In my original post about the WMs I just wanted you to check to make sure you didn't have them before you started tearing them apart. At the time I didn't know what size wheels came on your truck, and also didn't know if they may have been switched out during the last 50 years. Now that you posted that your truck has 16" wheels you should be safe.

The next thing I suggest you do before placing an order for your tires is to have the old wheels dismounted and have the rims inspected. From the pictures the rims look kind of rough, I would just have them checked and if they're OK get them blasted and repainted. You should be good to go then. If you're not concerned about originallity you could find a newer set of wheels from a newer Ford, up to the late '90s. If you go with a newer set they will fit you bolt pattern but won't accept the stock type hubcap.

 

Ok, great. So what is the correct size of tire then in metric size, i.e. 265/75/16 or 245/75/16?

 

I don't know the answer but you could do a Google search for a tire converter. I was surprised when I went looking for tires for my panel truck. I asked around at the chain tire shops and a few local stores and no one wanted to help when I told them I was looking for 16" wheels because the stock rims are so narrow. I was able to find a couple of places that are real tire stores and would take the time to give me a quote.

 

Ok. I will get the tires removed and have the wheels inspected. Then I can get them blasted and powdercoated gloss black, and then have new tires and heavy duty valve stems installed. Any ideas where to send them to get this done and how much something like that would cost? Also, what is the correct wheel stud pattern (i.e 5.5 x 8)?

 

Eight lug x 6.5" bolt circle. The size tire will depend on the rim width. I just saw in the new Coker Tire catalog a tire size conversion chart. I don't have it handy here now. You might check their web site to see if they have the chart there. If not, I'll retrieve the catalog.

Those wheels look pretty shot to me. That much rust damage/pitting on the outside will yield even more on the inside where they've been down in the mud. Blasting is a must. Before you go power coating I'd think about newer rims. Powder coating can be cheap or expensive, you get what you pay for. Fixing those, though, to my mind is a waste of money. Plus, they'd be hard pressed to handle radial tires. Stu

 

In regard to the wheels, I almost ordered a new set of 16x8 wheels last night, but I am not sure they will fit since they are slightly wider than the stock 6.4 or 7.5 wheel width that the stock ones are. Has anyone mounted 16x8 wheels on the F-250 and made new radials fit on there? I also got a couple local quotes for sandblasting the wheels and powdercoating one color at around $95 per wheel. I am not sure if that is good or not. I also got a quote to do the frame at b/w $500 - $700.

 

Keep looking for a while for a blaster, not that the prices you were quoted were all that bad, but with the economy the way it is there is going to be some competition to get work and you might be able to find someone who is really looking for work. Just make sure whoever does the work does a good job. If you're not sure ask for references. If the guy is any good he should be happy to give you a few names and hopefully have a few jobs in his shop to show you his work.

I get my stuff blasted by a guy a few miles from me who does a reall good job for a very decent price. Before I found this guy, who I found from asking around, I talked with quite a few other shops and the prices were all over the board. It all depends on how busy the shop is and if they need the work.

 

I bought a set of stock later steel wheels(probably 70's-80's) and ran 245/70/16 radials for a while on my 54 F250. They worked ok, but would rub the frame a little in a real tight turn(locked). I currently have a set of aluminum wheels on it with radials, can't remember the size and I can't check because I don't have the truck at home, and they also work OK with a little rubbing on the frame if I lock the steering in a sharp turn. I think the current tires may be 265/75/16's. I do know they are older Michilens and a E load range tire. Pretty much a standard 3/4 ton size.