I just bought a ‘55 with chrome wheels. I’m interested in a more traditional look so I’d like to go back to steel wheels. I just want to make sure the steel wheels I buy will accept a set of aftermarket 1955 hub caps. Will I be safe buying any 15” steel wheels or should I be looking for something specific?
The 1955 Chevy 3100 and 3200 trucks were available with both 15” and 16” wheels.
Whether or not aftermarket hub caps fit will depend upon the center section design of the wheels and hubcaps you buy. Some hubcaps require clips and others fit over protrusions stamped into the wheel center disc.
Wheels, that Will accept original type hubcaps, will have clips (sometimes 3 and sometimes 6) in the center recess, to hold the caps in place. They are getting hard to find. Your best bet is to join the Stovebolt forum. Chevy and GMC guys hang out there. You might find someone selling original parts from a truck that is being modernized. I didn't check the parts book, but I think the wheel fits '55/'59. Good luck.
I could not remember if the later 50’s trucks used clips for the hub caps. During that time period some manufacturers were changing to the wheel center with protrusions to retain the hubcap. I assume that was less expensive because it eliminated the cost of the clips as well as riveting them to the disc..
