1972 16.5 aluminum rims

[countr]

Is there such a thing as factory 16.5 aluminum rims for a k20? Or was there a period correct aftermarket rim?

[DeadheadNM]

Only white steel 16.5 from GM. There are period correct aluminum examples, slot mags come to mind.

[El Dorado Jim]

The only period correct wheels in 16.5" were slot mags like was mentioned already, but 16.5 tires are almost extinct

[special-K]

Until the '88s came out, all 3/4t trucks came with the standard steel wheel that accepts hubcaps with painted or chrome option. Then all 3/4t trucks got styled steel wheels that accept center caps with the option of black center cap or chrome center with beauty rings. It wasn't until the '99 trucks came out that GM offered alloy wheels.

The only 8-lug aftermarket wheels I am aware of from back then were aluminum slots or wide steel OEM-types in 8.25 or 9.75 wide on either. The only cool factory wheel option in '72 was 8.25".

[countr]

thanks everyone, my decision is to stay original. I will send pictures of my project when I get it done (or close to it) but it might be years from now!

[DeadheadNM]

Why wait? Post 'em up now

[special-K]

Yeah, show us your parts if it's in pieces, that's what I do

I do recall in the early-80s seeing the same type alloy wheel that came on a 1/2t on a rare few 8-luggers. The 8-hole alloys. I was never clear on whether those were factory because I only saw a few trucks with them. This was back before the M/T Classic IIs or any of the knock-offs when Outlaw IIs and other riveted wheels were king

[countr]

i will get post pictures of what I am starting with, still accumulating parts. the reason why I asked on the rims is I have the 8 lug steel ,my truck is a 3/4 ton 4x4 350 4speed. and found a set of 16.5x10 8 lug aluminum advertised as 1972. they are on Wichita craigslist if you want to look. I am not interested, you guys got me convinced to stay with steel and caps.

[BLAZERMAN]

Originally Posted by countr

i will get post pictures of what I am starting with, still accumulating parts. the reason why I asked on the rims is I have the 8 lug steel ,my truck is a 3/4 ton 4x4 350 4speed. and found a set of 16.5x10 8 lug aluminum advertised as 1972. they are on Wichita craigslist if you want to look. I am not interested, you guys got me convinced to stay with steel and caps.

If I were you I would be on my way to snatch those baby's up!!

[BLAZERMAN]

And that may be a vintage push bar sitting behind those wheels, another cool find for your truck if he's selling.

[undertaker72]

here are a few of the period correct wheels from back then

[undertaker72]

these are a Jackman white spoke or (wagon wheel) and then the good ole camper wheel with dog dish hubcaps

[DeadheadNM]

Aluminum 16.5 wheels that came with my K20 - don't strike me as period correct though: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...46&postcount=1

[undertaker72]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Aluminum 16.5 wheels that came with my K20 - don't strike me as period correct though: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...46&postcount=1

pete , I agree I think the Aluminum modular and crome versions , are quite newer

[countr]

O.K. I bought the aluminum wheels, I am in the same boat as I was this morning. I do not know if I should go with original steel and caps or aftermarket aluminum. But I do like the looks of undertakers red and white. That is the look I am going for but mine is a med. blue and white. I guess I will sell what I do not use when I am done. This is addictive!!!

[haysonj]

I found these on a 69 parts truck I bought in Colorado, I sent them out and had them polished. They are 16.5 x 10. I see them in 16 in on a lot of newer trucks

[CG]

I love the slots on our trucks. Getting 16.5 tires is going to be a little tough and they are more expensive than say BFGs (which they don't make anymore in 16.5). The red and white 72 is sharp looking.

[special-K]

Outlaw IIs are '80/90s and Classic IIs/8-holes are late-90s till present. The turbine style came along shortly after these trucks in the '70s. Those are period correct, but not actual year correct.

Here is my GMC with period wheels:

9.75 Kelsey-Hayes-


8.25 Turbo Vecs-



9.75 slots-


I found this set of wheels and tires for $40, so I sold the set of same wheels I had for $300. One tire kept losing air, couldn't figure why till we found a 2" crack between two slots where the rim steps on the back side. I just dropped it off at an alloy wheel repair place yesterday to repair for $175. That's just weld up the crack correctly, no pretty it up. The guy totally got my wanting to run "these" wheels on "that" truck in "that" condition. If I ever restore the truck I will polish them up. I actually like the dulled-out look of clean aluminum...pure handsome function

[72 tigger]

Just curious about aftermarket wheels- are the center holes sized to fit a specific brand or are they all the large hub (ford I think) size? Does it matter if the studs are the only thing supporting the wheel? Thanks

[DeadheadNM]

Nice Selectro's Tim!

[special-K]

Originally Posted by 72 tigger

Just curious about aftermarket wheels- are the center holes sized to fit a specific brand or are the all the large hub (ford I think) size? Does it matter if the studs are the only thing supporting the wheel? Thanks

One size fits all (Ford size). They do just fine that way

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Nice Selectro's Tim!

Thanks for letting me have them. I decided to give them a whirl with the custom wheels.