tubing out my 53 GMC

[Shane 1953 GMC]

Good Morning, I recently purchased a 53 GMC long bed. I am debating on tubing it out, but would like to stay away from that if possible. My question is, what is the widest tire I can get under the wheel wells with out having to do any cutting? It has a straight 6 with a 4 speed transmission. I was thinking it would be a tall gear but not sure without pulling it apart.. any ideas? thanks everyone in advance.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Shane 1953 GMC

Good Morning, I recently purchased a 53 GMC long bed. I am debating on tubing it out, but would like to stay away from that if possible. My question is, what is the widest tire I can get under the wheel wells with out having to do any cutting? It has a straight 6 with a 4 speed transmission. I was thinking it would be a tall gear but not sure without pulling it apart.. any ideas? thanks everyone in advance.

Please don't take this as a jab, but a tape measure would be the most accurate answer.

Ad trucks have A frame design so it's not going to be the same as a task force truck

[dsraven]

yup, like dwcsr says. grab a tape and a buddy (or a magnet or small clamp to hold the tape) and take some dimensions at the widest part of the frame, since it tapers. then measure the inner and outer parts of the box, like behind the wheel and from fender lip to fender lip. draw it out on a piece of paper like a cross section and do the math on what you you have compared to what you want. you will soon see if you need to tub or not and also what your wheel offsets need to be with your current set up. leave some space for suspension movement, side to side.

[Shane 1953 GMC]

Thanks for the reply guys, I appreciate it. I will breakout the tape and take some measurements.

[RADustin]

maybe I can help.

I fit a 255/35/20 at first. Then I cut the bedsides and went to a 295/30/20.

black wheels are the 255s. chrome is 295.

[Shane 1953 GMC]

Thanks RADustin for you reply. Yes, this gives me a good idea what I am dealing with. Beautiful Truck BTW!

[PDW HOTRODS]

It also depends on what suspension you have. And condition of it. A 4 link with panhard bar will be more stable than old leaf springs. If the rear end can move at all side to side, or when the truck leans the tire can rub, and you would need more room.

[dsraven]

there are also those who would just make the fenders wider to fit the tires. that would also mean a running board mod as well likely.
how wide is the box inside compared to the frame? it would be easiest to cut out and install some tubs. you can simply buy a steel trailer fender and cut off the width you need for the tub. it would then have a nice smooth radiused (?) edge on the inside of the box so easy on the eyes.fill the centre, where the wheel could normally be seen, and then weld to the box or flange the fender and bolt it to the box.