Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Steeveedee** · 10-10-2015, 08:44 PM

Time to put new tires on Big Orange. It is a 3/4 Ton Custom Camper with the heavier duty 16.5 diameter wheels. I don't seem to be able to find that diameter tire. I'm pretty good at the internet, but this one seems to be beyond me. I'm in Simi Valley, CA. Anyone have a source local to this area? TIA!

Duluth67 · 10-10-2015, 09:20 PM

These look really good on mine. Period correct look.

http://www.stausaonline.com/tires/sta-super-traxion/

750$ installed in Minneapolis

Sicklajoie · 10-10-2015, 09:31 PM

These seem to be really popular.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...=1&RunFlat=All

**Steeveedee** · 10-10-2015, 09:50 PM

Been to tirerack, they don't seem to show my wheel size. This is what is stumping me. CostCo and a a couple other local tire stores don't show 16.5" tires, either. I want a road tire, not something for any kind of bad weather.

Sicklajoie · 10-10-2015, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

Been to tirerack, they don't seem to show my wheel size. This is what is stumping me. CostCo and a a couple other local tire stores don't show 16.5" tires, either. I want a road tire, not something for any kind of bad weather.

The one that I linked above is for 16.5 rims. Am I missing something?

Duluth67 · 10-10-2015, 10:39 PM

Slick's link is 16.5, isn't that what you want?

BCOWANWHEELS · 10-10-2015, 11:33 PM

if you can fit them military surplus hummer tires are 37"tall and 12' wide. there goodyears and bfg t/a,s. they go for 50-100.00 each. look on ebay,theres tons of them. they ride excellent and have great on n off road traction. I run them on all my M715,S

**jocko** · 10-10-2015, 11:46 PM

Firestone TransForce HT is a great tire. BF Goodrich now making a 16.5, but it's a larger 4x4 type if I recall. Mud or All Terrain T/A. Anyway, here's my 16.5x9.50 Firestone TransForce HTs for ref (well, mine before I sold this one):

**Steeveedee** · 10-11-2015, 11:27 AM

Firestone is closer to home. Thanks!

RichardJ · 10-11-2015, 12:52 PM

You have a Grand American Tire in Simi. http://grandamericantires.com/catalog/tires

I tried to link to the 16.5 tires, but it didn't seem to work. Enter tire size using " - " for ratio

I was looking for 16.5 tires a couple years ago. The 9.50 Firestone TransForce would have worked on the front, but I had aftermarket slotted aluminum with wider rears and needed something like 12.0 x 16.5.

You can find 8.75 and 9.5, 16.5 tires, but above that is the big mudders as you have found.

I bought 17" Hummer wheels and still had trouble. I wanted 265 front, 285 rear, E rated in a name brand. Bridgestone Dueler was the only one that could give me what I wanted. All the other companies could only give me a D rated for the rear. The new tires ended up being a little larger in front and a little smaller in the rear than the old tires.
Sorry, I've wondered. Nothing there that applies to your question.

If the Grand American in Simi is like the others, call and tell him what you are looking for. He will give you a lower out-the-door price over the phone than if you just drive in. If you phone he knows you are still shopping and he wants your business.

**Steeveedee** · 10-12-2015, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardJ

You have a Grand American Tire in Simi. http://grandamericantires.com/catalog/tires

I tried to link to the 16.5 tires, but it didn't seem to work. Enter tire size using " - " for ratio

I was looking for 16.5 tires a couple years ago. The 9.50 Firestone TransForce would have worked on the front, but I had aftermarket slotted aluminum with wider rears and needed something like 12.0 x 16.5.

You can find 8.75 and 9.5, 16.5 tires, but above that is the big mudders as you have found.

I bought 17" Hummer wheels and still had trouble. I wanted 265 front, 285 rear, E rated in a name brand. Bridgestone Dueler was the only one that could give me what I wanted. All the other companies could only give me a D rated for the rear. The new tires ended up being a little larger in front and a little smaller in the rear than the old tires.
Sorry, I've wondered. Nothing there that applies to your question.

If the Grand American in Simi is like the others, call and tell him what you are looking for. He will give you a lower out-the-door price over the phone than if you just drive in. If you phone he knows you are still shopping and he wants your business.

Thanks!

stllookn · 10-12-2015, 11:35 PM

I use the BFG 33x12.5x16.5 from Discount Tire.

**Stocker** · 10-13-2015, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stllookn

I use the BFG 33x12.5x16.5 from Discount Tire.

When did you buy them? That's the same tire I have, from the same supplier, bought several years ago. Currently shown as unavailable. One of my sons works there (America's Tire, the retail outlet for Discount Tire) and says they have not been able to get any for several months.

swamp rat · 10-12-2015, 07:53 PM

16.5's are slowly being phased out, there should still be some sizes out there but the BFG's in 33" and 35" are history, i got one of the last sets of 33's ever made.

