16.5" tire question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69 camper custom · 03-01-2008, 08:01 AM

Does anyone know if it is possible to buy 31 x 10.50 x 16.5 tires anymore? Everyone in my home town area can not get them anymore, so I am hoping that some one will be able to point me in the right direction.

CG · 03-01-2008, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69 camper custom

Does anyone know if it is possible to buy 31 x 10.50 x 16.5 tires anymore? Everyone in my home town area can not get them anymore, so I am hoping that some one will be able to point me in the right direction.

I just purchased 33 x 12.5 16.5's BFG All Terrains for my 4x4 from Discount Tire. They had to get them from their warehouse back east somewhere. He said if I wanted any more I should get them now.

**special-K** · 03-01-2008, 04:01 PM

You may still be able to get bias,as originally used,from Coker Tire or Universal.They used to carry those.They were heavy ply since the purpose was extra load capacity.Tire companies dropped that size,in general.It jumps from 9.50s to 12.50s(which you probably already found out).

My72BB · 03-01-2008, 11:42 PM

Firestone still makes 16.5" tires...I just priced them at around $120.00 for the Destination HT I think.

I am going to go to a 16" size like 245/70 or 75 which will be similar in size to the 9.50/16.5.

Alan

hvychve · 03-02-2008, 12:11 AM

why not just lose the 16.5" wheels and go with somthing more available , ie. 16,17, or even 18" , I got tired of paying the cost for 16.5" tires and let alone trying to find em. so I opted for 18", MY two cents . some might want to keep it original and I respect that ...

**1970cstblazer** · 03-02-2008, 04:05 AM

So... 18" tires are cheaper than the 16.5"?

69 camper custom · 03-02-2008, 05:27 AM

The reason I want to stay with the 16.5" tire, is the steel wheels that came on my truck are 10 inches wide 16.5" and they are an 8 bolt rim and I really like how they look. Also I have a set of after market wheels that I might like to try someday that are also 16.5". Those are the reasons I don't switch, but I might have to.

68caliRat · 03-02-2008, 05:36 AM

I went to the junkyard and bought some 16" steel wheels from a Chevy 8 lug, and the dog dish fit it perfect. That was just from the front though, I haven't looked for the rears yet which are 10" wide.

**special-K** · 03-02-2008, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My72BB

Firestone still makes 16.5" tires...I just priced them at around $120.00 for the Destination HT I think.Alan

In 10.50?No one is questioning that 16.5s are still available.What size did you price?

In the sizes I use 16.5s are cheaper than 16"

There were never Turbine,Aluminum Slot,or wide OEM-type wheels made in 16".There were never even wide custom wheels made in 16" until recent years.

On the C/20 I had I ran Aluminum Slots,8.25" & 9.75".I ran 9.50 & 12.50 tires.Just like 1/2t guys like 15" TorqueThrusts for the era-correct look that still looks good today,3/4t trucks look great with the era-correct 16.5s like the three I mentioned up top.

**1970cstblazer** · 03-02-2008, 08:02 AM

The 16.5" wheels and stock stainless caps sure look good!

**FleetsidePaul** · 03-02-2008, 09:18 AM

I want to keep my Slots and I have only found them (8 lug) in 16.5 but IMHO they fit the truck...

**Stocker** · 03-02-2008, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69 camper custom

Does anyone know if it is possible to buy 31 x 10.50 x 16.5 tires anymore?

I have a pdf file for BFG All Terrains, and it lists a 31x10.50R(radial)16.5... were you looking specifically for a bias-ply tire?

Oddly, Tire Rack (which sells BFG) lists no tire of any brand in that size... a few minutes Googling suggests that size (and most 16.5s) are being phased out.

factorystock · 03-02-2008, 01:13 PM

It gets tougher to keep a vintage vehicle authentic as the years pass.But if there is a will, there is a way.Here are popular tires and wheels back in the day.

**special-K** · 03-02-2008, 04:13 PM

The problem with those BFG A/Ts are they aren`t a hiway tread.All Terrain tire look out of place on 2wds,especially up front.As well as missing the mark when wanting to stay vintage.I believe Coker still has them in 8-ply by Denman.
Fleetside Paul...lookin`goooood!

