'72 GMC Split Rim Question

[Stocker]

Not sure about backspacing so we'll see what others say -- I would think they'd be okay.

6.5" is actually the correct rim width for 235/85-16 tires. Are you sure those split rims are 7.5"? Sounds too wide to me, I was thinking 6" or possibly 6.5". Should be stamped on the inner part of the rim.... if measuring, it's inside bead-to-bead.

[harrydunn]

Originally Posted by stocker

6.5" is actually the correct rim width for 235/85-16 tires. Are you sure those split rims are 7.5"? Sounds too wide to me, i was thinking 6" or possibly 6.5".

You are probably right about the 6" or 6.5". SPID says 7.5-16.0-6 PR HIGH but I bet the 7.5 is tire width, not rim width. Original spare also says 7.5 x 16.0 on it. I believe the "-6" means six-ply C-load tires.


--Mark

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by harrydunn

I bet the 7.5 is tire width, not rim width. Original spare also says 7.5 x 16.0 on it. I believe the "-6" means six-ply C-load tires.

Correct on both counts!

[factorystock]

You found them! Yes those are the correct year replacement 16" rims. Your truck will look very similar to your stock look now. Your split rims are 6" wide not 7.5". Also, it is a myth your rims are unsafe.Never was a recall on the 2 piece 16" rim. They just require an experienced truck tire dealer to handle them.You need to know what your doing. Kind of like working with electricity. Most all car tire shops will not touch them.

[harrydunn]

Originally Posted by factorystock

Most all car tire shops will not touch them.

Funny you should mention this. I called one of the few Mom & Pop-style tire shops left in Columbia today. They said they are the only shop left in town that will work with a split rim but they will only remove a tire--they will not air one up. My Dad laughs about me wanting to take them off as he says they are not unsafe. He grew up around farm trucks and farmed for many years with split rims and even changed a few when he was in Vietnam. I hear what he's saying but I think all things considered, it will be easier to just remove them as far as working with tire shops, etc. I'll keep them stored away somewhere.

--Mark

[Stocker]

If you change your mind and decide to use them (or for anyone else reading this, if they are questioning the use of split rims), just look for any tire shop that services heavy trucks. They are trained, experienced, and capable of working on those rims safely. If they are properly installed, there is no danger -- the lock ring won't fly off by itself.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by Stocker

Learn something every day.... I did not know they were illegal anywhere. I know they can be deadly if not handled properly. That said, I have seen a lot of them changed on a concrete floor with no cage, by guys who did it every day, usually on big stuff for semi trucks.

While they may not be illegal as the law goes the majority of tire shops won't work on them anymore due to the safety issues for their workers in the tire shop. If you were to look at the cages they have to air them up in you would see that the bars in most of those cages are bent where the ring came off the rim inside the cage when it was being aired up. The guy I bought tires from in the early 70's got killed when he didn't put one in a cage and it took the top of his head off when he aired it up and the ring blew off.

[special-K]

Only people who don't wear seat belts go flying into the windshield,too.

[harrydunn]

Picked up the rims last week. I didn't realize it until I got them home but they snuck a Ford 16 x 6 rim in on me. At any rate, I stripped, sanded and etch-primed the three GM 16 x 6.5 GM wheels. They're going to look really nice once I topcoat them. Considered sandblasting/powercoating but I think they'll turn out just as nice. I figure I'll just use the Ford rim as a spare. So, who's got a nice 16 x 6.5 GM wheel to complete my set?

[72MARIO]

We have been runnning 235 85 16 on the 6.5 on Dads 73 for years nice tall skinny tire. Great fuel economy. No problems.