Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

Yippee, my hub caps are done - A long time coming. I have a 71 C10 with original 5-lug steel wheels. Happen to know what size those wheels are? Perhaps they're 15x6, not sure.

What color code are the wheels?

I'm wondering about valve stems. What type and size of valve stems were installed in these? Is there a better option than original? Any leads appreciated. Thank you

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

I assume a regular rubber valve stem was used. A "upgrade" would be to use a steel, usually chromed, valve stem. Most tire stores carry them.

if you are a "has to be original look" guy, than use regular rubber valve stem.

I have Crager's so of course use the metal ones.

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

I do like the looks of the rubber valve stems. Happen to know what size?

This seems to be an original valve stem, assuming its not a GM replacement part. Looks like my wheels already have them, though mine aren't what I assume is brass.

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

The brass one you have, like your pic, are better than rubber IMHO.

I don't know what the trucks came with as I am not a has to be original guy so if that's what you are asking, ideally someone who knows what factory installed can advise.

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

This is my original spare (even the tire is an original). However, mine is a C20 which could have different from a C/10 due to GVW ratings.

I also prefer the brass.

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

Looks exactly like what's currently on my wheels - C10.

I agree on the brass. Wow, original spare tire.

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

The parts book for 273476 reads “Demountable, W/2” cap, Tubeless Tire”. Not sure what is meant by 2” cap, but here are similar “2” valves. Seems 2” is the entire length, my existing stems (similar or same as post #5) extend 1.2" from the wheel.

Anyone know the wheel valve hole diameter? These are for 5/8”; I’m guessing the old wheels are the same.

https://www.haltec.com/pc/2-quot-Rep...Stem-p3233.htm

https://www.amazon.com/ACCRETION-TR5...995293079&th=1

https://www.ebay.com/itm/11123336727...RoCsDgQAvD_BwE

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

on your amazon link...the other model,TR501, is the 1 1/2" ones

https://www.amazon.com/ACCRETION-TR5...995293079&th=1

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

Great, thank you. Here's a set full brass short a cap. I think I'd install plastic caps. Edit, they don't fit.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/27367218466...BoCSxQQAvD_BwE

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

Great info on the valve stems. Wish I had thought to ask about this prior to having my tires mounted on my freshly powder coated steelies.

Regarding your color code question, this thread, https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=620516, has quite a bit of info on the stock wheel colors. Including the following quote from SS Tim, "GM 521 (Ditzler 2185) white, same color as the white trucks or two-tone parts were 70-72."

I'm not sure which hubcaps your running, white, stainless, chrome over brass or the full wheel covers. If they're the white caps, I would make sure to macth the white on the wheels with the white on the caps. If it's one of the last three I listed, it doesn't matter as much. Especially if your truck doesn't have a white roof or other white accents.

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

Thank you, I thought it might be 521 but wasn't sure. I'll be running these, they just arrived. On a side, I wonder what's up with Tim, he hasn't been on the board since 2019.

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

So, can anyone that has a C/10 with original wheels and really low miles (or if they are the original owner) verify if the C/10's came with rubber or brass valve stems?

Hey Jim, I was looking at the pic of your original spare tire and noticed the unique shape of the valve stem cap. Would it happen to say DILL 627 around the raised area on the cap?

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

I believe all 3/4 and one ton trucks came with metal valve stems . This is because they are run with higher pressure than the 1/2 ton tires .

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

Not sure where that cap is since I blasted the wheels. However, there are a few in my "collection" with DLL 627.

Is there something special about that? Like...are they valuable?

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

They don't seem to be particularly valuable. NOS originals seem to sell for a bit more than the repops. Not sure how many manufacturers repop them but they're available from many classic car sources. Looks like Dill was an OEM supplier for valve stems and caps to at least GM and Ford. Seems Ford caps were grey. Looks like the 627 caps were used on the Vettes and Camaros up until a certain point.

Still wondering if the 1/2 ton trucks originally came with rubber valve stems.

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

Looks like they were rubber . This was an original spare that was for sale here
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=844846

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

I saw that one for sale, didn't think to look at the valve stem though so thanks for bringing it up. I agree that it looks like a rubber valve stem. I see that it's 6-lug but it looks like a disc brake wheel. Would that be from a 4-wheel drive? I was wondering if the 2wd 1/2 ton pickups had rubber stems.

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

My parts book mentions three valve stem related part numbers;
All, Blazer: 3171598 (Type F- 3/8" OD x 37/64" long) (these are the rubber caps)
All, Blazer: 273476 Stem Assy, demountable w 2" cap tubeless tire
All, Blazer: 9422212 Extension, valve stem (1 11/32" O.L.) (these are valve stem extensions)

These are what is listed in my '71/72 parts catalog (P&A 31 M)

Looking at the wheel pages, there is one wheel listed matching your criteria that is 5 lug, 15" diameter
15x6JJ wheel size, (3972722 part number) 1-piece welded, tubeless, 1/2" offset, G78x15 tires (orginally), 4 hubcap attach clips or projections, 4 spoke or hand holes

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

Thanks. I looked it up and found the same info in my 1946-1972 Parts Manual. I haven't gotten good at deciphering some of the info though. So does this mean that a 1970 1/2 ton pickup could have had either a 1-1/4" snap in type (rubber?) part number 274083 or a demountable w/2" (brass?) part number 273476 valve stem? So I see that the A.R. after 274083 in my image means As Required. Required by what? Higher tire pressure?

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

Speaking for C10, I only know some took a metal valve stem, 273476. Mine are like First Owners above. I wasn't sure they were original, but it would seem they are. Like his, mine have a clear finish, looks like stainless to me. But some are brass, like this one, which is on Ebay.

The stems are stamped Schrader CAN, TR 416. This stem on Ebay appears to have the Schrader stamp as well.

Edit: Nice summary by MJN, above. To add to that (c10), I believe the lug nuts are part # 516637, which are 13/16" hex with 1/2-20 threads.

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

I just remembered I had this on display in my basement, this is an original, never used, spare tire from a 1972 1/2 ton 4x4 Suburban. It’s a 15x6 wheel. It has a rubber stem.

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

Hey Joe, thanks for adding this info.

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

I worked at a chevy dealership in 1973 to 1981 and the half ton c 10s had white rims and rubber valve stems.
David

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

My factory optional 16.5" x 8.25" KH wheels on my '70 Blazer came with the brass valve stems. I have the dry rotted never dismounted spare.

Re: Question about original wheels and valve stems
 

I wonder if rubber stems Vs brass or stainless stems was dependent on the hub cap? In other terms, painted caps take a rubber stem, chrome caps take a metal one. Just guessing.