I can appreciate 100% factory stock...love it!But,I have no such restraint.I have hot rod blood in me.So,the best I can do is a restorer is a comprimise.I go with period correst mods/upgrades/accys.My`71 was original from original owner,camper and all.I changed wheels/tires and had a custom tonneau cover made to protect the virgin woodfloor when camper was removed.Here`s the CustomCamper:

CCCC · 03-03-2008, 12:30 PM

Have been dealing with the same 16.5 issues. My 1970 GMC 3500 1 ton with single rear wheels came with 9.50x16.5 on the front and 12x16.50 on the rear. I am getting ready to make it nice, including the Alaskan Camper that sits on the utility bed, and new tires are in the plan. I have found that there is no longer much selection in 16.5 tires, and seems hard to find the greater load range (E). And, due to the way the bead seats on the rim in the 16.5, some tires seem to "bump" like they are not balanced - even when they are. Also, I need to carry a 12x16.5 spare since I would not run a 9.50 on one side in the rear. On this rig, maintining the orginal "look" is not much of an issue. For all the above reasons, probably will go with new 16" wheels/tires and try to fing a load range E that will work and look good on both front and back - highway tread. If I do this, will have 5 nice 16.5 wheels to sell - assuming that anybody really needs them.

69 camper custom · 03-05-2008, 06:28 AM

So is it safe to say that no one can point me in the direction I was hoping for. If anyone finds out more info on 16.5" wheels please let me know.

**special-K** · 03-05-2008, 08:04 AM

Did you check Coker Tire for Denman`s?

My72BB · 03-05-2008, 09:38 AM

They exist...here are the links to some. The firestones are E load range highway tread...???

http://www.nebraskatire.com/lt_truck/lt_to.htm

http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/details...S&typ=R-114590

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tnum=950R65THT

**special-K** · 03-05-2008, 04:23 PM

^You da man^

03-01-2008, 08:01 AM	#1
69 camper custom Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Darwin, Minnesota Posts: 31	16.5" tire question Does anyone know if it is possible to buy 31 x 10.50 x 16.5 tires anymore? Everyone in my home town area can not get them anymore, so I am hoping that some one will be able to point me in the right direction.

03-01-2008, 04:01 PM	#3
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: 16.5" tire question You may still be able to get bias,as originally used,from Coker Tire or Universal.They used to carry those.They were heavy ply since the purpose was extra load capacity.Tire companies dropped that size,in general.It jumps from 9.50s to 12.50s(which you probably already found out). __________________ "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 ~

03-01-2008, 11:42 PM	#4
My72BB Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fairfield, PA Posts: 503	Re: 16.5" tire question Firestone still makes 16.5" tires...I just priced them at around $120.00 for the Destination HT I think. I am going to go to a 16" size like 245/70 or 75 which will be similar in size to the 9.50/16.5. Alan

03-02-2008, 12:11 AM	#5
hvychve To The Levy Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: california Posts: 391	Re: 16.5" tire question why not just lose the 16.5" wheels and go with somthing more available , ie. 16,17, or even 18" , I got tired of paying the cost for 16.5" tires and let alone trying to find em. so I opted for 18", MY two cents . some might want to keep it original and I respect that ...

03-02-2008, 04:05 AM	#6
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,431	Re: 16.5" tire question So... 18" tires are cheaper than the 16.5"? __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration in progress... 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 41k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 60k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

03-02-2008, 05:27 AM	#7
69 camper custom Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Darwin, Minnesota Posts: 31	Re: 16.5" tire question The reason I want to stay with the 16.5" tire, is the steel wheels that came on my truck are 10 inches wide 16.5" and they are an 8 bolt rim and I really like how they look. Also I have a set of after market wheels that I might like to try someday that are also 16.5". Those are the reasons I don't switch, but I might have to.

03-02-2008, 05:36 AM	#8
68caliRat Need a bigger hammer.. Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Escondido,CA. Posts: 280	Re: 16.5" tire question I went to the junkyard and bought some 16" steel wheels from a Chevy 8 lug, and the dog dish fit it perfect. That was just from the front though, I haven't looked for the rears yet which are 10" wide. __________________ 1968 GMC 3/4 LWB fleetside Custom Camper 2018 Silverado High Country 2500HD Duramax 4X4

03-02-2008, 08:02 AM	#10
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,431	Re: 16.5" tire question The 16.5" wheels and stock stainless caps sure look good! Attached Images __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration in progress... 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 41k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 60k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

03-02-2008, 09:18 AM	#11
FleetsidePaul R.I.P. E.S.L.L. Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kernville CA./ Lake Isabella CA. Posts: 11,419	Re: 16.5" tire question I want to keep my Slots and I have only found them (8 lug) in 16.5 but IMHO they fit the truck... __________________ 1971 Custom C/20 1970 CST 20 1970 C/30 Flatbed 1983 C/30 Dually 2015 Corvette Z51 2021 Corvette Z51 1991 Cadillac Hearse 1982 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz 2000 Porsche Boxster S 2020 Jeep Gladiator 1973 VW Thing 1973 Plymouth Satellite wagon 1963 Baja Bug 1959 Bug Dune Buggy 1970 Baja Bug 1987 Jaguar XJ 350. R.I.P. El Jay R.I.P Jessie. R.I.P Grumpy. Every day is a gift from God.

