When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I'm trying to figure out what I'm finding and what I'm looking for. I've decided I want a set of this style wheels and the more I learn the more questions I come up with.
I need a set of 8 lug, which at that time were all the same so that helps. I'm assuming they were all 9.75 " wide ? and they're all 16.5" I assume ? that sucks.
There are 15 spoke, 18 spoke and 31 spoke I think. I'm not sure what's what on that, different style or brand maybe. I like them all but is one more desirable than the other and is there any reason to avoid any particular one ?
The spokes seem to be polished, the pockets just bead blasted ? were they coated or painted with anything ?
Are center caps available to fit them still ?
As popular as these wheels were at the time there's surprisingly little information on them. that I can find anyway.
Yes all the old school ones were 16.5 and either 8.75 or 9.75. and yes 8 on 61/2 lug pattern. I have seen and have owned both widths. Also correct in the spoke count, the only difference I have ever seen in the spoke count is one pair I got a long time ago that the Po said had came off a Chevy, fit a Ford truck just fine though.
Even though historically a Chevy rim will not fit a ford due to the center hole of the rim (for the hub) is smaller on a "Chevy rim". Yes all I have seen are rough feeling on the most of the recessed part of the rim and then have a polished raised part.
As far as lug nuts you need the Mag seat with washer, also called a shank style with a washer. So the aluminum rim face is thicker than steel rims. And when you set the rim on there your lug nuts are not going to stick out WAY past the rim face like normal. That is why you use the Mag seat style lug nut.
As far as center caps that fit, that can be hit and miss. I have bought the with them and without and always had to take the rim to a old tire and rim shop and just test fit a few dozen options to finally find one to fit.
Also be aware that when putting these rims on a Highboy (possibly) there can be a clearance issues between the tie rod end and the rim. Caused by a backspace or offset difference?? I seem to remember the guy had drum brakes on the front though. Fit the rear just fine, but NOGO on the front.
Also make sure you to check if you are getting a hub centric or lug centric rims (I think you can get them either way???) and use the correct matching lug nuts.
Notice there is more center on this rim? Detailed pic below.
And not on this one.
2nd truck pic.
1st truck pic.
And option if they do not clean up.
Lug nut info. Slotted (mags) or turbine/slots aluminum wheel lug nut info. Gorilla Automotive 75187 - Gorilla Lug Nuts Summit racing • $10.99 Lug Nuts, Shank with Washer, 1/2 in. x 20 RH, Closed End, Chrome Plated Steel, Set of 4 Brand: Gorilla Automotive Manufacturer's Part Number 75187 Part Type Lug Nuts Product Line: Gorilla Lug Nuts Summit Racing Part Number GOR-75187 Lug Nut Thread Size 1/2-20 RH in. Lug Nut Seat Style Shank Lug Nut Head Style Standard Open End Design No Lug Nut Shank Length (in) 1.000 in. Lug Nut Shank Diameter (in) 0.740 in. Washer Included Yes Washer Shape Centered round Washer Outside Diameter (in) 1.125 in. Lug Nut Material Steel Lug Nut Overall Length (in) 2.000 in. Wrench Size Required (in) 7/8 in. Lug Nut Finish Chrome Quantity Sold as a set of 4. The Gorilla #75187 lug nuts are the correct fit for your aluminum slotted mags. They have the correct 1.000" shank length and .740" shank diameter to properly fit your wheel. Be certain to buy the correct part number, Gorilla also makes the same lug nut in a .750" shank length and .685" shank diameter #73187, while these will "work".. the wheel will not be properly centered. Correct: Gorilla 75187 Chrome Duplex Mag Lug Nuts 1 2 in x 20 RH | eBay incorrect: Gorilla 73187 Chrome Std MAG Lug Nuts 1 2 in x 20 RH | eBay You can also buy these locally at most parts stores.
My 1970s period turbines take the Mag seat with washer just as Rich noted. The rib faces were smooth but not polished to a high shine. The insets or pockets were a natural rough cast texture. The wheels had a clear finish on them to prevent oxidation. The PO of my truck had the wheels sent out to a specialty wheel restoration shop and they look really good, as original IMO.
I keep hoping BF Goodrich will start making the 16.5 tire Mud Terrains again but not holding breath.
Mark I run BFG AT 35x12.50x16.5 on ol blue, so I am right there with you.
440 Also note that the steel washers (under the lung nut head) and the aluminum rim, when assembled are now in a dissimilar metal set up. You must be aware of that to prevent corrosion of the rim face where the steel washer contacts it.
Thanks that's useful information. I think I have the equipment to retore them myself then.
I found a set of the 31 rib ones that look pretty decent. the price is right so I think I'll get them and if I find a set of the 18 rib I might get those too.
I have an information request into BFG to see if they have any idea when or if they're going to make another run of either series of these tires.
It was my bad luck, and that is how I found about a 15 or 18 spoke and it mattered for sure. Sorry I can not remember which # of fins fit and or did not. Lucky for me a chebby needed them and I sure sold them to him quick.
I HAD a set of aluminum slotted mags that were for a 3/4 ton (8 lug) and they were 15's. Shelby Cal 500, the fronts were 7" wide and the rear were 8.5". I also HAD some aluminum SPOKES that were 16.5. and the normal slotted Mags that are 16.5.
Barnyard if you want to sell your 18 fins let me know if they're in good shape.
So these have a 4 15/16" hole he said. I believe that fits a ford ? I don't have a stock wheel that's not bolted to something , and the aftermarket wheels are over 5" that I have.
I have seen the complete wheel painted with a professional level automotive clear coat on it and then some heavy duty clear coating on the washers work well. That also helps keep the front disk brake dust stuck in the rough finish part.
So I found an old 16.5 rim that came of a '79 F250 my dad bought new and the center hole measures 4.75" as near as I can tell. I don't think there's anything different about it than any other Ford wheel of the era.
Can anyone confirm this ? if so then a 4.9" or 4 15/16" wheel should fit fine.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
