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#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: New mexico
Posts: 369
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9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
The tires on my truck are cracking splitting even though the tread is still like new. Tires are older than 10 years, but had very few miles put on them. Wildcat Radial LT 9.5x16.5 aggressive tread is on there now. Time for new tires before long. Price for BFG or Goodyear are near $200 ea. I have the original rims on there, 8 lug with hubcaps, C20, 3/4 ton, taken out 2x monthly for 30 miles each time, so not daily driver. Doubt Ill ever make it carry camper again or maybe pull an RV. Maybe a dirt road or two but no serious off roading.
I can buy new alloy wheels and 16 inch tires all day long for under$1000. But they're not what would have been on the truck to begin with. Original recommended size is 9.5x16.5. And the original hubcaps won't fit the new 16" alloy wheels. Questions... Are the rims "split steel"? What's that mean? Are they safe? (They have been for 42 years) Do I need load rating d, e? Brands I'm considering are good yr workhorse or BFG all terrain, not Firestone or cooper. Any input on these? I will make sure of the mfg date per advice on this forum, thanks. I guess I'm really asking the value of original or authentic sizes of wheels tires. Cheaper to go 16 inch but not authentic. Dad did a great job of taking care of this truck and I don't want to go modifying it. Originals are more rare and to me, a great part of the value of the truck. I'm leaning to keeping 16.5's and just suck up the extra cost. Any input is welcome, thanks Posted via Mobile Device |
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#2 |
SWB 4x4 Collector
![]() Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Osage City, KS
Posts: 5,153
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
I just ponied up and bought 16.5 x 9.50 sta traxion mud and snow tires last week for my 72 k20. Worth it to me for the look. Trevor
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TREVOR ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=624819 ![]() ![]() :2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (daily driver) WTB: 1968-70 Cruise Control Lever |
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#3 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,647
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
Strictly a personal choice as far as I see it.... if authenticity means that much to you, stick with original. Though original tires would have been bias-ply instead of radial, and bias-ply tires are much harder to find.
The 16.5" wheels I have seen were not split rims (more accurately, locking-ring wheels) but OEM 16" wheels often were. I don't really consider changing wheels & tires as modifications to the vehicle, especially if they will be roughly the same physical size as the originals. There's a wide variety of 16" tires available.... if it's my money, that's what I would buy. Load range E is far more than you need. LR-D is plenty, and with the use you described, LR-C would be just fine.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Central NC
Posts: 830
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
Someone on here has a 3/4 ton with late model 16" Ford van wheels on it...looks stock and they were cheep at the bone yard if I remember correctly.
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1972 Cheyene C-10 "Ole Green" My Grandfathers truck (early 70's to 1983) My first vehicle (1983) Original 350 (3 rebuilds) 700R4 from Bowtie Overdrives ![]() |
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#5 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2001
Location: Independence MO.
Posts: 7,698
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
I have 2 trucks with 16x7 ford steel wheels, painted them white, put the original hub caps back on and no one will ever know
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72 3/4t Custom Deluxe 402/auto 66k Original paint 71 3/4t 4x4 Custom Deluxe 10k original miles Original paint 71 3/4t Cheyenne 402 70k original paint 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 91k original paint 72 Cheyenne/30 Dually 69 Camaro SS396 4-speed 13 GMC 2500HD Duramax I bought new 05 Jeep Wrangler "Willys Edition" 12k miles (I bought new) 85 3/4 ton 4x4 Scottsdale 33k miles original paint 86 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 454 restored 80 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 9,434 original miles!! original paint 95 GMC 1 ton dually 4x4 my dad bought new 95 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4, regular cab 454, 31k original miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 6.0L 67k miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 8.1L 28k miles 2003 GMC 2500HD 4x4 regular cab Diesel 93k miles 67-72 Parts for sale |
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#6 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2001
Location: Independence MO.
