Replacement Wheels for 1963 GMC 1500

[cpc63gmc]

Hi all,

I've been a member of this group for many years but haven't posted in a long time. I own my grandparents' 1963 GMC 1500 fleetside longbed with the original 305 V-6. It sat in the garage on jackstands for 20 years. I retired at the start of 2022 and have been having it restored this year. I intend to start a thread under builds and show some pictures.

I know this has been discussed some before, but I want to ask thoughts again about wheels. This truck has 15" two piece wheels that replaced the original three piece ones after the GM recall in the 70's. It has 7.00 x 15 bias 8 ply tires.

I'm thinking of switching to a modern wheel since it's hard to find folks to work on these, and it also would be nice to run radials if possible. I don't have the wheel caps for the original wheels and those are tough to find anyway.

Any input on what OEM look type wheels fit this truck? I was thinking maybe 16" as more tires are available. The current wheels are up at the shop where it's being worked on so I can't measure - are these 8 x 6.5 bolt pattern? How about backspacing? Hub diameter?

I've looked at these as options - would like to know if anyone has experience with these or better options.

Thanks for any advice,

Chris

https://www.uswheel.com/wheel/7637/u...9/?finishID=12

https://www.wheelvintiques.com/all-w...ack-8-lug.html

[Funky61]

I used to have a 70 GMC with the 16.5" steel wheels. Tires were a challenge to find so I used steel wheels from a 72 to 87 GM truck. I think they were 16 x 6. Those are out there you just have to be patient.

I also bought a set of Ford Accuride's that came on the late Trucks and Vans and those are 16 x 7 with 4" back spacing but they are not hub centric and yet many others use them. They also have the nubs for a hubcap should you decide to use one

I found this one available on Rock auto which is a refurbished unit for a 1993 G30 Van, and it is hub centric

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=7644&jsn=892

[cpc63gmc]

Thanks for that info. I've seen another posting somewhere once where someone mentioned those Ford Accuride wheels. I'll check those out for sure. Sounds like a good option.

I'd be curious if anyone thinks those two wheel types I linked will work, and if not, why not?

[EBasil]

Good grief those steelies other than the Rock Auto items are Expensive!

I need to put a set on my '64 this year. I am running the recall-offer split rims and the Lucas Super Traxion bias plies that look great but are loud and won't be long-lived. I would like the least-expensive but HD steelies I can put some truck radials on, so Rock Auto may be the deal. That and a rattle-can or two...