Ive been looking for some new smaller wheels from my '50 3100. I know some people on here dont like the large wheels on the truck. I do like them and im going to keep them but would like some vintage looking wheels as well. I was wondering if 14" smoothies would look too small or would i be better off with a 15-16". Also should i go with white walls or stay black. Also have been looking at some thrust wheels. Let me know what you think.
Your decision on tires is going to be a personal thing. When I was young in the '60s I was always after a set of 14" wheels, that was a big deal where I was. I am more of a 15" guy these days, I think they fill the wheel wells better. Again wheel choice is more of a personal thing once again. I am not a big smoothie guy, they just look too '90s faddish to me as a rule. But I don't think they will look bad on the truck. 14" or 15" Chrome reverse would do it for me if it were my truck.
Like P&B said, it's a personal choice. I have to agree with what he said about 15" filling the wheel well better than 14". If it were mine I'd go with 15" chrome reverse too.
I don't like white walls on trucks typically. I say get some stock 15" wheels and put some black wall bias tires on them. I wouldn't do chrome either. It's a truck. I'd paint em black, red, or maroon...
wheels have to match the look of the rest of the truck. The dragging on the ground thing and the visor thing sort of implies wide chrome 14s with lots and lots of spokes, and skinny whitewall tires. at least that's how I remember lowriders in So. Tucson
I agree with stock rims. But the worst thing about that picture is the new milenium low profile tires. More stock looking high sidewall tires on those rims would be tolerable. And I like whitewalls on earlier trucks.. pre50's.
Did mine (57 3100) w/ 15" smoothies -- kind of 'period matched'. But those who say you've gotta match the rest of the truck/theme are right on. Unless you're doing the rest of the truck, the wheels alone will look out of place. This shot give you an idea of mine; note that it's still up on dollies. Dropped the frame about 4" w/ a MII front end, and changed out the rear axle for a '72 Chevy 12-bolt. Mike
that truck needs 4 mismatched rims with 3 rusty hubcaps and bald weather cracked recaps (at least one mud and snow tire) to match the rusty paint.
I think original steelies, painted black or whatever, with blackwall bias plies would look best.. I guess i agree with ryan!
OEM style chrome reverse in 15" with a fat whitewall. 8" rears, 6" fronts, a taller rear tire, and get it up off the ground. A lot of people like smoothies but me not so much. They remind of a cheap alternative, almost like those shitty steel chrome full of holes and bolts wheels. The OEM chromes are a bit more and worth it. If not chrome then painted would work in the same sizes. If you can get a 14" wheel over the rotors/calipers, try an OEM wheel with some flippers or even 57 Plymouth cone wheel covers. Anything but moons.
I have a 52 3100, I am doing a 15" steel wheel, not 100% sure if i am going chrome or black with a spider cap.
Can't beat painted steelies on a truck, but then again I've got Cragar's new 'Eliminators' on my '55. They look similar to Radirs and (to me) give the truck a '60's parts hauler' look. I don't think they'd look as good on the AD trucks though. And I personally don't think WWW belong on post-war trucks. Nice truck BTW.
it's your truck,but i would go for big-n-little black wall with small chevy caps,but that me. s it better be a wide white,bald & on the front! _ogre----thats nice!
If you aren't going to paint it go with some stock rusty ass wheels with blackwall tires to finish the old patina look. The way it looks now with the shiny visor and the modern low-profile wheels and tires it looks kinda like a disney cartoon truck. You asked.
wow photo shop of stock red wheels and caps looks great , problem is without paint they look more valuable than the truck they are on
I like the stock wheels and hubcaps that henry29 posted. The whitewalls look good on the truck, too, but so would black walls.
I actually kind of dig the patina thing, although patina in Michigan usually involves big, ragged holes, so I don’t do it myself. I think that truck would look great with fresh bias blackwalls and a 15- or 16-inch steelie powdercoated gloss black with a brand-new stock-type hubcap. To me, that says “I didn’t need to mess with the body, but I care enough to drive around on decent rolling stock.” -Dave
Thanks henry29. That helps alot. That's the look I'm looking for. Yes I know it looks like a Disney character. My 3 yr old calls it "Mater" already. Thanks for the help guys.
Make sure the 14" wheels will work with your disc brakes! I don't think they will... 15" for sure will, unless you have some huge brakes?
How about some plain steel rims, 15 X 7 primered in red oxide with black walls & new chrome lug nuts, to blend in with the rest of the truck ?
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