More Tire Talk 55 F100
 

Seems the more I read the less the I know. Some threads state the 16" was standard on the 55 other say it was the 15" and 16 was optional; or vice vesa. Anyway.I am going to need new wheels and tires all the way around.

From what I have gathered is the 600x16 is a popular size when using the 16" rims

What about the 15" rims. Which tire size is best for them. What inch rim should I be considering 15x5? (considering going with a black wall from Black Diamond Tires but open to suggestions)

What are the benefits of one over the other. I am planning on going back as original as possible. As I understand it the 55 had the baby moon "innie" hubcaps that were argent with red letters. Having a difficult time finding those plenty of the chrome with ford lettering)

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

My 55 came with 6;00 x 16 tires & believe this size was standard.

G-money, I see you have only 4 posts, so welcome to FTE the best Ford truck Forum on the world wide web!

All the Ford literature I've seen says 55s had 16 inch wheels. In 56 F-100s came with 15 inch wheels.

Your correct about the hubcaps, they were painted argent with red FORD letters. Look on eBay for good used steel ones, bang out the dents media blast them, primer them, paint them argent and have someone good paint the letters red. Some guys get red stick on vinyl letters made.

Let's see more pics of your truck, please.

Thanks, yes Abe brand new around here doing lots of reading and sorting things out and have lots of other questions as I try and learn. Restoration is all new to me. First attempt at this and I stuck as a mechanic, but have good help with that! More pics of truck coming soon as I have big delima on what to do about the bed and I'll be asking for advice. It is in pretty bad shape rust wise and not sure it can be saved. More on that later.

Anyway Fking1 thanks for jumping in. It was a past thread you had responded to that brought on my confusion. Where another member was saying the 15" was standard and seemed very sure and respected here, but you respecfully disagreed and had quoted a Jim Wagner reference saying the 16 was standard. So that is why I brought it up again.

Seems most agree with you the 16 was the standard that year!

Thanks Greg

here is a closeup of my stock hubcap with new bias ply tire with the piecrust edge

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...ea4da43f27.jpg

FYI: the 55 rims on a F100 are painted Snowshoe white like the grille. 53 and 54 F100s were painted body color.

Yep, that's the hubs I have been hunting in a repo. Going to state looking used and take your advice!

Do you like the bias ply tires? I was looking into the radial with the piecrust edge and bias ply look. Heard they ride smoother, but honestly I won't be taking any long trips in it so not sure.

My bias ply's flat spot after storing the winter.
Wanting to keep completely stock I stayed with the bias.
Radial's will ride smoother.

The radials ride smoother but it is very hard to steer or turn the wheel at slow speeds or backing or parking since they have more rubber on the pavement. I had radials on my truck for about 12 years. I got good new bias ply tires and now I can back up and turn with one arm while looking out the rear window. Parallel parking is a breeze. And modern bias ply are a lot better than bias ply of years ago.

Last question for now but either of you recommend a particular brand? Cokers?

Coker makes whatever you want, but, their white walls are not as bright as a competitor, forget the brand.

Mine are Excelsior brand.

Ok going to edit this question concerning rims for the 55. If I went with the 16x600 bias ply tires what width rim is needed for them. Seems one site suggested a 16x4 or 16x4.5 If that is correct what style original ford rim do I need. Below are what I think are the hubcaps I need. The wheel shown is not the correct size but is this the style needed for this type hubcap. I know there was two different types distinguished b the way they were held on. And lastly do they make reproduction wheels in this size. Having a hard time finding the 4 and 4.5 in widths

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...ca2dad7516.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...0f72c53cc4.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...3b25826588.jpg


Thanks for all the help!

Those are the hubcaps. They look great

Wheel Vintiques has the rims you want.
Got mine there.

Thanks, Yes, Abe. I had seen these the other night on ebay and decided to grab them $60 shipped for 4 I didn't think was to bad

fking1, Thank you. I found these after I had posted earlier and think this is what I need to match the truck and the hubcap should fit. Look right to you guys?


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...d7a5280a65.jpg