Can I put radials on 16" split wheels from a 52 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

8t5Silverado · 03-27-2005, 11:47 AM

The 3/4 ton 52 that I am still looking at has the original 16" two-piece (split) wheels...can I put modern radials on these wheels?

Do modern day 8 lug wheels fit this truck?

Brainchild · 03-27-2005, 06:36 PM

I tried some steel wheels from a stock 3/4 ton,and they hit the tierods in the front and won't turn.I did put some aftermarkets on it just to roll it around and they work fine.DIfferent offset I guess.Bolt pattern is the same though.

I would think you could run a radial on a split rim with a tube in it.I just hate splitrims,really dangerous,and I hate to mess with them.

Here's what I put on it to roll it around,and they work fine.Maybe this will help.16x8,not sure about the backspacing,I can find out tomorrow if ya want.At least there will be an idea of what will work

8t5Silverado · 03-27-2005, 09:03 PM

I'd appreciate it...I'm not too wild about the split wheels myself.

Fred T · 04-01-2005, 02:46 AM

Just so you know, the 52 3/4 ton came with either 15 or 17" wheels. They are a two-piece lock-ring design. Nothing wrong with them as long as the mating surfaces aren't pitted from rust. You can run radials on them, but you have to run a tube. To have anyone work on the wheels you need to locate either a truck tire dealer or a Co-op. No one else wants to work on them.

Problem with running newer wheels is the backspacing, like Brainchild said. You can buy spoke style wheels that work, if that's your style. Wheels from the 80's or early 90's gm trucks need about a 2" spacer to work on the front, which aren't cheap. Need to be the style that have their own studs mounted and bolt onto the drum. Another solution is to find a wheel shop that will cut and weld the centers of newer rims to fit.

8t5Silverado · 04-01-2005, 10:11 AM

Thanks for the info...that stinks. I wanted to find something cheap for the time being before I update the running gear with 5 lugs (which I can't afford to do right now). I guess I will just have to make these work for now.

I was told they were 16's (the owner of the truck has a good set of 16 inch tires he was going to give me with the truck), but I haven't gotten to inspect the truck yet.

Do you guys know what the backspacing should be? I assume 3" or less.

Fred T · 04-01-2005, 10:37 AM

On my 15s it's about 3-1/4". Original tire size was 7.00-15 6 ply.

8t5Silverado · 04-01-2005, 03:35 PM

Thanks.

03-27-2005, 11:47 AM	#1
8t5Silverado Mudslides 'r my specialty Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: STL Posts: 1,106	Can I put radials on 16" split wheels from a 52 The 3/4 ton 52 that I am still looking at has the original 16" two-piece (split) wheels...can I put modern radials on these wheels? Do modern day 8 lug wheels fit this truck? __________________ Always on the lookout for old cars and parts...(20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, etc.) http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/500339

03-27-2005, 06:36 PM	#2
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	I tried some steel wheels from a stock 3/4 ton,and they hit the tierods in the front and won't turn.I did put some aftermarkets on it just to roll it around and they work fine.DIfferent offset I guess.Bolt pattern is the same though. I would think you could run a radial on a split rim with a tube in it.I just hate splitrims,really dangerous,and I hate to mess with them. Here's what I put on it to roll it around,and they work fine.Maybe this will help.16x8,not sure about the backspacing,I can find out tomorrow if ya want.At least there will be an idea of what will work __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

03-27-2005, 09:03 PM	#3
8t5Silverado Mudslides 'r my specialty Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: STL Posts: 1,106	I'd appreciate it...I'm not too wild about the split wheels myself. __________________ Always on the lookout for old cars and parts...(20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, etc.) http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/500339

04-01-2005, 02:46 AM	#4
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Just so you know, the 52 3/4 ton came with either 15 or 17" wheels. They are a two-piece lock-ring design. Nothing wrong with them as long as the mating surfaces aren't pitted from rust. You can run radials on them, but you have to run a tube. To have anyone work on the wheels you need to locate either a truck tire dealer or a Co-op. No one else wants to work on them. Problem with running newer wheels is the backspacing, like Brainchild said. You can buy spoke style wheels that work, if that's your style. Wheels from the 80's or early 90's gm trucks need about a 2" spacer to work on the front, which aren't cheap. Need to be the style that have their own studs mounted and bolt onto the drum. Another solution is to find a wheel shop that will cut and weld the centers of newer rims to fit. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

04-01-2005, 10:11 AM	#5
8t5Silverado Mudslides 'r my specialty Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: STL Posts: 1,106	Thanks for the info...that stinks. I wanted to find something cheap for the time being before I update the running gear with 5 lugs (which I can't afford to do right now). I guess I will just have to make these work for now. I was told they were 16's (the owner of the truck has a good set of 16 inch tires he was going to give me with the truck), but I haven't gotten to inspect the truck yet. Do you guys know what the backspacing should be? I assume 3" or less. __________________ Always on the lookout for old cars and parts...(20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, etc.) http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/500339

04-01-2005, 10:37 AM	#6
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	On my 15s it's about 3-1/4". Original tire size was 7.00-15 6 ply. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

04-01-2005, 03:35 PM	#7
8t5Silverado Mudslides 'r my specialty Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: STL Posts: 1,106	Thanks. __________________ Always on the lookout for old cars and parts...(20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, etc.) http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/500339



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.