16.5 Tires? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

thirdstreettito · 05-13-2010, 10:14 PM

I am wanting a c20. Obviously it will have 16.5's if it has the stock wheels. Who makes tires? Should I get radial or bias-ply? All info wanted and appreciated.

Leviticus · 05-13-2010, 10:21 PM

IIRC Cooper and BFG are the only two "Big Name" companies making the 16.5 tires anymore, and the selection is thin. I believe they are starting to phase them out as well. I know there are some other off brand companies making them still.

I just know I ditched my 16.5's after finding I could get Toyo's or Kuhmo's for about $500 a set in 16" and 17" compared to BFG's or Coopers for $850 and up in 16.5"

I am sure someone will chime in with more experience or deals they have found.

Longhorn Man · 05-13-2010, 11:02 PM

i use 16.5s till they are bald or flat, then throw them away, wheel and all.

thirdstreettito · 05-13-2010, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

i use 16.5s till they are bald or flat, then throw them away, wheel and all.

What do you replace em with?

Longhorn Man · 05-14-2010, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thirdstreettito

What do you replace em with?

16 inch steel wheels. I have 6 or so laying around the garage.

**special-K** · 05-14-2010, 08:08 AM

They`ve been phasing out 16.5s for over 25 years now.

You can still get 9.50s from a good tire manufacturer.Just ask at a good tire shop.I don`t mean the ones that only want to sell what they stock.I mean a good tires store that is willing to spend a little time to find what they don`t sell everyday.The standard wheel was the 16" split rim,16.5s were the option.You may very well find a truck that has already had later 16" clinchers installed and all concerns cancelled.I believe General Tire still offers a 9.50-16.5.

72freak · 05-14-2010, 08:27 AM

7.00, 7.50, 8.75, 9.50, 33's 35's, 37's and up. They are available in sizes close to that. Plan on and average of $125-150 per tire on the smaller ones.

thirdstreettito · 05-14-2010, 11:35 AM

Thanks bunch guys! As always!

martindc1 · 05-14-2010, 03:48 PM

This place has some 9.50 - 16.5 highway tires for $79 per tire: http://www.nebraskatire.com/

Also, check out some places that sell tires for bigger trucks as well, they would probably be able to get you some 16.5s. Or if there is a place local to you that for instance dumps their used oil on the gravel to pave their driveway, they might be able to get you some 16.5s as well.

Quackaddict · 05-14-2010, 04:48 PM

2wd or 4wd. I know interco still makes a good majority of their tires in 16.5 but they are pretty serious Mud Tires..................I am looking at couple myself.

**special-K** · 05-14-2010, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quackaddict

2wd or 4wd. I know interco still makes a good majority of their tires in 16.5 but they are pretty serious Mud Tires..................I am looking at couple myself.

I read his post as saying C/20 which is 2wd.You have to look a bit hard for the smaller hiway tires for stock applications.But,they`re out there,especially through companies that specialize in tires for trucks...as in work trucks.

dougo · 05-14-2010, 06:31 PM

I just ordered BFGs in 16.5 from discounttire.com - tires are in route... it was $166 a tire for the all terrians, no tax, shipping not included. i saved a couple hundred dollars going this route. Discount Tire.com told me that they have quite the demand for this size still.

I also spoke to a tire rep and he said BFG still has a following and demand for tires in the 16.5 size... and that they most likely will continue to manufacture them. I've heard otherwise too. So, it could be a gamble... but I went for it. For the amount of driving I do with my burb these tires will last me a few years... so I'm not too concerned.

72freak · 05-14-2010, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dougo

I just ordered BFGs in 16.5 from discounttire.com - tires are in route... it was $166 a tire for the all terrians, no tax, shipping not included. i saved a couple hundred dollars going this route. Discount Tire.com told me that they have quite the demand for this size still.

I also spoke to a tire rep and he said BFG still has a following and demand for tires in the 16.5 size... and that they most likely will continue to manufacture them. I've heard otherwise too. So, it could be a gamble... but I went for it. For the amount of driving I do with my burb these tires will last me a few years... so I'm not too concerned.

