Tire size for T Cab 16" rims?

[sals54]

What common tire size are some of you using on your stock 16" rims? Just a daily driver truck. No loads. No 8 ply needed. Thanks

[Commander Eddie]

P 275/65 16 will work. Remember, you will need tubes. The Studebaker 16 inch rims were not made for tubeless tires.
Some smaller sizes will work as well. Your local tire specialist should be able to make a recommendation.

[sals54]

Thanks. My local tire specialist is not privy to the knowledge needed to care for these ancient cars and trucks and the peculiar needs of said antiques.

[sals54]

I'm dealing with a bunch of knuckleheads at the tire shops here. Is there a different rim I can interchange on this T Cab that won't make the tire guy's head explode??? A 15" perhaps? And can I use a Chevy passenger car rim if I use a spacer? Sheesh. I'm going' nuts just trying to get a set of tires.

[studeclunker]

Sal, don't get too wide of a tire. That was my mistake both times and the truck is really hard to steer. I keep buying Mud-N-Snow tires and they're too wide. Also, I have been running tubeless on my '62 for nearly fifteen years with no problems. Les Schwab in Redding doesn't seem to have much of any problems with my trucks, or the wagon for that matter. I just have to remind them no lift. Their lift is flat and it crushes my muffler.

[Commander Eddie]

My '61 Champ has 16" rims and they do not have the bead to hold a tubeless tire. Studebaker may have gone to updated "Tubeless" rims in 1962.

[8E12T6]

What common tire size are some of you using on your stock 16" rims? Just a daily driver truck. No loads. No 8 ply needed. Thanks

I think you are talking about a 1/2 Ton Champ. Are your rims 5 on 4 1/2 OR like the older pickups 5 on 5? We used to run Buick 15" rims of the same vintage on our 1952 pickup. There should be lots of options available. What size came on it from the factory, maybe 600 - 16? I would try to get something close to original. Best of luck on your search/selection and enjoy the Champ............

[PackardV8]

The best 16" light truck tire for Studes is the Michelin 215/85-16"; no, they're not the CASO choice, just the best.

jack vines

[sals54]

I think you are talking about a 1/2 Ton Champ. Are your rims 5 on 4 1/2 OR like the older pickups 5 on 5? We used to run Buick 15" rims of the same vintage on our 1952 pickup. There should be lots of options available. What size came on it from the factory, maybe 600 - 16? I would try to get something close to original. Best of luck on your search/selection and enjoy the Champ............

The rims have a 5 on 5 pattern. I don't know what was original, but the tires on it are 6.50 x 16. I'm going to try some Chevy truck wheels and see where that gets me.

[rkapteyn]

If you use Chevy truck rims you may have to put washers behind the wheel to clear the bead.
(between the drum and wheel.)

[Skip Lackie]

As noted by Bob above, you would need to add spacers and install longer studs to use the Chev/GMC drums. The bead on the Stude drums will make them wobble on the GM wheels. As noted on your other thread, this is all covered in detail on Bob Johnstone's site.

[Commander Eddie]

The best 16" light truck tire for Studes is the Michelin 215/85-16"; no, they're not the CASO choice, just the best.

jack vines

Jack you are correct. I misspoke. The 215 is correct. Not 275. Thanks for catching that.
Ed