Bought new rims, have some tire size questions... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Christiansok · 07-14-2011, 01:01 PM

So I had my heart set on my stock looking steel rims for the longest time and the other day an oppurtunity to buy some locally finally popped up so I took it and bought a set of 6. They're 6 bolt, 15x6 rims, I believe they were orginal off a 69 or later??

Anways, now that I'm thinking of tires I've got a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach with this purchase. I'd like to get a set of 33 x 10.5 tires to mount on these rims. But realizing they're only 6 inches wide would definetely be pushing the limits if even possible. Would it even be safe to put 10.5 tires on a 6 wide rim? Or should I try and get a narrower tire like a 9.5? Or just try to sell my 15x6 rims to get some 15x8 ones? Any input would help.

**Stocker** · 07-14-2011, 01:57 PM

I agree with your thinking, those tires will be too wide for your narrow rims.... I would definitely go with 15x8s.

Or get skinnier tires.

Actually, the 9.50s might work on a 6" rim....

Christiansok · 07-14-2011, 03:23 PM

I think the 9.5s would work because all the tires that are still on the rims are ~9.5 wide. I'd like to go with a taller tire (33") and I'm not sure if anyone makes a 33 x 9.5 and even if they did it might look disproportianate being that tall and that skinny.

I would really like to get a larger tire because I have a 4x4 truck with some unknown amount of body lift (less than 3") and the 31 x 10.5 (actually only 29.5 tall) look tiny on my truck.

Mike C · 07-14-2011, 07:55 PM

I have 33 10.5 BFG MT's on my '52 M38 A1. It is a great tire for an early CJ, and would fit on most trucks with no lift on 8" rim.

**Stocker** · 07-15-2011, 12:27 AM

If you haven't already seen it, this thread may interest you: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440978

Christiansok · 07-15-2011, 12:21 PM

Looking at some of those trucks and doing an image search for some pics specifically of 33 x 9.5 I'm really starting to like the look of them. They should match the overall look I'm going for with my truck (eventually) which is a stock looking farm/work truck look.

So I guess my question now would be how well a 33 x 9.5 R15 tire will fit on a 15x6 rim? The tires that came on the rims all seem to be 9.5 wide (only 29 tall though) so the width shouldn't be an issue but do you think I'll run into any problems having a tire shop mount them?

**Stocker** · 07-15-2011, 08:07 PM

http://www.tirerack.com/ lists just one tire (BFG) in that size, with a recommended rim width range from 6.5" to 8'5". Based on that, 6" is a bit too narrow.... but only by 1/2", so you could probably get away with it. The center of the tread may wear a bit more quickly with a narrower rim.

1969K10 · 07-15-2011, 10:42 PM

FWIW, i'm running 33X10.5's on some 15" steel rims i picked up. I have no idea how wide the rims are tho. I have not had any problems with them. I'll get down and measure sunday, tomorrow is already shot (family plans

)

Christiansok · 07-18-2011, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

http://www.tirerack.com/ lists just one tire (BFG) in that size, with a recommended rim width range from 6.5" to 8'5". Based on that, 6" is a bit too narrow.... but only by 1/2", so you could probably get away with it. The center of the tread may wear a bit more quickly with a narrower rim.

I've read of people doing a chalk test or paint test to pin point the tire pressure that will give them good wear for their tire/rim size combination. I imagine this is just adjusting the pressure while putting chalk/paint on the tire and observing the footprint it leaves on the ground? I haven't heard of it until recently.

**Stocker** · 07-18-2011, 04:56 PM

Chalk test will help you get a baseline tire pressure.... make a chalk stripe (maybe a couple inches wide) across the face of the tread from side to side. After a short drive, see if the chalk has worn off evenly. Worn more in the center = too much pressure; worn on the edges = not enough.

Beyond that, spend a few bucks on a tread depth gauge. It will let you identify wear patterns long before you'll notice anything with just an eyeball.

TURFKING · 07-18-2011, 07:58 PM

I .used to run 31x 10.5 on regular stock rims on a couple of older short bed step side trucks in my youth. Should not be a problem running a taller tire

Christiansok · 07-21-2011, 10:29 AM

That chalk test sounds like a good idea reguardless of what size tire I go with.

I saw a post that 235/75/R15 were the size that came stock on 67-72 trucks. Assuming these 15 x 6 rims are stock from that era and knowing there are already 235/75/R15 on them would it be a safe bet that 33 x 9.5 R15 tires would fit? Converted to flotation sizes the 235/75/R15 would be 28.9 x 9.3 so would the extra 0.2 width combined with the extra 4 inches in diameter make a noticeable difference in fit on the rim?

