16.5x9.75 steel wheel hubcap options

[Curt's_72]

I posted this on the 67-72 truck forum but got no response. Though maybe the 4x4 forum might get some input.

I scored a set of 16.5x9.75 wide steel wheels. Price was right, as in free. I had them blasted and put them through our ANSI 61 e-coat tank. If I use them, i'll powdercoat them white. Currently I'm running the 8.25 steelies with factory caps on my '72 K20.
The issue is they won't accept my '72 hubcaps because they don't have the outer nubs. They have very small nubs on the inside. These wheels have a solid center, giving them a streetrod look which I think is kinda cool. I have tried to fit a '68 3/4 ton hubcap, but those require clips to fasten and these wheels don't have them installed. I thought about adding them, but the '68 cap didn't fit flat either. I saw a pic of a '63-'66 truck with what appeared to be aftermarket chrome moon style center caps with the center cutout for the lockout hubs. I would consider that, but I can't locate a 9" snap-in cap. Anybody body run a hubcap/center cap on this style wheel or are you going without?

[raycow]

Those look like the nubs for rally-type caps. Is there such a thing as an 8 lug rally wheel?

Ray

[82swampthing]

nice score on the rims

[Curt's_72]

The mounting style is that of a rally cap. Those measure 7". So what would work is a cap like that, but 9" instead.

[Psycho71]

Looks like the exact same wheels I picked up for my project. Mine are currently painted black. I was wondering about dressing them up myself. Still working on the drive-train, haven't gotten to the suspension parts yet.

I'll be watching this to see what advice you get.

[1985-GMC]

I have 7 of them just like that but with the outer bumps to accept regular chevy/gmc hubcaps. The offset on those look the same as my ford ones, the gm ones are offset about 2" wider.Actually those don't have the centers riveted together like mine.

Have you thought about welding on some tabs for regular hubcaps?

[special-K]

Pretty wheels! I'm waiting for my set of 8.25s at the powder coater right now.Can't wait to see them look that good.Those are wheels for Fords.They used an inner nub mounting in the late-60s/early-70s,so...? I like these run naked with the long chrome lugs.They look great either white or black.Most guys back then ran them naked anyway.I wonder if you could mount the pre-69 GM clips.I had a set of that type wheels for my '71 SWB (1t axles) and had planned to run the late-40s/early-50s GM truck caps.They're baby moons with a logo,purdy dang kewl!

[72freak]

Originally Posted by special-K

.I wonder if you could mount the pre-69 GM clips.I had a set of that type wheels for my '71 SWB (1t axles) and had planned to run the late-40s/early-50s GM truck caps.They're baby moons with a logo,purdy dang kewl!

Agreed........if they were mine I would find some caps that I like and that fit and I would fabricate some nubs (inner or outer) and weld them to the wheels!!! That or 16.5 motorhome hubcaps or finding whatever were made to snap inside on those little teets are about your only option.

[special-K]

Uhhh huh huh he said teets.

[Curt's_72]

I knew I'd get some feedback here!

Yeah the centers are solid, just like old gennie steelies the street rodders use. I like that part of these better, actually. I have thought about fabbing some uh...teets...on them, but if it didn't work, then I might not have trade bait. Naked is good, too, and if I were to put them on a square truck, like a post '73, that's what I would want. Not a big fan of that generation of cap. And, white steelies to me look beefy without a cap.

I did consider the re '69 cap. Even bought one at a swap meet. It doesn't fit flat. The inner nubs would need ground off and the clips installed. Found a thread on another site detailing that very process. Again, if I didn't like it, back to the trade bait issue.

The motorhome cap idea will get a look. They gotta snap in and be 9" in that area.
Been seeing more new 16.5 tires around for sale. I've not fully bought into that size not being available much longer, but hey, is this whole internet thing really gonna last?

[special-K]

I have no fear of 16.5s being discontinued any time soon.I've been hearing that for 25 years.2wd street sizes?Getting to be a tough find and limited in sizes available.But,the best off road rubber (IMO) is available in 16.5.
I had an '84 Silverado Camper Special K/30 I powder coated 9.75s gloss black and,boy,that truck looked sharp.It was adobe gold with ladder racks powder coated gloss black and top-opening side boxes painted to match the truck.The long chrome studs went with the touches of stainless,chrome bumpers,and factory trim making a sharp work truck look.I went with gloss white on a '72 K/20 and went from caps to bare depending on mood.Popped the caps off to go wheelin' for sure.
I've considered getting a set of 16 inchers made,but I came across a set of next to new 12.50/37-16.5s so I put together a set of 8.25s for it.I'll end up with a set of 16s some day so I can run another tread design.Just can't seem to get away from those 16.5s,though.Make sure you show use what you end up doing.I kinda like this stuff...heh heh