Check with Dick Cepic of your looking for a mud tire, they may still have one.

**Steeveedee** · 10-12-2015, 08:30 PM

I'm looking for tires rated for carrying a camper and (sometimes) towing a trailer. As many millions of this wheel as may still be on the road, you'd think there would still be enough market. I'd not like to have to replace the stock steel wheels.

GASoline71 · 10-13-2015, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

I'm looking for tires rated for carrying a camper and (sometimes) towing a trailer. As many millions of this wheel as may still be on the road, you'd think there would still be enough market. I'd not like to have to replace the stock steel wheels.

There aren't that many on the road anymore. 16.5" rims haven't been made in eons, and after there were enough people in tire shops trying to mount 16" tires on 16.5" rims and damn near killing themselves... they really stopped making them.

I'm surprised there are ANY tires available for them.

Coker tire might have some 16.5" nostalgic type tires available.

Gary

LONGHORN1962 · 10-13-2015, 05:35 PM

American tire distributors. Looks online fine your state and look for a distributor in your area. In the 9.50 size they have Firestone TransForce radial and a Samson bias ply. In 12.00 they only have the Samson bias.

**Steeveedee** · 10-14-2015, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LONGHORN1962

American tire distributors. Looks online fine your state and look for a distributor in your area. In the 9.50 size they have Firestone TransForce radial and a Samson bias ply. In 12.00 they only have the Samson bias.

Looks like Firestone is my only solution. Thanks, all for their input. What concerns me is that I might have to buy new wheels, next time I buy tires for Big Orange. Seems a shame to make it a semi-donk.

**Steeveedee** · 10-14-2015, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASoline71

There aren't that many on the road anymore. 16.5" rims haven't been made in eons, and after there were enough people in tire shops trying to mount 16" tires on 16.5" rims and damn near killing themselves... they really stopped making them.

I'm surprised there are ANY tires available for them.

Coker tire might have some 16.5" nostalgic type tires available.

Gary

Bolding mine. That's called bleach in the gene pool. I never did that, in my many years of mounting tires. Got to rtdi, when mounting tires. I've even fixed flats on the 20" split ring wheels. Best be paying attention, and have the cage on when inflating them. I've seen the training video where the guy got his head taken off, due to improper split ring installation.

DarkFlounder · 10-13-2015, 01:06 PM

My K2500 with a 4" lift was running 35x12.5x16.5 BFG TA KOs. Went to replace the tires and couldn't find any replacements.

Eventually just bought new rims (WheelVintiques black steel 8lug 16x10) and mounted 315x75x16 BFG TA KO2s on them.

skrenly · 10-13-2015, 07:33 PM

Old school Bias Ply are available mail order.

http://www.nebraskatire.com/hotdeals/trailer-st

swamp rat · 10-14-2015, 11:54 PM

Coker won't pick it up unless they can prove the demand it there as the cost of the dies will be expensive.. (My opinion)

Layne · 10-17-2015, 12:21 AM

I went with the Firestones!

factorystock · 10-17-2015, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Layne

I went with the Firestones!

Looks absolutely fantastic Layne.

I appreciate you putting in that extra effort and going down that road less traveled when in comes to pre '69 C20 trucks. Most will not go that extra mile to run correct hubcaps and the one piece solid 16.5" wheels with clips in these earlier year trucks. IMO, the value and pride of ownership will pay off handsomely. Glad you went with the argent paint wheels also. You now have a time machine. Priceless.

Layne · 10-17-2015, 05:38 PM

Thanks Factory Stock.
I knew from the beginning I wanted a VERY Original look, even when I did not know what THAT was.
Thanks a million to you and some others for sharing information that others have forgot, or don't care about.
I am very happy with the look now, and it is certainly worth the extra effort and expense.

10-10-2015, 08:44 PM	#1
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,591	Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels Time to put new tires on Big Orange. It is a 3/4 Ton Custom Camper with the heavier duty 16.5 diameter wheels. I don't seem to be able to find that diameter tire. I'm pretty good at the internet, but this one seems to be beyond me. I'm in Simi Valley, CA. Anyone have a source local to this area? TIA! __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

10-10-2015, 09:20 PM	#2
Duluth67 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Duluth Posts: 42	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels These look really good on mine. Period correct look. http://www.stausaonline.com/tires/sta-super-traxion/ 750$ installed in Minneapolis

10-10-2015, 09:31 PM	#3
Sicklajoie The Niner Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Broad Brook, CT Posts: 2,497	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels These seem to be really popular. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...=1&RunFlat=All __________________ "A good racer is one whose head is in communication with his balls." - Richie Evans 1970 C/20 - 402/TH400/3.54s - 74K miles 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 - Wheatland Yellow Niner Progression Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=697183 Classic Trucks article: https://www.motortrend.com/features/...et-c20-driven/

10-10-2015, 09:50 PM	#4
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,591	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels Been to tirerack, they don't seem to show my wheel size. This is what is stumping me. CostCo and a a couple other local tire stores don't show 16.5" tires, either. I want a road tire, not something for any kind of bad weather. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

10-10-2015, 10:39 PM	#6
Duluth67 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Duluth Posts: 42	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels Slick's link is 16.5, isn't that what you want?