They did phase out their 31x10.50x16.5 all terrain which was the perfect fit for most of these trucks in their stock form. There was a new set on ebay about 2 months ago. I should have bought them but
they were very expensive.

martindc1 · 05-14-2010, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dougo

I just ordered BFGs in 16.5 from discounttire.com - tires are in route... it was $166 a tire for the all terrians, no tax, shipping not included. i saved a couple hundred dollars going this route. Discount Tire.com told me that they have quite the demand for this size still.

I also spoke to a tire rep and he said BFG still has a following and demand for tires in the 16.5 size... and that they most likely will continue to manufacture them. I've heard otherwise too. So, it could be a gamble... but I went for it. For the amount of driving I do with my burb these tires will last me a few years... so I'm not too concerned.

Did you get All Terrain TAs in 33x12.50x16.5? Those still seem to be a pretty popular tire. I pulling truck guy told me a while back that people like to buy them and shave them for pulling.

dougo · 05-15-2010, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martindc1

Did you get All Terrain TAs in 33x12.50x16.5? Those still seem to be a pretty popular tire. I pulling truck guy told me a while back that people like to buy them and shave them for pulling.

yes, that's the size I ordered. Hard to find (in stock) in my area, although one place had 15 of them - but his out the door quote (mount/balance, tax, etc.) $1200+. So... I went the discounttire.com route - I think it was $748 delivered to my door. I have a place in town that will mount/balance for $12 per wheel.

cparman · 05-14-2010, 09:50 PM

I sell a few tires, and will call my suppliers on Monday, and see what they say. I find it interesting that in the last few years that finding a few different size 15" tires has become a challenge?? I will post again on Monday, if this old man remembers to call.

beebster · 05-15-2010, 03:50 AM

cooper tire @just tires was one that i was interested in a while back. good 16.5 tire for about $170.
I went on craigslist and eventually found some 16s aluminum rims and bought a set of tires at pep boys.
the 16.5s are good for spares though.

72freak · 05-15-2010, 06:56 AM

[QUOTE=beebster;3977597]cooper tire @just tires was one that i was interested in a while back. good 16.5 tire for about $170.
QUOTE]

I have not had good luck with Coopers. Im sure everyone has had problems with different tires and this thread does not need to turn into a tire preference thread....HOWEVER...I own a small fleet of light and medium duty commercial trucks and for a while (recently) our tire shop was pushing the Coopers. Every tire that was on a daily use truck (over 40 of them ) I bought slung the tread, came apart or exploded within 6 months or 15,000 miles. I put one of the back up trucks on the road a few months ago and It had one of the remaining Coopers on it from 16 months ago with probably 5000 miles on it and it came apart in 2 weeks! For some reason my commercial truck tire shop does not push the Coopers anymore!!! I will never own another one!

martindc1 · 05-15-2010, 04:51 PM

I was just on Tirerack today and saw that Firestone makes their Transforce highway radials in 16.5 as well.

72freak · 05-15-2010, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martindc1

I was just on Tirerack today and saw that Firestone makes their Transforce highway radials in 16.5 as well.

Yep...these are one of the better tires in that size on the market.

lowrollin70gmc · 05-15-2010, 11:00 PM

There will be at least one company making 37/12.5/16.5s for a while still, as that's the size on HMMWVs (hummers for the non military) and most of our military small trailers that are pulled behind the HMMWV.

I'm thinking they would look good on my new 68 K20 Burb...

martindc1 · 05-16-2010, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowrollin70gmc

There will be at least one company making 37/12.5/16.5s for a while still, as that's the size on HMMWVs (hummers for the non military) and most of our military small trailers that are pulled behind the HMMWV.

I'm thinking they would look good on my new 68 K20 Burb...

