55.2-59 Best tire size that looks good on 55-59 trucks. 15x7 rims

I bought a new set of rims ( 15x7 ) for my ‘58. Nothing special just better than what’s on it now. Chrome smoothies with moons. I’m getting new tires and wanted something like a 3” whitewall. My question is and pics would be nice, what’s the best tire size for this size rim that complements these trucks? The reason I went with this rim for now is I still have stock 6lug axles so I’m having to stick with this for now. Just want to get it on the road this summer. Thanks

[59chev]

I went with a 225-70r15 on the back and 215-70-r15 on the front on a 15x7 rim.

Looks good, any pictures up close? Like your truck too.

[dsraven]

thought I posted this yesterday but see it didn't go through.
you may want to look at the trans ratio you have, whether overdrive or not, and then the rear axle gear ratio you have, decide on how you will drive the truck, city or highway. then do some calculations so you get the right rpm range for best power/economy. it would suck to have a high gear ratio rear axle, like 4.10, a non overdrive trans and then use a small diameter tire and be doing a lot of highway cruising. the engine could be screaming the whole time and use fuel like crazy. vice versa with the large diameter tire and a highway cruising gear ratio.

here is a site that can show you a comparison between 2 tire sizes. it shows the diameter and revs per mile etc. also has tabs for other stuff like tire diameters by wheel size so you can compare that way. there are also tabs for speedo changes etc.
https://tiresize.com/comparison/

here is one that has several kinds of calculators
https://www.randysworldwide.com/calculators/

here is one for rim offsets and how this affects the steering geometry
https://www.wheel-size.com/calc/?whe...cl=50mm&sr=0mm

[speesh]

I prefer raised white letters, it's a personal choice really.

[59chev]

Originally Posted by TXapache

Looks good, any pictures up close? Like your truck too.

Thanks TXapache!

I've got more pics in my build thread linked in my signature.

dsraven makes a good point about gear ratio. I will be running a small block with a 700r4 and have a 3.23 posi 10 bolt. I haven't driven it yet but according to the calculators I have run it though I should be about 2000 rpm at 70 mph. I am going to try it with the 3.23s and if it lugs too much I may step up to a 3.73 ratio in the future.

[Black_Sheep]

These are 235/70R-15 with 3" whitewalls

That’s it! Perfect

[my56chevytruck]

I to am using 15 x 7 rims all the way around on my 56 and purchased rims from Rocket Racing. The tires are Cooper Radial GT's and my front tires measure 215/70/R15's and the rears are 255/60/15's. Here in NW Indiana, we need good side walls.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by Black_Sheep

These are 235/70R-15 with 3" whitewalls

i also run P235/70R15 (blackwalls) on truk, i like the look of the bigger tire

[my56chevytruck]

Ogre, cool truck and stance

[Dan in Pasadena]

Even though the question has been answered, I will offer a contribution:

I HAD 15x7, '60's Japanese knock off Torq Thrusts on my '55.2 before the full rebuild. I wanted (still do) to keep using them but they don't fit over C4 Corvette front calipers. I have not yet checked to see if they MIGHT fit with a spacer.

Anyway, I put on take-off tires I bought cheap from Craigslist and they are 235/75's. I kinda liked the look when the truck was in its shop truck iteration but agree I'd go with 70's or possibly 60 series but no shorter sidewall.

Here's a picture or two for reference.

PS: If I ever am able to use them I will polish the lip to the as-machined look they originally came with.

[bobinbc]

215/75-15 on stock rims

[la hi]

Nice red. Is that dc 3 in the background your second ride?

[Foot Stomper]

I went with the 7.50 x 16 Coker Classics with a 4" whitewall on my 59 half ton. It's a very traditional look and it's exactly what I was looking for. Narrow tires make for very easy steering and the ride is unbelievably smooth!

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/bran...whitewall.html

I'm running 3:73 gears with the original 6 and can easily cruise 70MPH. Hills and strong headwinds make it moan a little so steeper gears would be nice, but then I'm not in a hurry when I'm behind the wheel.

Man, that GMC is stunning. Love the color too.
So are those tires close to what is considered stock size for that truck/year?

[Foot Stomper]

Originally Posted by TXapache

Man, that GMC is stunning. Love the color too.
So are those tires close to what is considered stock size for that truck/year?

Thanks!
They are "close" but not exactly same as stock original.
I can't say I know which model(s) had the 16" rims but can tell you they are designed with same hubcap clips and rim width. Most common were the 15" brother of these rims. I believe the tire width is very near original and the whitewalls were available but not sure how wide the whitewall area was.

[RyanPartridge]

15x7 wheels with Coker Classic L78’s

[Dan in Pasadena]

That ^^^ just looks “right”

[RyanPartridge]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

That ^^^ just looks “right”

Thanks Dan!
She's a work in progress...

[Missyblue]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

i also run P235/70R15 (blackwalls) on truk, i like the look of the bigger tire

Hey Ogre did you have to tub your rear? Looks like black sheep with the silver one didnt now that I look...
.
Thanks

[iceman4]

The 15'' Weld rims were on the truck when I bought it. Was going to go with bigger rims, but when swapped the small tires that were on it for these it made steering much easier and eliminated bump steer. 235-75r15 front.
Have first gen. Camaro rear , I believe its 1/2'' narrower than stock rear, the 265-70r15 just barely fit in the fender well. anything wider would need a tub.

Sorry the picture is sideways. Couldn't figure out how to straighten it out.