66 GMC 3/4 ton tire question

[athan66]

Hi everyone. New to the site and have some questions on my new to me 1966 GMC 3/4 ton.

The truck has the original 17.5 inch steel wheels along with 3 original tires in 17.5 x 7. I'm looking for new tires and the only size I can find are 17.5 x 8. Will these tires fit my wheels?

I'm thinking of the STA Highway treads as these seem to be a close match to the stock Firestones. The specs for these tires recommend a 6" wide wheel.

Thanks

[factorystock]

Yes, 8-17.5 size tire will mount easily on your original rim. I commend you for keeping the factory period look and keeping history alive. 17.5" one piece rims were the standard rim for '60 -'66 3/4 ton pickups.

[athan66]

That's great. I can't wait to get some new tires on this truck.

As for period correct, that's what I'm after. As they say "it's only original once" so I'm doing my best to keep it that way. Although, for safety reasons, I'm swapping out the 45-year old original tires.

The rims had a fair amount of surface rust and I thought for sure that I'd have to get them blasted and powder coated. However, I did scrub them with CLR and was amazed at the improvement. Still plenty of small nicks, but no rust and a lot more visible white paint. The hub caps came out very nice.

[yelmer]

what kind of tires did you get do you have a picture?

[athan66]

I purchased STA Super Transport Highway Tread tires from Universal Vintage Tire in PA (you can check their website for a small picture).

I'll try and post a photo once I get them mounted and on the truck. They look very similar to the original Firestone tires both in tread pattern and the scalloped pie crust edge sides.

[yelmer]

please post picture

[athan66]

Sorry for the delay, but finally got some pics of the truck with the new tires.

[chevy_man5]

Nice truck Athan66!!

I grew up back there, in Osceola and Somerset, so it's nice to see something from back there, that is a survivor. Most modern cars have rust on them, so to be 45 years old and only have a little bit of rust is awesome!

[athan66]

Thanks Jason,

Seeing that you're from Osceola, Wis. you must be familiar with the Motorbooks Publishing Company that was located there and their annual classic car show.

This year they had it at the Osceola Airport. It was a combination wings and wheels show -- vintage aircraft on one end and classic cars at the other end. I took the '66 GMC there and many people loved seeing the big V-6. A few had some experience with this motor, but most had never heard of it, much less saw one before.

[chevyrestoguy]

Man, that's a good looking truck!

[chevy_man5]

Motorbooks has some very cool books! My Aunt and cousin used to work there.

They always used to put on an awesome show. The last one I was at was still in their parking lot. I moved out here in '93, so it has been a while. I was just back there in July visiting family. Too bad I didn't know you then, I could have stopped by and checked out your truck!

I can't wait to get my '60 on the road. I have talked to several people that told me I must be mistaken, that the 305 is a V8. HAHAHA I even had some punk kid argue with me at NAPA, telling me there was no such thing. I took him in a picture of the engine the next time I went in, he was still telling me that it wasn't stock. Oh well, there are other auto parts stores around here.

[yelmer]

looks great thanks for the post

[factorystock]

Looks great, it's very refreshing see a stock 3/4 ton with correct 100% safe 1 piece 17.5" wheels and tires. The obvious bonus is you get to keep the correct hubcap which matches the body style. The period tire just looks right, and now you can say it looks the way it did in 1966. The detail on your truck is impressive!

[sodly]

I couldn't agree more. Love the original trucks. Is the paint original, too? Would love to see more.

Speaking of hubcaps, do the 17.5" one piece wheels take the same cap as the two piece wheels like mine? In other words, if I ever decided to go with a one-piece wheel, would my caps still work?

[yelmer]

yes they do! same cap

[sodly]

Bump. Just wondering if the owner ever wanted to share more pics of his cool, survivor GMC.