Check out this thread for a pic of HMMWV tires on a square body with stock wide steel wheels: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=402371

05-13-2010, 10:14 PM	#1
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	16.5 Tires? I am wanting a c20. Obviously it will have 16.5's if it has the stock wheels. Who makes tires? Should I get radial or bias-ply? All info wanted and appreciated. __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

05-13-2010, 10:21 PM	#2
Leviticus Shake and Bake! Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 609	Re: 16.5 Tires? IIRC Cooper and BFG are the only two "Big Name" companies making the 16.5 tires anymore, and the selection is thin. I believe they are starting to phase them out as well. I know there are some other off brand companies making them still. I just know I ditched my 16.5's after finding I could get Toyo's or Kuhmo's for about $500 a set in 16" and 17" compared to BFG's or Coopers for $850 and up in 16.5" I am sure someone will chime in with more experience or deals they have found. __________________ "All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent." Thomas Jefferson "You are remembered for the rules you break." General Douglas MacArthur "Support Our Troops And The NRA"

05-13-2010, 11:02 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: 16.5 Tires? i use 16.5s till they are bald or flat, then throw them away, wheel and all. Last edited by Longhorn Man; 05-13-2010 at 11:02 PM.

05-14-2010, 08:08 AM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: 16.5 Tires? They`ve been phasing out 16.5s for over 25 years now. You can still get 9.50s from a good tire manufacturer.Just ask at a good tire shop.I don`t mean the ones that only want to sell what they stock.I mean a good tires store that is willing to spend a little time to find what they don`t sell everyday.The standard wheel was the 16" split rim,16.5s were the option.You may very well find a truck that has already had later 16" clinchers installed and all concerns cancelled.I believe General Tire still offers a 9.50-16.5. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

05-14-2010, 08:27 AM	#7
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: 16.5 Tires? 7.00, 7.50, 8.75, 9.50, 33's 35's, 37's and up. They are available in sizes close to that. Plan on and average of $125-150 per tire on the smaller ones. __________________ 2004 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD Crew 6.0 1999 Harley Davidson Electra Glide 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Custom Camper "Dump Truck" 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Suburban "Big Green" 1969 Chevrolet C-50 Wedge Hauler "Leonidis" 1966 C-10 2x4 short fleet 327 4 speed "Race Truck" 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook "Rican" (my grandfathers) 1931 Ford Model A Coupe "Black Beauty" 1930 Ford Model A truck "Club Cab" 4x4 Rottenwood Garage and Speed Shop.....where everything must be racy! *It's not just a hobby..It's a LIFESTYLE!!!* Thanks for nothing Barrett-Jackson You cant fix stupid or teach accountability! Time wasters, looky Lous and tire kickers are everywhere!

05-14-2010, 11:35 AM	#8
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: 16.5 Tires? Thanks bunch guys! As always! __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

05-14-2010, 03:48 PM	#9
martindc1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: La Crosse, WI Posts: 218	Re: 16.5 Tires? This place has some 9.50 - 16.5 highway tires for $79 per tire: http://www.nebraskatire.com/ Also, check out some places that sell tires for bigger trucks as well, they would probably be able to get you some 16.5s. Or if there is a place local to you that for instance dumps their used oil on the gravel to pave their driveway, they might be able to get you some 16.5s as well. __________________ Currently truckless, previous trucks: 67 K20, 87 K10 aka V10 & 72 C10

05-14-2010, 04:48 PM	#10
Quackaddict "Hooked on Quack" Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Midlothian,TX Posts: 154	Re: 16.5 Tires? 2wd or 4wd. I know interco still makes a good majority of their tires in 16.5 but they are pretty serious Mud Tires..................I am looking at couple myself. __________________ Semper Fi, Kevin USMC

05-14-2010, 06:31 PM	#12
dougo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 543	Re: 16.5 Tires? I just ordered BFGs in 16.5 from discounttire.com - tires are in route... it was $166 a tire for the all terrians, no tax, shipping not included. i saved a couple hundred dollars going this route. Discount Tire.com told me that they have quite the demand for this size still. I also spoke to a tire rep and he said BFG still has a following and demand for tires in the 16.5 size... and that they most likely will continue to manufacture them. I've heard otherwise too. So, it could be a gamble... but I went for it. For the amount of driving I do with my burb these tires will last me a few years... so I'm not too concerned. __________________ Doug '72 GMC K2500 Suburban 4x4

