VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 18 inch wire wheels for 1938 Chev?

I found this listing for 18 inch wire wheels for 1938 Chev cars and wonder if anyone has seen a car with these? The part #602606 seems to indicate that these are from mid to late 1930's but I thought 550x18 tires were only used in 1932.

I recall hearing that larger wheels were available for rural/rough roads through about 1939, but this is the first listing that I have found. Would appreciate any information or history of use.

Interesting. I've never seen a photo of 18" stock wire rims on a 38 chevy.

Very Interesting...It also lists artillery wheels for 1038 HB ????.....ED

The taller, skinnier wheels were primarily for rural mail carriers or other rural route people (maybe even doctors who still made house calls). The went through mud and snow better that the wider profile tires.

I have never seen a set but would guess that once the natural earth roads were graveled or paved there would be no need for the skinny tires.

Actually both 1932 and 1933 Chevrolets were assembled with 18" tires/wheels.

This was discussed a few years back.
This is what I came up with.
The parts book is incorrect.
The 18" wheels were optional for 1937-1939 cars and 1/2 ton trucks. The 1939 Truck Data book descibes the wheel as "short spoke steel disc". The "16 wheel is described the same.
The parts book does not list a hub cap for a wire wheel (for that application)....just a hub cap for artillery wheels which the 16" and 18" would be.

Thanks for setting the record straight on the 18 inch wheels. Might have looked good on my '39 sedan delivery, but I guess I'll never find what didn't exist.