A question for the all stock guys...

[Miller92]

Ok guys, thanks to some help on my last post my friend knows what he's doing to his truck, so thanks for that. But I wanna go a different route. I think I wanna make my truck as stock as possible, motor, interior, paint, everything. The only thing I can't figure out is the wheel and tire combo. So my question is:

Does anybody know what size wheels and tires came on the '63 1/2 ton LWB/Fleetside? I think I've got the stock wheels on it but not for sure. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Clyde65]

probably 16.5 split rims I would think, my 65 had those widow makers when I first found it fresh off the farm.

[Miller92]

Thanks for the info... But why ya call them widow makers? lol

[markeb01]

I believe the stock wheels on a ½ ton would have been 15x5.5 or 15x6 on some models. Here’s an earlier thread that shows some oem specs for various models. I know there are other threads like this but didn’t find them on a quick search:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=stock+wheels

Split rims were generally used on heavier trucks with multi-ply truck tires. By design the main part of the wheel has a center mounting disc, the hoop the tire fits over, and a rear flange for the tire bead to rest against. A separate ring with a split in the center goes around the face of the wheel and holds the assembly together. These were very common on big trucks up until the 1970’s, their primary benefit the ease of tire installation - especially on big heavy truck tires back in the days when this installation process was done manually with tire spoons.

Some time in the 1970’s there was a rash of fatal accidents when bent or damaged rings on big rigs blew off the truck and killed pedestrians or passengers in nearby vehicles. The same risk was prevalent for anyone mounting these wheels. If they weren't inflated inside a safety case, the ring could be blown off with explosive force causing serious or fatal injury. Popularity dropped to zero, to where it is now almost impossible to find anyone that will work on these wheels. Hence the term widow maker!

[old_1966_GMC]

my 65 gmc longbed has these old looking 8 lug wheel not sure if there stock wheels good luck,Marco

16.5 8 lugs wheels and the tire remind me of the those big shipping trucks tires

[Rogue]

I saw a half ton with 6 lug 15" split rims in a junkyard last week.
Mine had narrow standard wheels.

[oem4me]

like markeb said, 15x 5.5

[PAPA KENT]

in the last 30 + years i have seen more 15" and 16" tubeless rims on 1/2 tons than anything but of course you did see splits but more commonly on 3/4 tons if that helps.good luck!

[62ShortStep]

'62 C-10 uses 15x5.0.

A '63 rim, if it actually is a 15x5.5, will look just like the 5.0, but will be about 1/4 inch deeper measured at the front.

Of the two close-up pictures below, one is 15x5.0, and the other is 15x5.5.

[Miller92]

Thanks a ton guys! From the looks of it the wheels I have on my truck now are the stock wheels but not sure if they're the splits or not, have to check that out tomorrow. If so what do you guys recommend, use them or get some different wheels?

[PAPA KENT]

Originally Posted by Miller92

Thanks a ton guys! From the looks of it the wheels I have on my truck now are the stock wheels but not sure if they're the splits or not, have to check that out tomorrow. If so what do you guys recommend, use them or get some different wheels?

it's whatever you happen to like.but it was mentioned earlier and is very true that if you have splits on it now you might not find anyone nowdays that will mount a tire on them.good luck!

[Miller92]

I just don't wanna have no accident like these other guys lol

[283nova]

have worked in and out of tires shops for the last 2.5 years, had a few "newbs" getting taught couple of them were airing them up outside the cage, fired on the spot.

[Miller92]

Sounds pretty serious. Thanks again guys, kinda sucks only bein 18 and not knowin much bout these trucks. New trucks aren't nothin, I fix my friends' trucks all the time, but hardly anybody around here has these trucks so I learn by what I do to mine and what I ask you guys.

What bout the tire size? I found a pic of a truck the guy says is all stock, even the tires, but he never answered me when I asked what size they are. So if you can tell me what size these are or somethin close I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

[astrochimp]

Pretty sure those tires and wheels are not stock.

Where can I find a trim ring like that, and will it fit a rally wheel?

[Clyde65]

FYI, most larger tire dealers ( not NTB or Discount) that deal with medium and heavy duty trucks will be glad to put tires on your split rims if asked.

BTW I saw a big rig split rim let loose while it was in our shop one time and it went through the metal ceiling and I dont know how far up it went but it did considerable damage to the roof and also the car it landed on ( parked car no one in it)

[Miller92]

Damn, thanks for the tips guys. New wheels it is. lol I went out and looked at mine and it looks like I have the 15x5s on mine all the way around. The tires on it are 235 75 R15s but I think I may go 275 if I can afford them.

[62ShortStep]

Are you keeping the 15x5's or changing? I may be interested in the rims.

[Miller92]

Imma go ahead and get rid of them as soon as I can find some other ones

[62ShortStep]

Originally Posted by Miller92

Imma go ahead and get rid of them as soon as I can find some other ones

I'll send you a PM.

[Miller92]

Ok 62ShortStep, wasn't sure how to send pics in a message so here's a pic. It's not the best but all I could get before it started raining again. If you need a better one let me know.

The white and gray stuff is just dried up clay I haven't bothered knocking off, its nothing with the rims.

[Miller92]

Ok got a couple better ones

[62ShortStep]

Originally Posted by Miller92

Ok 62ShortStep, wasn't sure how to send pics in a message so here's a pic. It's not the best but all I could get before it started raining again. If you need a better one let me know.

I sent a PM

[Ol'63Gmc]

When I got my truck, the person before me had a 15 x 5.5, 2 16 x 7's, and a 16.5 x 8 I believe... all split rings. First thing I did was get a full set of 15 steel wheels. Lol

[Miller92]

lol guess the guy just couldn't make up his mind