07-14-2011, 01:01 PM	#1
Christiansok Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Wausau, WI Posts: 69	Bought new rims, have some tire size questions... So I had my heart set on my stock looking steel rims for the longest time and the other day an oppurtunity to buy some locally finally popped up so I took it and bought a set of 6. They're 6 bolt, 15x6 rims, I believe they were orginal off a 69 or later?? Anways, now that I'm thinking of tires I've got a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach with this purchase. I'd like to get a set of 33 x 10.5 tires to mount on these rims. But realizing they're only 6 inches wide would definetely be pushing the limits if even possible. Would it even be safe to put 10.5 tires on a 6 wide rim? Or should I try and get a narrower tire like a 9.5? Or just try to sell my 15x6 rims to get some 15x8 ones? Any input would help.

07-14-2011, 01:57 PM	#2
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,520	Re: Bought new rims, have some tire size questions... I agree with your thinking, those tires will be too wide for your narrow rims.... I would definitely go with 15x8s. Or get skinnier tires. Actually, the 9.50s might work on a 6" rim.... __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

07-14-2011, 03:23 PM	#3
Christiansok Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Wausau, WI Posts: 69	Re: Bought new rims, have some tire size questions... I think the 9.5s would work because all the tires that are still on the rims are ~9.5 wide. I'd like to go with a taller tire (33") and I'm not sure if anyone makes a 33 x 9.5 and even if they did it might look disproportianate being that tall and that skinny. I would really like to get a larger tire because I have a 4x4 truck with some unknown amount of body lift (less than 3") and the 31 x 10.5 (actually only 29.5 tall) look tiny on my truck.

07-14-2011, 07:55 PM	#4
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,714	Re: Bought new rims, have some tire size questions... I have 33 10.5 BFG MT's on my '52 M38 A1. It is a great tire for an early CJ, and would fit on most trucks with no lift on 8" rim. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

07-15-2011, 12:27 AM	#5
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,520	Re: Bought new rims, have some tire size questions... If you haven't already seen it, this thread may interest you: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440978 __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

07-15-2011, 12:21 PM	#6
Christiansok Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Wausau, WI Posts: 69	Re: Bought new rims, have some tire size questions... Looking at some of those trucks and doing an image search for some pics specifically of 33 x 9.5 I'm really starting to like the look of them. They should match the overall look I'm going for with my truck (eventually) which is a stock looking farm/work truck look. So I guess my question now would be how well a 33 x 9.5 R15 tire will fit on a 15x6 rim? The tires that came on the rims all seem to be 9.5 wide (only 29 tall though) so the width shouldn't be an issue but do you think I'll run into any problems having a tire shop mount them?

07-15-2011, 08:07 PM	#7
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,520	Re: Bought new rims, have some tire size questions... http://www.tirerack.com/ lists just one tire (BFG) in that size, with a recommended rim width range from 6.5" to 8'5". Based on that, 6" is a bit too narrow.... but only by 1/2", so you could probably get away with it. The center of the tread may wear a bit more quickly with a narrower rim. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

07-15-2011, 10:42 PM	#8
1969K10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Clarks Hill, Indiana Posts: 733	Re: Bought new rims, have some tire size questions... FWIW, i'm running 33X10.5's on some 15" steel rims i picked up. I have no idea how wide the rims are tho. I have not had any problems with them. I'll get down and measure sunday, tomorrow is already shot (family plans ) __________________ 1969 K10 - V8, 465, 205, 12 bolt, D44 2002-current 1969 K20 - V8, 465, 221, Eaton, D44 2012-current Nothin' but drums on all 4 corners! past horses in the stable 72 C10-short step (97-02), 68 C10-long fleet (06-12)

07-18-2011, 04:56 PM	#10
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,520	Re: Bought new rims, have some tire size questions... Chalk test will help you get a baseline tire pressure.... make a chalk stripe (maybe a couple inches wide) across the face of the tread from side to side. After a short drive, see if the chalk has worn off evenly. Worn more in the center = too much pressure; worn on the edges = not enough. Beyond that, spend a few bucks on a tread depth gauge. It will let you identify wear patterns long before you'll notice anything with just an eyeball. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

07-18-2011, 07:58 PM	#11
TURFKING Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: williamsburg,virginia Posts: 55	Re: Bought new rims, have some tire size questions... I .used to run 31x 10.5 on regular stock rims on a couple of older short bed step side trucks in my youth. Should not be a problem running a taller tire

07-21-2011, 10:29 AM	#12
Christiansok Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Wausau, WI Posts: 69	Re: Bought new rims, have some tire size questions... That chalk test sounds like a good idea reguardless of what size tire I go with. I saw a post that 235/75/R15 were the size that came stock on 67-72 trucks. Assuming these 15 x 6 rims are stock from that era and knowing there are already 235/75/R15 on them would it be a safe bet that 33 x 9.5 R15 tires would fit? Converted to flotation sizes the 235/75/R15 would be 28.9 x 9.3 so would the extra 0.2 width combined with the extra 4 inches in diameter make a noticeable difference in fit on the rim?



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