'58 Chevy 36, 17.5" tires & rims

[GuamPilot]

No doubt these questions have been asked but I'm not getting useful results from the search.

My wife and I just bought our '58 Chevy 36. I did not research the tire size before purchase.

I'm finding very little choice in tires. STA Transport at Coker and Specialty Tires of America at SimpleTire. $800 to $1200 for 4 plus mounting, balance, etc.

I did see a commercial trailer tire for $75 each in 17.5. Not sure that's a viable solution.

What other year and model has the 8 lug rims that fit my '58? Sure would be nice to use a common tire size.

The tires on it have thin tread and are old. I want to make a 1000 mile drive in 2 weeks.

Suggestions? Ideas?

Thanks,

Mike & Carrie

[mongocanfly]

welcome....
I wouldn't leave the driveway with old thin tires...the truck I'm working on now had 17.5s...couldn't find tires or rims other than what you listed...wound up swapping the axles to later model 3/4t...check your bolt pattern and see what the bc is...
another thing to think about...even if you did find 17.5s and went on your trip..what would you do if you ruined a tire while on the road?...doubt youll find tires at a tire store...id change to something readily available......

[GuamPilot]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

welcome....
I wouldn't leave the driveway with old thin tires...the truck I'm working on now had 17.5s...couldn't find tires or rims other than what you listed...wound up swapping the axles to later model 3/4t...check your bolt pattern and see what the bc is...
another thing to think about...even if you did find 17.5s and went on your trip..what would you do if you ruined a tire while on the road?...doubt youll find tires at a tire store...id change to something readily available......

Thank you for the reply.

We will be looking at changing the rear axle (and front hubs) as part of our long term plans. In the meantime, I want to find a reasonably priced solution to driving it 1100 miles to home. I'd rather not trailer it.

Since I have a fifth 17.5 rim, I will put on a new spare.

Finding an answer to the 1100 mile drive will also allow us to drive it locally for the rest of the summer.

Can we find reasonably priced used rims in the correct lug pattern, in a 'standard' tire size? If yes, what make, model and year? Approximate price?

Thanks,

Mike & Carrie

[my56chevytruck]

I don't know if this helps or not, but there's a company that has just recently been put in front of me, called Mastercraft. Maybe they can help you with tires.

[sack54]

eight bolt rims off a 66 Chevy 3/4 ton.

[Fred n' Ethel]

I Looked around a bit and had difficulty finding ANY Chevy 8 lug truck/ SUV wheel that WASN'T 8 X 6-1/2" BC
For example ..........
https://www.partsgeek.com/drjr1m5-ch...hevrolet+Wheel

Pic is from the 58 specs.

[GuamPilot]

Originally Posted by sack54

eight bolt rims off a 66 Chevy 3/4 ton.

That's what I was looking for!

Thank you,

Mike & Carrie

[GuamPilot]

Originally Posted by Fred n' Ethel

I Looked around a bit and had difficulty finding ANY Chevy 8 lug truck/ SUV wheel that WASN'T 8 X 6-1/2" BC
For example ..........
https://www.partsgeek.com/drjr1m5-ch...hevrolet+Wheel

Pic is from the 58 specs.

Okay, if all 8 lug rims are 6 1/2, that makes it easy. Looks like we will buy a set of inexpensive 8 lug, 16" rims and buy tires that can be remounted to some of our other vehicles.

Mike & Carrie