The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1967 - 1972 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-09-2017, 08:04 AM   #1
HeavyChevy70
Registered User
 
HeavyChevy70's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Bradford, Maine
Posts: 10
Tires Size for 70 K20

I'm trying to decide what size tires to put on my 70 K20 project. I bought a set of 5 16 inch steel wheels last year and want to replace the 16.5/33/12.50s on my truck. Last year, I saw some different tires on 67-72 trucks at some truck shows. Here are the three tire sizes that I saw: 235/85/R16, 255/85/R16 and 285/75/R16. Any suggestions would be helpful as I am going to look at tires this week.
HeavyChevy70 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 09:10 AM   #2
Joesjunk
Senior Member
 
Joesjunk's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Independence MO.
Posts: 7,700
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

Quote:
Originally Posted by HeavyChevy70 View Post
I'm trying to decide what size tires to put on my 70 K20 project. I bought a set of 5 16 inch steel wheels last year and want to replace the 16.5/33/12.50s on my truck. Last year, I saw some different tires on 67-72 trucks at some truck shows. Here are the three tire sizes that I saw: 235/85/R16, 255/85/R16 and 285/75/R16. Any suggestions would be helpful as I am going to look at tires this week.
If you have a stock truck with no lift I think the 265/75/16 looks good. The 235/85/16 is the same height just a little skinnier.
__________________
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
Joesjunk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 10:20 AM   #3
jocko
Senior Member
 
jocko's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,976
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

agree with Joe, both of the sizes he mentioned look nice on a K20. Here are 235/85/16s on my 72 - I'd love to see a 265/75/16 on stock steel rims for side-by-side comparison. I have seen them in person and liked them (the 265s) but not side by side with the skinnies.
Attached Images
 

Last edited by jocko; 04-09-2017 at 10:28 AM.
jocko is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 10:20 AM   #4
Sicklajoie
The Niner
 
Sicklajoie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Broad Brook, CT
Posts: 2,497
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

^^^I agree. I've got 265/75/16 on mine also.
Attached Images
 
__________________
"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/
Sicklajoie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 10:21 AM   #5
B. W.
Registered User
 
B. W.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Bigfork, Montana
Posts: 1,137
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

I like tall & skinny! 235/85 or 255/85
B. W. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 10:29 AM   #6
jocko
Senior Member
 
jocko's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,976
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

thx sicklajoie! I forgot that's what you had. They look great. Hmmmmm.......
Anyone got a pic of a 255/85? I don't see many of those very often.
jocko is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 10:36 AM   #7
skrenly
Senior Member
 
skrenly's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Coronado, CA
Posts: 1,085
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

245/75/16 works for me if you like the stock look.
skrenly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 03:37 PM   #8
Stocker
20' Daredevil (Ret)
 
Stocker's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,688
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

Last year I replaced my 33/12.50-16.5s with 255/85-16s on 7" Ford wheels. About 1" taller than OEM 7.50-16s.

Before:



After:
__________________
- Mike -

1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205

RIP El Jay
Stocker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 04:06 PM   #9
1972RedNeck
Registered User
 
1972RedNeck's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Townsend MT
Posts: 1,725
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

Quote:
Originally Posted by B. W. View Post
I like tall & skinny! 235/85 or 255/85
^ This - although I would recommend 7.50R16 or 8.25R16.
__________________
1966 F250 4X4 416
1972 K20 350 4 OTF
Quote:
Originally Posted by GASoline71 View Post
I once pulled an intake manifold for a cam swap... ended up with a full on drag car that ran in the 11's.
1972RedNeck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 04:45 PM   #10
HeavyChevy70
Registered User
 
HeavyChevy70's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Bradford, Maine
Posts: 10
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

Here is the truck that I saw with the 235/85/16s this past summer.
Attached Images
 

Last edited by HeavyChevy70; 04-09-2017 at 04:52 PM.
HeavyChevy70 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 06:45 PM   #11
jocko
Senior Member
 
jocko's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,976
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

Quote:
Originally Posted by HeavyChevy70 View Post
Here is the truck that I saw with the 235/85/16s this past summer.
Holy crap, there should be a thread on that truck!! Nice looking rig.
jocko is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 07:15 PM   #12
Joesjunk
Senior Member
 
Joesjunk's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Independence MO.
Posts: 7,700
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

Quote:
Originally Posted by jocko View Post
holy crap, there should be a thread on that truck!! Nice looking rig.
x2!!!
__________________
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
Joesjunk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 09:52 PM   #13
52napco
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: upstate sc
Posts: 2,095
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

255/85r16 on 16x7
Attached Images
 
52napco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 09:59 PM   #14
CG
BlahBlahBlah
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wa.
Posts: 19,980
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

Steel wheels look so nice. If wouldn't have found the 16.5 tires for my mags that was my next choice.

