Car or Truck tires?

[AngryPirate]

I have the original 15" wheels for my 1960 1/2 ton GMC (2WD) and I'm going to put new tires on it.

I think what I'm shooting for is 225/75/R15 (someone correct me if this seems off at all) because I want just a regular, old truck look; nothing extreme or out of place for this model and year.

While tire shopping I noticed if I looked at truck tires with the sizing mentioned above, they all seemed a little beefier than I was looking for. Based on all of the pictures I have seen of more original looking trucks it seems that car passenger tires might be more what I'm after.

So I guess what I'm looking for is some input if a. the size mentioned seems reasonable for what I'm looking for and b. if it matters if I use a passenger tire on a truck? I know that there are obvious load ratings and such that matter, but that aside?

Sorry if this seems like a ridiculous question, I just want to be sure before I get them mounted and realize this is not at all what I wanted or should have.

Thanks,
Scott

[AcampoDave]

I use car tires 225/75-15 on stock rims. I prefer them for the reasons you mentioned and the price. I haul loads over short distances now and then too. No problems.

[oem4me]

According to the specs, our 1/2 tons were equipped with "passenger type" tires off the line, so I went with a reproduction bias tire which was as close to original as I could find. The authentic look is great for occasional use, but for a regular driver I'd definitely choose a modern radial.

[AngryPirate]

Thanks guys! I feel better about moving forward now.

Also, both your trucks a friggin' awesome. Thanks for including the pictures to give me some context on the tire sizes.

I'll post the wheels once I have the tires mounted.

[crowdaddy]

Originally Posted by AngryPirate

Thanks guys! I feel better about moving forward now.

Also, both your trucks a friggin' awesome. Thanks for including the pictures to give me some context on the tire sizes.

I'll post the wheels once I have the tires mounted.

I put 205/75/15, the equivalent of the 1964 c-10 230 step side short box. This was a recommendation if you were planning on driving it a lot for that particular year and size truck. Somewhere on this forum is a list of specs for your truck what it originally had. You'll get the right look and size for your truck. I partly picked mine because there are spots for studs in the winter.

[1963c-10]

63 factory tire specs and prices

[AngryPirate]

Thanks for more great advice and pictures.

The pictures of the factory tire sizes is pretty legit too.

[jayoldschool]

These are 235 75 15s on mine. About the same height as old bias tires, but a little wider tread.

[AngryPirate]

So I went with a pair of 225/75/R15 passenger car tires.

Here's what it looks like (off the truck)

[likaroc13]

Here's mine on 205/75/15 Firestone radials. These were on it when I bought it. I like them for a stock/factory look. However, I plan to jump up to a 225/75/15 when I eventually replace these. I think that size should handle the road a bit better & compliment the power steering & sway bar that have been added since teardown.