03-02-2008, 01:13 PM	#13
factorystock Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: west coast Posts: 3,366	Re: 16.5" tire question It gets tougher to keep a vintage vehicle authentic as the years pass.But if there is a will, there is a way.Here are popular tires and wheels back in the day. Attached Images

03-02-2008, 04:13 PM	#14
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: 16.5" tire question The problem with those BFG A/Ts are they aren`t a hiway tread.All Terrain tire look out of place on 2wds,especially up front.As well as missing the mark when wanting to stay vintage.I believe Coker still has them in 8-ply by Denman. Fleetside Paul...lookin`goooood! I can appreciate 100% factory stock...love it!But,I have no such restraint.I have hot rod blood in me.So,the best I can do is a restorer is a comprimise.I go with period correst mods/upgrades/accys.My`71 was original from original owner,camper and all.I changed wheels/tires and had a custom tonneau cover made to protect the virgin woodfloor when camper was removed.Here`s the CustomCamper: __________________ "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 ~

03-03-2008, 12:30 PM	#15
CCCC Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Pedro River, SE Arizona Posts: 734	Re: 16.5" tire question Have been dealing with the same 16.5 issues. My 1970 GMC 3500 1 ton with single rear wheels came with 9.50x16.5 on the front and 12x16.50 on the rear. I am getting ready to make it nice, including the Alaskan Camper that sits on the utility bed, and new tires are in the plan. I have found that there is no longer much selection in 16.5 tires, and seems hard to find the greater load range (E). And, due to the way the bead seats on the rim in the 16.5, some tires seem to "bump" like they are not balanced - even when they are. Also, I need to carry a 12x16.5 spare since I would not run a 9.50 on one side in the rear. On this rig, maintining the orginal "look" is not much of an issue. For all the above reasons, probably will go with new 16" wheels/tires and try to fing a load range E that will work and look good on both front and back - highway tread. If I do this, will have 5 nice 16.5 wheels to sell - assuming that anybody really needs them. __________________ CCCC 67 Sting Ray Coupe 327 4sp; 68 K10 Suburban 327 4sp; 69 K20 Lifted 383 4sp; 69 C80 Fire Truck 478 V6 5sp/2sp; 69 C20 Longhorn 327 4sp; 70 C30 Wrecker 350 4sp; 70 C30 Flat Bed 350 4sp; 71 C20 LWB 350 4sp; 72 K5 Blazer 350 4sp; 72 C30 Flat Bed Gooseneck Hauler with sleeper 350/TH400; 72 C20 Longhorn 402 4sp; 52 Mack LTL Supercharged Cummins 5sp x 3sp; 01 Dodge 5.9 HO Cummins 6spd; 02 Safari Trek 2430 8.1 Vortec on Workhorse Chassis; 03 Silverado 2500 HD 4wd Duramax/Allison Moved but still in the family 70 C20 Custom Camper 350/TH350; 72 K5 Blazer CST Highlander 350/TH350 Recently sent to new homes 72 C30 MoHome 402 4sp; 72 K5 Blazer Conv 350 4sp; 75 GMC 6000 Aerial 350 w Allison; 72 GMC 3500 Utility 350 4sp; 70 GMC 3500, 350 4sp

03-05-2008, 06:28 AM	#16
69 camper custom Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Darwin, Minnesota Posts: 31	Re: 16.5" tire question So is it safe to say that no one can point me in the direction I was hoping for. If anyone finds out more info on 16.5" wheels please let me know.

03-05-2008, 08:04 AM	#17
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: 16.5" tire question Did you check Coker Tire for Denman`s? __________________ "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 ~

03-05-2008, 09:38 AM	#18
My72BB Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fairfield, PA Posts: 503	Re: 16.5" tire question They exist...here are the links to some. The firestones are E load range highway tread...??? http://www.nebraskatire.com/lt_truck/lt_to.htm http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/details...S&typ=R-114590 http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tnum=950R65THT



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03-05-2008, 04:23 PM	#19
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: 16.5" tire question ^You da man^ __________________ "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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