Hi
I just purchased a 1979 f-350 camper special with 16.5 inch wheels i would like to dress it up a bit with some aluminum wheels or wheel covers what year of wheels will work and where ould i purchase some new wheels or covers.Anyone out there with some info would be appreciated...............thanks Jeff

 

I would look for 16 inch tubelees rims. 16.5s are getting hard to find anymore they came out in the mid 70's to replace the 16in split rims, but most of the tires were low profile as compared to the 16s. In the early 80's they started putting tubeless 16s on 3/4 and 1 ton trucks with the taller profile tires. If you look at tire manufactures web sights you will find almost no selctions in 16.5. Finding aluminum wheels in 16 shouldn't be very tuff as ford used the same pattern until 97. Remember you have the 9/16 lugs on an f350 so you have to find rims with big enough holes for those lugs.

 

As well as a big enough center hole to clear the Dana 70 hub.

 

there are a lot of manufactures that make both 16 and 16.5 wheels. MT classic 2's for example, and regarding the post from plowpuser, depending on what style and size of tires that you are getting, 16.5 are sometimes easier to find than 16. Also, 16.5 are sometimes a higher load rated tire. I have found this regarding mud tires, I am having a pain trying to find the size and style of tire that I want in 16 in rim. The main difference in the 2 sizes of wheels is that 16 in wheels have a lip inside the rim to help keep te bead seated on the wheel, whereas 16.5 wheels don't, they are sloped at where the bead seats, so if you run lower tire pressures, the bead will come off quite easy. so depending on what you need the tires for and your style of driving will determine what you get.

 

I have some aftermarket aluminum slot type 10" wide 8 lug wheels with no markings. The tires were off of them when I got the wheels.

How can I tell if they are 16" or 16.5". ???

 

looking to sell?

 

i just found some 16.5 tires for my truck 9.50R x 16.5 firestones transforce ht
10 ply load range E. I paid 120.00 each mounted and balanced looks real nice on my F-350 1 ton. found them from a company that deals with commercial semi tires.