Modern Tire Size to match original?

[One Chevy Scotty]

Gentlemen,

I finally found some original factory 16" 8 lug steel wheels for my K20...I tossed the old nylon bias-ply tires (I would have used them if they were not 20+ years old and rotted). What size tire (modern) will most closely match what was offered on the 4x4 3/4 ton Chevys from 1972?

I am thinking about some BFG or Yokohama mild tread AT tires...After all of the paint and body work, I am NOT taking this to the Tough Truck competition...okay, maybe just to watch...

Also, I found a set of original hubcaps, but I think that the center bowtie should have been blue in '72...anybody know if that's right? and if they are supposed to be blue, can I get some enamel hobby paint to replicate it?

Just a few more days and my old girl will be freed from paint prison (it has been over a year now...) I hope that the wait was worth it...there will be pictures forthcoming when she gets home...the before photos are in my introduction thread from over a year ago...

Thanks guys!

[Sinister]

Not sure what was on the K-20's, but I put 265/70R16's on my C-20 and they were a very good match. Speedo works accurately. The bowtie would be blue on the hubcaps. You should be able to find some paint to match.

[Sicklajoie]

Both 235/85/16 and 265/75/16 are both approximately 31.5" tall. The tread on the 265's is a little over an 1" wider over a 235.
235/85/16

265/75/16

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by Sicklajoie

Both 235/85/16 and 265/75/16 are both approximately 31.5" tall. The tread on the 265's is a little over an 1" wider over a 235.

Either of those sizes would be a good substitute. My K20 came with 7.50-16s... depending on brand, they were about 31.5" to 32" tall.

[smorg007]

Just some reference sites once you learn what tires size came on your truck.

http://www.vintagecarconnection.com/...sion_chart.htm

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

[Jacfourteen]

I would say run the 265/75/16's, i know the originals were a little skinnier but I like them wider.

[cdowns]

i'd take one of the old tires and a rim with me to a local tire store tell them what you're lookin for in a tire that will be sized right for that rim/ i like to see in person first before deciding or buying// you're under no obligsation to buy from them for thier reccomendations

[Curt's_72]

Originally Posted by One Chevy Scotty

Gentlemen,

I finally found some original factory 16" 8 lug steel wheels for my K20...I tossed the old nylon bias-ply tires (I would have used them if they were not 20+ years old and rotted). What size tire (modern) will most closely match what was offered on the 4x4 3/4 ton Chevys from 1972?

Are you sure they're 16"? There's lots of discussion here on the board about 8 lug steel wheels, and stock widths available. There are lots of 7" wide steelies that are 16". I'm curious to see an 8" wide 16" rim. The one's you have could be 16.5". With 16.5" tires getting more and more scarce, sizes available are very limited.