Posts: 7,698
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
Also Firestone makes a Transforce HT in a 9.50x16.5. Good looking highway tire, sometimes you can catch them on sale
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72 3/4t Custom Deluxe 402/auto 66k Original paint 71 3/4t 4x4 Custom Deluxe 10k original miles Original paint 71 3/4t Cheyenne 402 70k original paint 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 91k original paint 72 Cheyenne/30 Dually 69 Camaro SS396 4-speed 13 GMC 2500HD Duramax I bought new 05 Jeep Wrangler "Willys Edition" 12k miles (I bought new) 85 3/4 ton 4x4 Scottsdale 33k miles original paint 86 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 454 restored 80 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 9,434 original miles!! original paint 95 GMC 1 ton dually 4x4 my dad bought new 95 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4, regular cab 454, 31k original miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 6.0L 67k miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 8.1L 28k miles 2003 GMC 2500HD 4x4 regular cab Diesel 93k miles 67-72 Parts for sale |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Posts: 236
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
Kinda crappy cell phone pic but I've got the same newer 16x7 rims on my truck with LT245/75R16 Firestone A/T tires and original GMC hubcaps. I think the caps even fit a little tighter on the rims.
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Erik 1969 Chevy K20 6.0L/4L80E/NP205 1971 Chevy C30 Cheyenne Longhorn 454/TH400 1979 Chevy K30 dually currently in pieces |
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#8 |
Carpe manana
![]() ![]() Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Eau Claire, WI
Posts: 12,395
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
I get the authenticity bit...I shipped in and had powder coated correct 16.5 x 8.25 wheels for my K20 - they look great but were I to do it over I'd go 16" and save a few $$. I considered the transforce tire but the two local Firestone shops I inquired with never got back to me about ordering a set. I went with the sole remaining size of BFG AT for the 16.5 wheel, which is 33" diameter. Doesn't Wheel Vintiques have a 16 x 8 steel wheel?
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1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 ![]() |
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#9 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,961
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
what he said - I put them on my 71. Have to consider the overall cost - i.e. compare new rims+tires to current rims+slightly more expensive tires (but not much). My white 72 has 16" rims (standard, not split rims - those have a big ring on the outside, very visible/obvious when you see them - and these are GM wheels, but the Ford 16x7's work well also - I just grabbed em from a junkyard off some of the later 70's early 80's C20s), and my 71 has 16.5" rims. BOTH have TransForce HT all the way around and they cost about the same price for the 16" (265-75-16) as the 16.5" 9.50x16.5). So, since the 16.5" tires are still available, that's what I'd do - no matter how you slice it, will still probably be less expensive than getting new rims AND 16" tires, of any brand. You really can tell the difference in the lip profile of the 16.5" wheels (green truck) - the tires seat differently on them, but they work just fine. The 16.5" wheels are originals - and that is what is on your truck as well it sounds like, but 16" wheels are perfectly acceptable - a few more tire choices (but I like the Fstones best anyway for these trucks) and they were an optional wheel size on factory C20s.
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#10 |
The Niner
![]() Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Broad Brook, CT
Posts: 2,494
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
I'm one of those 16 x 7 Ford rims guys (thanks to Joesjunk's advice). I'm a diehard Michelin guy and since they don't offer 16.5 tires, I had to go the 16" wheel route.
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"A good racer is one whose head is in communication with his balls." - Richie Evans 1970 C/20 - 402/TH400/3.54s - 74K miles 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 - Wheatland Yellow Niner Progression Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=697183 Classic Trucks article: https://www.motortrend.com/features/...et-c20-driven/ |
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#11 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: New mexico
Posts: 369
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
Thank you all for the input, I guess I just need to decide . I thought Firestone tires weren't so good? But given that I don't drive it a lot or make it work very hard they may be just fine. Theyll probably dry rot again before wearing out in 10 more years. I don't need an aggressive tread either so a highway tire load rating D or C sounds like it will work. Ill look online to see tread and sidewall plys and all that stuff.
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#12 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,858
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
In the long run I think you'd be best off to find a set of those Ford 16 x 7s. These trucks came with either your 6.5 x 16.5 standard bead wheels or the 16" split rims...a separate rim to hold the tore on. Those are highly impractical these days. Those Ford wheels give you the practicality of 16" tires while looking for all intents and purposes like the original 16.5s. When looking for the Ford 7"s you must be careful to be sure you get the ones with the SAE bolt pattern and not the later metric 170mm ones.
Right now and probably the cheapest way to go will be buying the Firestone 9.50/16.5s for the wheels you have. Unfortunately,the problem we all have to face with rarely driven vehicles,no matter what size tore,is the tire companies have gone to making tires that will rot before wear as a profitable form of planned obsolescence.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#13 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,961
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
Hey, could you get some wax on that thing! Love ol Red, looking fwd to your magazine spread....
