Wheels to fit original hub caps?

[KenPorter]

Hello everyone, new member here. I take care of my 88 year old father in-laws 1963 GMC for him. He bought it new in '63 and it's in the best original condition I have ever seen on an old truck.

In the '70's he bought some 16.5" slot mags for it. They look good on it, but we would like to put the original style wheels back on. He has all the original hub caps in perfect shape. He also has the original split rims in not too bad of shape.

There isn't many good tire choices for the 16.5 slot mags, and the split rims are illegal in Washington State. Can I buy some original looking steel wheels in a more available rim size that the original hub caps will mount to?

[Funky61]

Hello and Welcome KenPorter!

Sure would like to see some photos of that original truck

Here is some info about mounting up 16x7" Ford wheels and adding wheel clips to keep the look factory. You can have them powder coated as well.

I got this from other websites so no credit to me, just trying to help out.


http://www.laroke.com/larryk4674/smo...er/hubcaps.htm

It Looks like the 2006-2013 Econoline wheel is the ticket. You must use original clips from an 8 lug wheel.


1/2 ton or car clips that are reproduced are too short.

The clips need to be straightened out a bit to get them closer to the rim. A few light blows from a hammer did the trick. I installed the clips flush against the edge on the ramped up area. Hubcap snapped on firmly. I believe the weakest link is the screws, it’s hard to get them to stay tight. I would like to do a hot rivet, just like the way the clip type wheels were manufactured.

[James]

Originally Posted by Funky61

1/2 ton or car clips that are reproduced are too short.

The clips need to be straightened out a bit to get them closer to the rim. A few light blows from a hammer did the trick. I installed the clips flush against the edge on the ramped up area. Hubcap snapped on firmly. I believe the weakest link is the screws, it’s hard to get them to stay tight. I would like to do a hot rivet, just like the way the clip type wheels were manufactured.

Did you try to use a steel self locking nuts? What size screws are you using?

[Funky61]

Hello James, I was just passing some information on to KenPorter's post.
I have not done this modification.