HELP! 1969 GMC CUSTOM CAMPER advice/tips/knowledge needed - THANK YOU in advance!

[firsttimer93]

Hi! Proud new owner of a 1969 GMC custom camper. He's a little rough around the edges, but that's precisely what I was looking for. Please keep in mind, I am not trying to restore this truck to pristine condition so I can enter it in truck shows or anything...I just want to do it justice and for it to last a while. I'll be putting money into it as time passes. I honestly have just always loved older trucks and I wanted a "Sunday truck"...like something to ride backroads on Sundays

My first question is: what size/kind of tires do I need? It's a 3/4 ton truck. I'd love for it to have white rims and all that jazz, but I'm guessing that will come after the tire purchase? I'm clueless haha so please bear with me! I am so appreciative of any advice I can get!

[LoX_69]

There are a few threads out there for 3/4 ton tire sizes so check out the following links, also if you are interested in going for an original look for the wheels a lot of guys run the ford 16X7 wheels since they are readily available and can accept the 3/4 hup caps.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=552307

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=563825

[72 tigger]

I use the ford wheels

[yuccales]

Good looking truck!

[firsttimer93]

Originally Posted by 72 tigger

I use the ford wheels

thank you! Do you have this size truck? From what I gather, I should possibly look into getting ford 16x7 wheels?

[firsttimer93]

Originally Posted by yuccales

Good looking truck!

thank you so so much! Have a little ways to go, that's for sure

[firsttimer93]

Originally Posted by LoX_69

There are a few threads out there for 3/4 ton tire sizes so check out the following links, also if you are interested in going for an original look for the wheels a lot of guys run the ford 16X7 wheels since they are readily available and can accept the 3/4 hup caps.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=552307

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=563825

Okay, thats what I'm looking into. Thank you for being so helpful!

[firsttimer93]

do/have any of you ever purchased parts off of LMCtruck.com? That seems like it will be my go-to for little random things...but I'm not quite sure where else I would look for things

[clay68c10]

I prefer GMCPAULS, good customer service and he won’t sell iffy parts.
Brothers has also worked out well for me.

Looks like a good solid driver, nice truck.

[firsttimer93]

Originally Posted by clay68c10

I prefer GMCPAULS, good customer service and he won’t sell iffy parts.
Brothers has also worked out well for me.

Looks like a good solid driver, nice truck.

It's coming to my house already able to be started and driven - that was the selling point for me (since I don't know anything about restoring trucks, haha)!
And perfect! I'm looking through those sites and Brothers is giving many more color options for seating and whatnot. This may seem like a stupid question, but will the seat color match up with the sun visor color and so on and so forth?

[Benjamin]

That is a COOL truck.

I would start with what size tire is on there now. Is it a 16 inch or 16.5 inch wheel? It should say on the tire. Then, figure out what size tire, width and diameter, you have now. Then you can stay the same, or go a little bigger or a little smaller.

Is it a metric tire size, like a 235/75/R16 or an Standard units tire size, like a 31 x 10.50 x 16?

Do you know how to convert the metric tire size to actual dimension? If not, figure that out too. There is a little math involved, but it's not too hard, and I would be glad to help.

If they are 16 inch wheels, I would say keep the wheels you have and just get new tires. Then just keep an eye out for wheels, and if you come across a good deal on some 16 inch wheels that you like, pick them up and put your tires on the new wheels.

If they are 16.5 inch wheels, I would go ahead and buy new wheels and tires. 16.5 inch wheels are less common and as a result, there aren't too many tire options.

Last, but not least, this forum is a great place for info, but there are local clubs too with really cool people that can help you out. I'm in New Orleans and there are a bunch of guys in the Baton Rouge area that do a lot. Check out @c10club_louisiana on Instagram, that's the Louisiana C-10 club, and me, @k10klub, not a club, just my personal account. Also, Louisiana C10 Club on Facebook, it's a private group, but if you just have to request to join and they will add you. https://www.facebook.com/groups/c10clubLA/

[4carbcorvair]

I found some F@rd steel wheels with almost new load range E 245/75R16's for $200. The rear is the F@rd wheel, front is a 16.5 inch with tires that are probably older than I am.

[Benjamin]

Also, I heard that 78% of F**d trucks sold since 1973 are still on the road.

The rest actually made it home.

Maybe that's why F**d wheels are so readily available.

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by Benjamin

Also, I heard that 78% of F**d trucks sold since 1973 are still on the road.

The rest actually made it home.

Maybe that's why F**d wheels are so readily available.

[rpmerf]

My 70 C20 Custom Camper has 235/85R16s on it. I believe that is the factory size. they are about 32" diameter, so bear that in mind if you want to look at different rim and tire combinations.

I'm pretty sure I have used LMC a couple times. I typically use Rock Auto, Summit, or Classic Parts.

[Mike C]

I ran 265 75 16 on Alcoa 16x7 rims on my 70 GMC C2500. They fit and looked great.

[stsalvage]

This is one for you to keep in the back of your mind.I'm a 20 years of using this one tire.Its not good in the snow or Ice.But if you drive this truck on sunny or rainy days or hot days or hauling days or towing days this tire will not let you down There Michelin Rib tires 235/80/16 there a level E rated tire 3000 pounds per tire.They are so smooth you will love how well they ride.

Now these tires can get up to 200,000 miles but i've wore them down to where they would almost bald at 259,000 they can be regroved 1 time with a hot knife that's how much rubber is on them.

Please go to TireRack.com Look this Rib tire up look at all the people put these on there 5th wheel trailers and tow trucks and long distant motorhomes.

They modal this tire after the 22.5 semi truck steer tire and drive tire.

They are a little expensive at 900-1150 for a set of tires But it takes me 5 years to go throw a set.I'm in the scrap hauling business i beat the hell out of my tires and my trucks but they are token car of every 6 months.Here is what a tire look like after 150,000 miles and 2 1/2 years they run on a ford 8 lug 16/7 my hub caps fit on them i swapped my rims and tires from my 1965 3/4 ton flag ship i retired.of 20 years of loyal service

[stsalvage]

this is what the right hub cap with these rims look like

[stsalvage]

You want a pain Jain tire that last's a long time runs on dirt pavement.Plus with running the 235/85 tires they sit up a little higher little better gas mileage the Your speed meter is off by 5 miles plus it changes your gear rating meaning If you where running bis ply rubber tires 7.00 16 at 65 you be hearing the RPM's the 85 size will keep your rpm's down until your up to 75-80 mph.so you can cruise with the newer trucks with out the High RPM's plus you can listen to your music and talk on your phone with out screaming.The tires speak for them self's Buy them from a tire store get the warranty & pro rated cost you a extra 150.00 But you will love knowing that your protected

[factorystock]

IMO, Ford 16x7 ( Econoline '92-'06 ) most closely resemble the period wide base 16.5" wheel that came on these trucks when new, like this brand new '69 3/4 ton GMC with argent silver rims and argent silver hubcaps. I'd go with a 85 series 16". Period correct hubcaps will have red GMC letters in a black center circle. '73-'75 GMC hubcaps are similar, but letters are orange and do not have black centers.

[lt56cevy]

I just got this 69 GMC Custom Camper last week new gas tank and battery to get it running

[lt56cevy]

I just got this 69 GMC Custom Camper last week new gas tank and battery to get it running

[lt56cevy]

I just got this 69 GMC Custom Camper last week new gas tank and battery to get it running

[firsttimer93]

So when I mess with the radio volume, I can hear static/traces of noise but nothing audible. Would buying an antenna help this? Where would y'all suggest buying one if so? What other parts would I possibly need?