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#14 | |
The Niner
![]() Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Broad Brook, CT
Posts: 2,494
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
Quote:
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"A good racer is one whose head is in communication with his balls." - Richie Evans 1970 C/20 - 402/TH400/3.54s - 74K miles 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 - Wheatland Yellow Niner Progression Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=697183 Classic Trucks article: https://www.motortrend.com/features/...et-c20-driven/ |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 6,421
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
I am pretty sure my spare tire dates back to 1971. :-0
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Ocean Springs, MS
Posts: 1,746
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
I didn't know those Ford wheels fit so well.
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Gary 1971 Chevrolet C/10 1951 GMC 100 1977 GMC C15 1955 Chevrolet 3100 |
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#17 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: New mexico
Posts: 369
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
Ok so I'm a little slow!!! But, I finally got new tires! Firestone 9.5 x 16.5 transforce. I'm glad I stuck with the original size, one less modification to the original set up. Steering is more responsive, and the truck feels "stuck to the road" a little better. Best thing is I know they're new and not dry rotting. Also made sure the new ones were manufactured within 6 months ago. 10th week of 2016. Good. Here's some pics from iPhone.
Last edited by dads longhorn; 05-04-2016 at 09:44 PM. |
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#18 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: New mexico
Posts: 369
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
Pics of tires. Can only post one at a time sorry
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#19 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: New mexico
Posts: 369
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
I need to touch up the paint on the rims then done with wheels. On to the next thing.
Last edited by 70LonghornCST; 05-05-2016 at 12:12 AM. |
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#20 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2001
Location: Independence MO.
Posts: 7,698
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
It looks great
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72 3/4t Custom Deluxe 402/auto 66k Original paint 71 3/4t 4x4 Custom Deluxe 10k original miles Original paint 71 3/4t Cheyenne 402 70k original paint 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 91k original paint 72 Cheyenne/30 Dually 69 Camaro SS396 4-speed 13 GMC 2500HD Duramax I bought new 05 Jeep Wrangler "Willys Edition" 12k miles (I bought new) 85 3/4 ton 4x4 Scottsdale 33k miles original paint 86 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 454 restored 80 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 9,434 original miles!! original paint 95 GMC 1 ton dually 4x4 my dad bought new 95 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4, regular cab 454, 31k original miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 6.0L 67k miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 8.1L 28k miles 2003 GMC 2500HD 4x4 regular cab Diesel 93k miles 67-72 Parts for sale |
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#21 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,647
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
That does look good! Thanks for updating your thread.... many guys fail to do so.
I'm sorta in the same boat you were in when you started the thread more than 2 years ago. Running 12-year-old BFG 33/12.50-16.5s with plenty of tread and plenty of cracking. I'm giving up on that tire size, looking for Ford 16x7s and plan on getting 255/85 tires. My K20 came with 7.50-16s so in a way I am going back to the tall & skinny look that the truck was born with.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#22 |
The Niner
![]() Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Broad Brook, CT
Posts: 2,494
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
Looks great!!
__________________
"A good racer is one whose head is in communication with his balls." - Richie Evans 1970 C/20 - 402/TH400/3.54s - 74K miles 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 - Wheatland Yellow Niner Progression Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=697183 Classic Trucks article: https://www.motortrend.com/features/...et-c20-driven/ |
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#23 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,858
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
I'm glad you kept it original. It's great to know the Transforces are still being made. I just had someone tell me they weren't. Can't believe everything you hear in the real world
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__________________
"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#24 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: New mexico
Posts: 369
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Thanks everybody. Discount tire guy did say that size was becoming obsolete. In another 10 years I may be looking for other rims. I was able to watch them and see how the spare was dealt with and where all the old grease is in the front that needs to be cleaned away from the zirk fittings. I have work to do cleaning more! Nothing looked cracked or broken though and it was good to see beyond the tires.
Yeah it looks just fine but really it's authentic and yes, now I can go farther from home. I just retired so now I have access to IRA money to begin some work on the truck. Wipers don't squirt, AC blows but not cold, upholstery needs to go back to original look. So I may be asking for help on some of this stuff. Thanks again for the helpful comments. For now I can drive it like I stole it! (But I don't). Hahaha |
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#25 |
Carpe manana
![]() ![]() Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Eau Claire, WI
Posts: 12,395
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Re: 9.5Rx16.5 tires...the price of authenticity
Was the photo in post # 18 taken in Santa Fe? Truck looks great.
__________________
1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 ![]() |
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