Quote:
Originally Posted by 1976gmc20
Actually as I recall the 16.5 rims had a fairly brief run in the 1970s or so. At one time they were the "new thing" and supposedly far better for heavier campers because you could run a wider tire for more capacity and stability.
My 1973 K20 had 16" split rims from the factory with 7.50-16 bias ply D range.. My 1976 C20 had 16.5" rims when I bought it in 1996 (assume they were factory?) along with some horrible rough tires. The first thing I did was traded them at a junkyard for a set of 16" with used 245/75(E) radials ($100?) and then a few years later bought some new tires. It's going to need new tires again if I ever get the engine rebuilt.
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After a bit of research, according to the GMC/Chevy sales brochures the last year for 16.5 rims was 1981, in 1982 they all had 16in from the factory.
This is GM, Ford and Dodge may have been a few years one way or the other, but I bet close to the same time.
Yes, I am sure that aftermarket wheels were made in the 16.5in size for at least a few more years, maybe even into the early 90's, but that would be hard to nail down.
Want to talk about worthless, I have a set of 15in SPLIT RIMS from my 1965 Chevy C10 that are in a pile by the shed. Fire rings?