Late Model Rims on Early Model Trucks

[TimC63]

Hey Guys,

Came across some 17" (6x5.5) stock alloy rims off a 2007 GMC Truck which I'm considering using on my 1963 C10 because I think they're decent looking, better sizing, and pretty much a steal ($$$).

I'm currently running 15's which are nicely thrashed and I need to re-do the majority of the stock 7/16-20 lugs (4-wheel drum for now).

The only real issue I see in using the 17's is the newer '99-'08 14mm 1.5 lugs which the rims are designed for. The rims obviously have bigger holes for the lager 14mm lugs and require longer lug as well.

Anyone heard of drilling out the drums/axles/hubs in order to install 14mm 1.5 lugs so that late model rims can be used?

[billydonn]

Originally Posted by TimC63

Hey Guys,

Came across some 17" (6x5.5) stock alloy rims off a 2007 GMC Truck which I'm considering using ... Anyone heard of drilling out the drums/axles/hubs in order to install 14mm 1.5 lugs so that late model rims can be used?

Attachment 357270

Never heard of it, though anything is possible. But the cost and hassle of doing that could be significant. IMO you will still have fitment issues with wheel backspacing though. Advice: be safe and go ahead and convert to disc brakes... you have one of the easy ones (63-66).

[aggie91]

Go to one of your local tire/wheel shops and ask if they a have a conversion lug nut. I know that some where avaiable for fitting later model (88-98) 5 lug wheels (88-98 used 14 mm studs also) on to 73-87 five lug trucks that used 1/2-20 studs.

These "conversion" lugnuts had the correct external dimensions and cone shape needed for the later wheels, but had the internal thread of the older standard style. just a thought...

billy is right about the back spacing, you should check that out first to see if they are going to work for you...

[poorboy]

These should work. Part #C2002
http://www.tradeunion.com/ToplinePro...gsspecial.html

[BlueJeep]

I've done it before, though not on one of these trucks. Go to a parts store, and have them pull a wheel stud for your application and have them pull the Dorman book on studs, and take a calipers to measure the knurling. If you're lucky, you might come close on one and not have to drill. On a positive note, 14mm is very close to 9/16 so that would be an upgrade.

If you need to do wheel spacers it's possible that you can order them to bolt on to your SAE lugs and have them come with 14mm studs, making it a bolt-on deal.

[jkaylor68gmc]

I have a set of 16-inchers off my 02 SIlverado with tires I would cut someone a serious deal on, I no longer need them.

[jchav62]

I think these newer wheels have a negative offset and they don't sit well on our trucks.

[joe231]

Originally Posted by jchav62

I think these newer wheels have a negative offset and they don't sit well on our trucks.

I would have to agree, I don't even like them on what they came stock, just because they sit in to the truck too far, just my $0.02
to each their own

[protrash64]

The other factor to consider is the centerbore of the new wheels........it may be somewhat smaller than your hubs and it will be more of an issue than the studs. IMO

[TimC63]

Thanks for the input everyone. Much appreciated.

Summary
- studs/lug nuts: conversion lug nuts sound like the way to go, longer studs still needed
- backspacing (5"): clearance is tight but shouldn't be an issue, possible wheel spacers
- center bore: ~3.5" rear hub vs. ~3" wheel, not gonna work, possible wheel spacers

Conclusion
- Don't you hate it when you get some wacky idea in your head you just can't shake? I think I could make the rims work correctly with the proper tweaks from above which are all minimal effort. I guess it really boils down to how cheap my friend will sell me the rims, maybe free , and I guess I'll find out how bad the backspacing looks once I mount them.

Thanks again for help guys! I'll post picks if I ever make this happen.

[66shortwide]

I know the fronts will not fit over the centers on the drum brakes - I guess u may could have them machined??

[protrash64]

Your 5" backspace will not be a problem.......I run deeper on both my trucks w/ no problems. Do the newer wheels use the conical seats? My pick-up has wheels for an 88-98 3/4 ton and I didnt change any studs. I just used 60* seats w/ the shaft that extends into the mounting hole.

[TimC63]

protrash64,

Yes they use a conical seat type mounting hole. The below lug nuts are the factory deals that have outside male threads for the black plastic lug nut covers (never new those weren't the actual lug nuts until recently). I could care less about using the covers and if i can get away with using stock length studs, that might be better.

[protrash64]

I re-read what I wrote.........sorry TimC63, wasnt exactly clear. I used lugs that have the 60* seat and the shaft that extends into the mounting hole. They look similar to the dually lugs on the link in this thread......those are not the correct lugs, however.

[thumpros@yahoo.com]

TimC63,

What did you eventually do to mount your alloys, or did you?

Thanks!

Rod

[MusicMan70]

Wheel spacer with correct lug nuts for the center cap.

[thumpros@yahoo.com]

Thanks MusicMan70,

Nice clear picture. Just to recap. That is the 1.5", or 2" Spacer?

Thanks again...

Rod

[MusicMan70]

Yes it's 1.5"

[thumpros@yahoo.com]

Roger that!

[jtrichard]

I am putting 17'S on (front) of my 63 with 1" spacer and if you have the alloy wheels look for (GM dual lug nut) or (bulge lug nut) if you dont have/want the plastic caps..... you will need to know what thread the studs are on the spacer assuming you cant find a spacer with the lug nuts you want (EBAY is where i found mine)

[thumpros@yahoo.com]

jtrichard,

Thanks. I'll look at eBay...