K5's new tires and rims

[Yukon Jack]

I posted about this in the Blazer subforum but thought I'd show the pics in this subforum. Finally replaced my very old tires on split rims with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac's and Pro Comp rims. 35x12.5x17. I'm very pleased with the ride of these tires.

[57taskforce]

Heck yea! Looks great!

[Stocker]

Looks like a perfect match for your Blazer!

[Ol Blue K20]

They look great.

[special-K]

Those other tires certainly were old, if they're the ones on it since you bought the Blazer. It was cool being an 8-lug Blazer with 16" factory split rims. Could have gotten away with calling a special build. Anyway... I second you made a great choice in tire. I did the same thing on my '72 K2500. I've had it since '01 and always had old tires on it. A couple real old sets off of my other trucks, then a not so old but worn out set. I finally got'er a new set of wheels and Duratracs. They do ride extremely nicely, still do. I've had the MT/Rs and they were known for getting hard and lumpy, which proved true when on the '85 Jimmy I had (after the '91 V2500 Suburban from new). I went for the Duratracs hoping they'd be better and so far no disappointments. The Blazer looks great!

[1976gmc20]

What are you doing with the 16" split rims?

[Zoomad75]

I've loved my Duratracs. 5years of solid use on road and off for over 20,000 miles. Still have half the tread left. Dirt traction has been great when aired down. I have beat the hell out of them on rocks and they show it, but havent cut or popped one yet.

They look good on the old K5. Much safer than the decade old tires and split rims.

[Yukon Jack]

I don't know what to do with them. Hate to just scrap them.

Originally Posted by 1976gmc20

What are you doing with the 16" split rims?

[Yukon Jack]

Originally Posted by special-K

Those other tires certainly were old, if they're the ones on it since you bought the Blazer. It was cool being an 8-lug Blazer with 16" factory split rims. Could have gotten away with calling a special build.

The old tires were on my 69 K20 when I bought it in 1999 - those tires had been installed about ten years previously when the prior owner put the 69 into storage. I'm guessing they are about 30 years old or so. The truck was always inside so they aren't checked but are hard as a rock!

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by Yukon Jack

I don't know what to do with them. Hate to just scrap them.

Well, if it wasn't so far I would be interested in them. Don't really have a good use right now (except the C/20 that isn't running) but I hope someday to find a decent 73-80 K/20 to replace my 89 K1500 firewood truck.

I had split rims on my 1973 K/20.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by Yukon Jack

I don't know what to do with them. Hate to just scrap them.

They are heavy enough that shipping is impractical, but it would be a shame to just scrap them. Ideally you could find someone local to take them off your hands, either for cheap or for free. That's what I did with mine many years ago -- a guy I knew said he could use them so I handed 'em over. These days probably not many folks want them, unless they're restoring to factory stock or really into nostalgia.

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by Stocker

They are heavy enough that shipping is impractical, but it would be a shame to just scrap them. Ideally you could find someone local to take them off your hands, either for cheap or for free. That's what I did with mine many years ago -- a guy I knew said he could use them so I handed 'em over. These days probably not many folks want them, unless they're restoring to factory stock or really into nostalgia.

Or like to be able to fix a flat out in the dirt, without having to drive 70 miles to a reliable tire shop.

[Willowrun]

Rims and tires look cool, but the soft top keeps me coming back. What's the story on it?

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by 1976gmc20

Or like to be able to fix a flat out in the dirt, without having to drive 70 miles to a reliable tire shop.

Someone with the right knowledge & skillset, yes. Sadly, I do not fit that description.

Best I can do is carry a good spare & a few basic tools.

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by Stocker

Someone with the right knowledge & skillset, yes. Sadly, I do not fit that description.

Best I can do is carry a good spare & a few basic tools.

It was just what we did back in those days.

I suppose split rims are about as far back now as wooden wagon wheels when I was a kid.


Out where I live you pretty much need at least a second spare, so you can still have a spare for when you drive to town to get the flat fixed.

[Yukon Jack]

Years ago a board member mentioned he had seen it for sale on another site - the owner wouldn't ship but I lucked out and a cousin lived in the same city - she went and to the top for me and shipped it to me. It was made by Specialty Top Co. out of Denver.

Originally Posted by Willowrun

Rims and tires look cool, but the soft top keeps me coming back. What's the story on it?

[special-K]

I thought that looked like an STC. I had the dream of one of those on a Blazer, black like yours. But it turned into a nightmare. They advertised on CK5.com and ORD was selling them. I ordered it on the phone, then sent the money order, and waited. I called and they were waiting for the bedside channel stock. Then, it was either something else holding it up. This was weeks of waiting and I finally decided to cancel the order and ask for my money back, they agreed. Never got my money, they weren't answering my calls, then it was line disconnected. I got totally ripped off and was so disappointed I sold the Blazer. Didn't want to buy two for it. Plus the Softoppers are a lot more expensive than the STCs were