Sicklajoie I just reread the thread on your truck (again) such a great ride.
__________________
… … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …
CG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 10:20 PM   #15
jocko
Senior Member
 
jocko's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,976
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

has anyone run 285/75/16s with stock ride height? if so, pics pls
jocko is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 10:43 PM   #16
Joesjunk
Senior Member
 
Joesjunk's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Independence MO.
Posts: 7,700
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

285/75/16 on ford 16x7 wheels.
Attached Images
 
__________________
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
Joesjunk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 11:19 PM   #17
El Dorado Jim
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: El Dorado Ca
Posts: 3,374
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

Quote:
Originally Posted by CG View Post
Steel wheels look so nice. If wouldn't have found the 16.5 tires for my mags that was my next choice.

Sicklajoie I just reread the thread on your truck (again) such a great ride.
what 16.5 tires did you find, I just took my 16.5 wheels off my 72 because I cant find any 33" tires for them
El Dorado Jim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2017, 11:53 PM   #18
allchevy58
Senior Member
 
allchevy58's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Reno, Nv.
Posts: 1,436
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

Quote:
Originally Posted by jocko View Post
has anyone run 285/75/16s with stock ride height? if so, pics pls
I tried 285/75-16 on 8 X 16 wheels and they rubbed when turning, put 265/75-16 with no rubbing. I thought the the 285's looked better but I didn't want to add a lift or helper spring.
__________________
1927 Willy's Knight 24,000 original miles, 1958 Impala 283/Powerglide, 1971 Monte Carlo 350/350, 1972 GMC K2500 350/350, 1976 Chev. K10 350/350, 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD LBZ Duramax/Allison, 2006 Chev. Silverado K3500 LBZ Duramax/Allison
allchevy58 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2017, 08:00 AM   #19
special-K
Special Order

 
special-K's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,852
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

If you are looking for a stock look, which you didn't mention, you would want 235/85-16s. They are the closest profile to the old 7.50-16s. If you are used to looking at bigger tires you'll want either 285/75-16 for tall with some beef...about same height/couple inches less width than 33/12.50s, or if you want to go closer to stock width go with 255/85s...about same height/around an inch wider than stock. All these tires will work on stock height mounted on a 6-7" rim. 7" is better for those sizes. What width wheels did you get, stock?
__________________
"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 ~
special-K is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2017, 02:41 AM   #20
CG
BlahBlahBlah
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wa.
Posts: 19,980
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

I tried to find some of those 16x7 Ford wheels for my last K20 and couldn't find a set around here. Ended up getting 16X8 from Summit (wheel Vintique). I have no use for the 16X7's now but if I stumbled across a set I would snatch them up anyway, just so I wouldn't feel defeated haha.
__________________
… … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …
CG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2017, 07:12 PM   #21
HeavyChevy70
Registered User
 
HeavyChevy70's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Bradford, Maine
Posts: 10
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

I picked up two 8 lug rims with 245/75/R16 tires on them for $20. One will be a spare when I get new tires for the steel wheels in the future. I plan to put both of them on the rear axle and hope to get some used tires for my steel rims and get rid of all four 16.5/12.50/33s that are dry rotted. I hope to start the body work next month and will get brand new tires whenever my truck is road ready. I have some engine work to do but it is a project that is my #2 project. My other project is a vintage semi truck. Thanks for the tire size suggestions.
HeavyChevy70 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2017, 07:27 PM   #22
jocko
Senior Member
 
jocko's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,976
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joesjunk View Post
285/75/16 on ford 16x7 wheels.
Quote:
Originally Posted by allchevy58 View Post
I tried 285/75-16 on 8 X 16 wheels and they rubbed when turning, put 265/75-16 with no rubbing. I thought the the 285's looked better but I didn't want to add a lift or helper spring.
Thanks Joe/Allchev!

Joe, that looks like stock ride height - any rubbin issues or really close, etc?

I may lean backwards a little narrower just in case based on Allchev's note. It will be a while before I wear out my 235s, but one wants to be prepared
jocko is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2017, 08:44 PM   #23
Joesjunk
Senior Member
 
Joesjunk's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Independence MO.
Posts: 7,700
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

Quote:
Originally Posted by jocko View Post
Thanks Joe/Allchev!

Joe, that looks like stock ride height - any rubbin issues or really close, etc?

I may lean backwards a little narrower just in case based on Allchev's note. It will be a while before I wear out my 235s, but one wants to be prepared
It sure looked stock, and they were close, but didn't rub. They truck sat really good, so maybe the springs had been replace at one time? I tried these same wheels and tires on a bone stock 72 K/20 suburban and they rubbed on it.
__________________
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
Joesjunk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2017, 09:08 PM   #24
special-K
Special Order

 
special-K's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,852
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

My '72 K2500 had 255/85-16s on 7" Accurides with old original springs that left about 1" to the bump stops and never had them rub. I have a picture as my phone screen saver but it was in my old computer that broke
__________________
"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 ~
special-K is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2017, 09:11 PM   #25
jocko
Senior Member
 
jocko's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,976
Re: Tires Size for 70 K20

Got it Joe, thanks. I might go one size skinnier then. Sorry Heavychevy, didn't mean to hijack.
jocko is online now   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
1970, k20, size, tire


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:15 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com