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Joined: Jun 2018
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Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
Joined: Jun 2018
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Hi! Proud new owner of a 1969 GMC custom camper. He's a little rough around the edges, but that's precisely what I was looking for. Please keep in mind, I am not trying to restore this truck to pristine condition so I can enter it in truck shows or anything...I just want to do it justice and for it to last a while. I'll be putting money into it as time passes. I honestly have just always loved older trucks and I wanted a "Sunday truck"...like something to ride backroads on Sundays
My first question is: what size/kind of tires do I need? It's a 3/4 ton truck. I'd love for it to have white rims and all that jazz, but I'm guessing that will come after the tire purchase? I'm clueless haha so please bear with me! I am so appreciative of any advice I can get!
[img]httphttps://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&view=btop&ver=1g24u4a3cl0i2#attid%253Datt_164422589096bbb5_0.1_fcbab12b0ac2604c_0.1[/img][img]https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&view=btop&ver=1g24u4a3cl0i2#attid%253Datt_164422589096bbb5_0.3_fcbab12b0ac2604c_0.3[/img][img]https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&view=btop&ver=1g24u4a3cl0i2#attid%253Datt_164422589096bbb5_0.5_fcbab12b0ac2604c_0.5[/img]
Last edited by firsttimer93; 06/27/18 01:39 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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My guess would be that your truck had 17" snap ring type wheels when it was new. A 7.00 X17 would be a close guess on original tire size. Many have been changed to a 16" one piece drop center wheel for ease of mounting, safety, tire size choices, etc. I like stuff to be original but on this subject, I would recommend this modification.
Mike
ml.russell1936@gmail.com
Many miles of happy motoring
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Joined: Aug 2004
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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That sounds right. I think the 73 and later trucks might have had 17" wheels. Some had 16.5"
Mike
ml.russell1936@gmail.com
Many miles of happy motoring
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Joined: Jun 2018
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Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
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Okay, thank you! Do you think that would do well with a long-wheel base truck as well? Or does it not matter
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Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 6
Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
Joined: Jun 2018
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My guess would be that your truck had 17" snap ring type wheels when it was new. A 7.00 X17 would be a close guess on original tire size. Many have been changed to a 16" one piece drop center wheel for ease of mounting, safety, tire size choices, etc. I like stuff to be original but on this subject, I would recommend this modification.
Mike I’ll definitely use this modification! Thanks for that great insight!
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863
Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Okay, thank you! Do you think that would do well with a long-wheel base truck as well? Or does it not matter My 1968 GMC is a 3/4 ton long bed and the correct tires are 750-16. Check your owner's manual and it should give you the tire size for your truck.   
The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Joined: May 2002
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ChatMaster - 6,000
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ChatMaster - 6,000
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Something to keep in mind is that changing the roll out distance of the tires affects the accuracy of the speedometer, longer roll out makes the speedo slow and converse shorter roll out makes the speedo fast. After you do the change there are several ways to compare the accuracy, the easiest way is with a satelite map.
Tony
1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
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Joined: Jun 2018
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Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
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So when I mess with the radio volume, I can hear static/traces of noise but nothing audible. Would buying an antenna help this? Where would y'all suggest buying one if so? What other parts would I possibly need?
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Joined: May 2002
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ChatMaster - 6,000
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ChatMaster - 6,000
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So when I mess with the radio volume, I can hear static/traces of noise but nothing audible. Would buying an antenna help this? Where would y'all suggest buying one if so? What other parts would I possibly need? What has this to do with wheel sizes????? The radio wont work properly without an antenna but I read somewhere that the US and possibley Canada are reducing the number of AM radio stations so there will be less transmissions for the radio to receive. Tony
1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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You can try unplugging the antenna and just putting some kind of wire in it's place just to see if you get the same results. A bad antenna will definitely cause poor reception or just static and you will quickly find out if it's radio or antenna. Any auto store will have a universal fender mount antenna. You can also check if the antenna is grounding to the body properly. This can cause your problem too.
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Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 6
Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
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It doesn't have anything to do with wheel sizes, sir. I started this thread to hopefully pick a few brains of people more experienced/knowledgeable on the subject of vintage vehicles/1969 gmc custom campers than I am. My original question was about wheels...now that many people have graciously answered that one, I've replaced them and am on to the next steps! I will continue to ask for advice/info throughout each step of the process. Thank you so so much!
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Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 6
Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 6 |
You can try unplugging the antenna and just putting some kind of wire in it's place just to see if you get the same results. A bad antenna will definitely cause poor reception or just static and you will quickly find out if it's radio or antenna. Any auto store will have a universal fender mount antenna. You can also check if the antenna is grounding to the body properly. This can cause your problem too. AWESOME! I will definitely try that little trick and go from there accordingly. Thank you thank you!
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Joined: May 2002
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ChatMaster - 6,000
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ChatMaster - 6,000
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It is customary to start a new thread when changing subjects is why I asked.
Tony
1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
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Joined: Nov 2001
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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You might want to open a new thread in the Trucks and Vans forum further down on the forum list page. That way you can post any question that you have concerning your truck in that forum instead of in the General Discussions forum since your questions are specifically for your 1969 GMC. Try touching your antenna to see what happens to the reception.
The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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