1968 k20 split rims quetions

[mike16]

I have a 68 k20. Its amazingly origonal in every respect including the split rims. It needs new tires and nobody will touch the rims. I get that. I busted tires in the army foe 8 years and recognise the risks but never had any accidents with splt rims. I want to keep the truck origonal. is it worth it at 50 bucks a rim to get the newer one piece rims? powder coating them is another 50 per rim plus then new tires.

I could bust down the split rims, powder coat them and mount new rubber my self.

so what are the pros and cons of each choice? I dont fear split rims but respect them greatly.

we're talkin 16 inch rims here. Did the 68's have 19.5 rims as standard/ option back then?

thank you all.

[Stocker]

Is it worth it to keep it original? That seems to be a question that only you can answer. I think that for most of us, the answer would be "no". If you are truly capable of changing the tires yourself and that's what you decide to do, then it's simply a matter of whether it's worth it to you. Using a tube inside a tubeless tire is not advised though, because of sidewall flex and heat buildup in the tube, which was not designed to flex in that manner. And you'd also have the expense and trouble of dealing with the liner to protect the tube from the rim.

The only reason I can think of to use split rims is pure originality & nostalgia. Your call...

[jocko]

If you're wondering, that means you're on the fence, so go with 16xtakeyourpick one piece 8 lug steelies. Even Ford 16" rims will fit - but note that they are lug centric, not hub centric - and that's no big deal. No point in risking it and the originality is the same in my book with stock 1 piece steelies. If it were a 100 point resto, well, maybe, but otherwise, make them yard art for now and buy newer wheels. You could also use the factory 16.5s but be aware that there are less tire choices, especially for K's. How about a pic of your truck?

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by mike16

I have a 68 k20.

we're talkin 16 inch rims here. Did the 68's have 19.5 rims as standard/ option back then?

thank you all.

I bought my '68 C/10 Stepside in 1973. It was all original then. It came with 7.00x 17.5 6-Ply bias tires on 17.5 x 5.25 6-lug rims. I don't know if there was a bigger size. May have been for 3/4 and 1-Tons. IDK.