1968 1/2 ton oem wheel sizes?

[txteach]

Can anyone please share some info on original steel wheels that came on these trucks?
Thanks!

[NC67Chev]

The most common wheel was 15 x 5.5, which I think typically came with a 7.75-15 tire. They were 6 lug. 215-75-15 radials look good on them. Unfortunately, they won't clear disc brakes, so many people get rid of them.

[txteach]

Yeah, I've always pitched them. I guess I'm getting older, and now I'm interested in running them. Thanks for the reply.

[NC67Chev]

I'm thinking you won't have any problems finding a set. They were used from 63 - 70. I know there are almost always some on Craigslist around here.

[txteach]

Are the hubcaps on these held on by clips, or is that the earlier style?

['68OrangeSunshine]

It was a rare option, but my '68 C/10 Stepside came from Fremont with 17.5 [x5.25] 6-lug rims. It's on the SPID. Originally on 7.00 x 17.5 6-ply bias tires. When that size went obsolete, I moved up to 8.00 x 17.5. Then 8R17.5LT radials. I ran those rims as long as I could, but after 250,000 miles they were shot. So I changed to 235/85R16LTs.
I heard the weird size was sometimes specified by municipalities and large fleet operators to minimise "shrinkage" (employee theft). My truck was probably part of some fleet order.
It was all manual with no radio or other frills, and bright orange paint. Also specified a 292 L6.
My hubcaps were held on by clips, but I've lost all but one cap and it won't fit on the white spoke rims I have now. [No clips.]

[txteach]

That's interesting info. I see you live in Tucson. I lived in Glendale for 10 years, and the last thing I did before moving back to Texas was get a 68 cst. It was sold at Sand's Chevrolet, but I understand it spent its life in Tucson. It didn't have original wheels on it, so I need to go on a hunt for some. Man, I sure miss seeing all of that desert iron out there!

[NC67Chev]

Originally Posted by txteach

Are the hubcaps on these held on by clips, or is that the earlier style?

The 15" wheels that most likely came on your truck have 3 nubs for hubcaps to pop on. There were 16x5" wheels as an option that also have 3 nubs, which is what I now have on my truck. As 69Orange mentions, there were other sizes available back then. My knowledge is limited to the 15's and 16's. Here's a pic of the 15 inch

[NC67Chev]

And here's one of the 16 inch

[txteach]

Thanks for the pics. Seems like the kind I have seen before. I sure would like to find four of the 16".

[NC67Chev]

They are somewhat hard to find, but you can find some if that's really what you want. Here's a nice set listed on the parts board:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ghlight=Wheels

Unfortunately they are in GA.

I put 235/75's on mine. A lot of people put 235/85's on them. Another option would be 225/75.

[txteach]

Yeah, that's a little far. The problem around here is the fact we are on the coast. You can hear things rust here.
I saw the exact wheels are available for trailers, but they aren't DOT approved.
I'll check some swap meets in the spring.

[big jr]

Hello I see your in my neck of the woods. Have you tried Rodgers salvage yard in Jasper I was there a couple of months ago he had several 67-72 trucks mostly there. Also you may try outback truck parts in spring tx 1800-567-6772. Also there's a guy in port neches tx that has some trucks he parts out I don't know his number but he doesn't have a shop this is his hobby I hope this helps

[txteach]

Hello,
I appreciate the info! I bought a 72 GMC from the guy in Jasper years ago, and have made a few trips over to Outback. Someone else recommened I call a guy here locally that has a lot of parts before hello, but I don't recall his name. I spoke with him a couple of times, but he didn't follow up on his calls back to me. I think I may go west looking for some parts this summer.😜

[big jr]

Hello what are you working on, do you drive it or are you restoring it. Is that your gold and white 68, 50th anniversaryhello I've heard about in orange. I've got the puke green n white 70 CST20 longhorn on 15x10 slots w\50s front n back with a 2.5 ft 6 rr drop 1/2 ton

[txteach]

You are just the guy I need to talk to then! I've seen you running around Orange County in that truck for quite a while. Word has it , you have barns full of these trucks with lots of parts. Someone told me just the other day you have a lot of the steel wheels, and every instrument cluster with speed warning you could ever find! What say you?😛. I will shoot you a pm sir!

[big jr]

Hello did you grow up in Orange do you remember a teal green 71 short step with cragers on it had a small block in it with a very healthy cam in it