When were 16.5" wheels available?
#17
#18
This truck is a great example of the way many camper hauling pickups looked like in the 60's and 70's with the wider aftermarket " innie" 16.5" rear wheels and spare on front bumper.http://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-Ford-F250-Custom-Cab-Pickup-/301064726416?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3D301064726416%26_rdc%3D1&nma=true&si=bbUu2rRPueg299%252BwPlO1366lcBU%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
#19
I'd like to challenge the idea that any 16.5" wheel was ever a tube type wheel. By definition true truck wheels having the __.5" designation have what is called a 15° rim profile. This profile was introduced in 1956 for use with tubeless tires. Here's a side-by-side comparison of the tube type, called a 5° profile, next to the tubeless 15°. The chart compares the 20" with 22.5" but the same comparison applies to the other matching tube type/tubeless sizes. Stu
#20
#21
Here is the period correct aftermarket Kelsey Hayes 16.5" F 100 wide base wheel. It is designed to accept innie hubcaps. IMO, these would fill the rear fenders of a flareside or '62-'63 separate styleside or F100 4X4 perfectly. Popular period tires would be 10-16.5" or 11-16.5". http://www.ebay.com/itm/16-5-034-FORD-RAT-ROD-WHEEL-RARE-1972-FLATHEAD-SMOOTHIE-JALOPY-CAMPER-SPECIAL-KH-/321434841392?&_trksid=p2056016.m2518.l4276
#23
I don't believe 16.5" wheels were available from the factory in 1966.
Yes, 15", 16", 17.5" wheels; but not 16.5" wheels in 1966.
BarnieTrk
#24
My NWRA references show no 16.5" before 1967, and those are 8 x 6.5" pattern. For SRW applications they are K-H 73773/NWRA X-40235 which is 16.5" x 6", and Budd 84900/NWRA X-40361 that is 16.5" x 6.5". Looking for the above pictured half ton wheel with 5 x 5.5" pattern I find K-H 73774/NWRA X-45149 that first appears under a 1969 application reference. It is 16.5" x 8.25". Stu
#25
#28
Fellas,
Here we go again with 'word understanding/interpretation games'.
I was referring to optional wheel sizes advertised in a 1966 FoMoCo F100/F250 sales brochures and could have rolled off of the assembly line with them. Additionally, such options would be covered by the FoMoCo warranty.
Tripleframe spoke of, "...period correct aftermarket Kelsey Hayes..." wheels. This is a different pail of worms......
Such wheels would not be included in the FoMoCo sales brochures. Sure, they were available "on the street" in 1966, and if asked, a dealer would install them for you on your new truck. But heck, in 1966, a dealer would practically install a spare tire on the cab roof if you asked them to. But rest assured, no 1966 F100/F250s ever came off the assembly line with its spare tire mounted on top of the cab.
Were 16.5" wheels available in 1966? Sure.
Were 16.5" wheels a FoMoCo-issued optional wheel? I'd still say no.
TF,
Was that fire truck outfitted with those wheels from FoMoCo?
I highly doubt it.
I'd bet more than a dollar that not long after leaving the Ford assembly plant, it went to a non-Ford coach builder who specialized in fire truck modifications and received changes/modifications there for fire service - which quite possibly included a change in wheels.
BarnieTrk
#29
I recommend purhasing some Hildy books, instead of spending money on $1 bets. Any comment on the '66 Chevy in the link? Full documentation. 16.5" wheels were special ordered with the truck when new. Why wouldn't Ford do the same under the DSO program?
#30
Tripleframe - I sent you a PM asking for help on some specs. Can you please check your inbox and let me know where to get the literature if you don't have it? ND recommended I contact you. Thanks -