10-10-2015, 11:33 PM	#7
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels if you can fit them military surplus hummer tires are 37"tall and 12' wide. there goodyears and bfg t/a,s. they go for 50-100.00 each. look on ebay,theres tons of them. they ride excellent and have great on n off road traction. I run them on all my M715,S __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

10-10-2015, 11:46 PM	#8
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,976	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels Firestone TransForce HT is a great tire. BF Goodrich now making a 16.5, but it's a larger 4x4 type if I recall. Mud or All Terrain T/A. Anyway, here's my 16.5x9.50 Firestone TransForce HTs for ref (well, mine before I sold this one): Attached Images

10-11-2015, 11:27 AM	#9
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,591	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels Firestone is closer to home. Thanks! __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

10-11-2015, 12:52 PM	#10
RichardJ Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 1,458	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels You have a Grand American Tire in Simi. http://grandamericantires.com/catalog/tires I tried to link to the 16.5 tires, but it didn't seem to work. Enter tire size using " - " for ratio I was looking for 16.5 tires a couple years ago. The 9.50 Firestone TransForce would have worked on the front, but I had aftermarket slotted aluminum with wider rears and needed something like 12.0 x 16.5. You can find 8.75 and 9.5, 16.5 tires, but above that is the big mudders as you have found. I bought 17" Hummer wheels and still had trouble. I wanted 265 front, 285 rear, E rated in a name brand. Bridgestone Dueler was the only one that could give me what I wanted. All the other companies could only give me a D rated for the rear. The new tires ended up being a little larger in front and a little smaller in the rear than the old tires. Sorry, I've wondered. Nothing there that applies to your question. If the Grand American in Simi is like the others, call and tell him what you are looking for. He will give you a lower out-the-door price over the phone than if you just drive in. If you phone he knows you are still shopping and he wants your business. __________________ '67 GMC 2500, 292, 4spd, AC Last edited by RichardJ; 10-11-2015 at 01:00 PM.

10-12-2015, 11:35 PM	#12
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels I use the BFG 33x12.5x16.5 from Discount Tire. Attached Images __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

10-12-2015, 07:53 PM	#14
swamp rat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spanaway Posts: 8,451	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels 16.5's are slowly being phased out, there should still be some sizes out there but the BFG's in 33" and 35" are history, i got one of the last sets of 33's ever made. Check with Dick Cepic of your looking for a mud tire, they may still have one. __________________ Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's

10-12-2015, 08:30 PM	#15
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,591	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels I'm looking for tires rated for carrying a camper and (sometimes) towing a trailer. As many millions of this wheel as may still be on the road, you'd think there would still be enough market. I'd not like to have to replace the stock steel wheels. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

10-13-2015, 05:35 PM	#17
LONGHORN1962 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Weatherford Oklahoma Posts: 53	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels American tire distributors. Looks online fine your state and look for a distributor in your area. In the 9.50 size they have Firestone TransForce radial and a Samson bias ply. In 12.00 they only have the Samson bias.

10-13-2015, 01:06 PM	#20
DarkFlounder Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 281	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels My K2500 with a 4" lift was running 35x12.5x16.5 BFG TA KOs. Went to replace the tires and couldn't find any replacements. Eventually just bought new rims (WheelVintiques black steel 8lug 16x10) and mounted 315x75x16 BFG TA KO2s on them. __________________ 72 K2500 Sierra Longbed Wideside 350/TH350/NP205 66 Plymouth Barracuda 225 Slant6

10-13-2015, 07:33 PM	#21
skrenly Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Coronado, CA Posts: 1,085	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels Old school Bias Ply are available mail order. http://www.nebraskatire.com/hotdeals/trailer-st



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10-14-2015, 11:54 PM	#22
swamp rat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spanaway Posts: 8,451	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels Coker won't pick it up unless they can prove the demand it there as the cost of the dies will be expensive.. (My opinion) __________________ Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's

10-17-2015, 12:21 AM	#23
Layne Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Gonzales, Louisiana 70737 Posts: 263	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels I went with the Firestones!

10-17-2015, 05:38 PM	#25
Layne Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Gonzales, Louisiana 70737 Posts: 263	Re: Tires For 16.5" Diameter Wheels Thanks Factory Stock. I knew from the beginning I wanted a VERY Original look, even when I did not know what THAT was. Thanks a million to you and some others for sharing information that others have forgot, or don't care about. I am very happy with the look now, and it is certainly worth the extra effort and expense.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.