05-14-2010, 09:50 PM	#16
cparman sharp as a marble Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: atlantic beach,florida Posts: 1,082	Re: 16.5 Tires? I sell a few tires, and will call my suppliers on Monday, and see what they say. I find it interesting that in the last few years that finding a few different size 15" tires has become a challenge?? I will post again on Monday, if this old man remembers to call.

05-15-2010, 03:50 AM	#17
beebster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Aurora,Il ..born,raised and still live in the same house Posts: 286	Re: 16.5 Tires? cooper tire @just tires was one that i was interested in a while back. good 16.5 tire for about $170. I went on craigslist and eventually found some 16s aluminum rims and bought a set of tires at pep boys. the 16.5s are good for spares though.

05-15-2010, 06:56 AM	#18
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: 16.5 Tires? [QUOTE=beebster;3977597]cooper tire @just tires was one that i was interested in a while back. good 16.5 tire for about $170. QUOTE] I have not had good luck with Coopers. Im sure everyone has had problems with different tires and this thread does not need to turn into a tire preference thread....HOWEVER...I own a small fleet of light and medium duty commercial trucks and for a while (recently) our tire shop was pushing the Coopers. Every tire that was on a daily use truck (over 40 of them ) I bought slung the tread, came apart or exploded within 6 months or 15,000 miles. I put one of the back up trucks on the road a few months ago and It had one of the remaining Coopers on it from 16 months ago with probably 5000 miles on it and it came apart in 2 weeks! For some reason my commercial truck tire shop does not push the Coopers anymore!!! I will never own another one! __________________ 2004 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD Crew 6.0 1999 Harley Davidson Electra Glide 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Custom Camper "Dump Truck" 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Suburban "Big Green" 1969 Chevrolet C-50 Wedge Hauler "Leonidis" 1966 C-10 2x4 short fleet 327 4 speed "Race Truck" 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook "Rican" (my grandfathers) 1931 Ford Model A Coupe "Black Beauty" 1930 Ford Model A truck "Club Cab" 4x4 Rottenwood Garage and Speed Shop.....where everything must be racy! *It's not just a hobby..It's a LIFESTYLE!!!* Thanks for nothing Barrett-Jackson You cant fix stupid or teach accountability! Time wasters, looky Lous and tire kickers are everywhere! Last edited by 72freak; 05-15-2010 at 07:00 AM.

05-15-2010, 04:51 PM	#19
martindc1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: La Crosse, WI Posts: 218	Re: 16.5 Tires? I was just on Tirerack today and saw that Firestone makes their Transforce highway radials in 16.5 as well. __________________ Currently truckless, previous trucks: 67 K20, 87 K10 aka V10 & 72 C10

05-15-2010, 11:00 PM	#21
lowrollin70gmc Too many projects Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Fargo, ND land of the flat hills Posts: 1,147	Re: 16.5 Tires? There will be at least one company making 37/12.5/16.5s for a while still, as that's the size on HMMWVs (hummers for the non military) and most of our military small trailers that are pulled behind the HMMWV. I'm thinking they would look good on my new 68 K20 Burb... __________________ Andrew 84 GMC C1500 SWB 6.2 Diesel/700R4/3.42 "Grandpa's odd duck" 70 GMC C1500 LWB My first truck: shaved, bagged, and more: the lowrollin70gmc 68 K20 Suburban 12V Cummins/NV5600/NP205/D60/11.5AAM 3.73s "Dakota Cadillac" 63 Chevy II Nova Coupe 250 I6/T56/4.56s "Economy car" 53 Willys Wagon 350/NV4500/BW4401/HP D44/9inch “Winter Wagon” 30 Model A 16 Focus ST

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