If you have deep pockets then
you can have rims custom made to your diameter and width with the proper back spacing
for around $100 each.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Thanks Denny. I am sure I will just get a set of steel rims and some tires. I am thinking 16 inch but need to know the maximum width of the rim that will work with my stock 1950 3600. So, will 16 x 7 work or 16 x 6 , etc. Then I will get a set of radials.

David.

6.5 or 7 inch wide rims are more than fine for the truck. If you are planning on using Bias whitewalls, they'll be a little too wide though. You'll probably want a 6" or narrower rim for bias tires. Most radial whitewalls that are 215 or wider should work fine. One thing you'll need to consider is backspacing. The rims I have on my 54 are 16x6.5's from a Ford and have 4.25" backspacing. They just barely clear the tie rod. I have a mystery rim with 4.5" backspacing and it doesn't fit at all. So needless to say, you'll need 4.25" or less backspacing. If you want to mix things up a bit, you can use rims with more backspacing on the rear and it should be fine.

Chris

I'm back on looking for wheels. Has anyone used this company before?

web site

I have to give them credit for the simple measurement info.

I am thinking of going with 16 inch, probably 7 inch wide with 4.25 backspace. I THINK from all the info I received, they will clean my tie rod ends AND give me plenty of room up front if I ever want to add disc brakes (unlikely, but...) I was going to have them powder coated black. They will work with all my hubcaps too.

Another option is to go with a trailer wheel. Like these.. The rating is higher then the stock wheels on a truck. They don't mention backspacing though...

trailer wheels

Thoughts?

Go to www.dexstarwheel.com , they are trailer wheel manufacturers. The ones you are looking at are probably made my them. Their website states that their 16x6 wheel has a 4.89 hub and a .50 offset. If I'm doing my math right, on a 6" wide wheel that is 3.5" of backspacing. They also have 16.5 wheels in that style too.

You can probably find them at any trailer supply house.

Chris

check out this link: www.talk.classicparts.com/showthread.php?t=11532

Thanks Chris. I'm hoping 3.5 inches of backspace will do it. What's the advantage of 16.5 inch wheels? More room inside the wheel and taller tires?

No real advantage to 16.5's. Tires are getting harder to come by for them too. They are just a little bit wider, that's all.

I'm after tall and narrow so think 16s is what I want.

My rims are made by Accuride for Ford. I searched their site and apparently they've replaced the 16x6 rim with a 16x7 for the 67-97 Ford trucks and 06 and older vans. It only has .25 offset, which makes it a 3.75 backspace, which is still in the ballgame. If you can find an Accuride dealer, the part number is 29576. They also have cross reference to a NWRA number x-45453.

Chris