Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 189
Likes: 1
Shade Tree Mechanic
OP Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 189
Likes: 1
Some vintage 17x4" wire wheels popped up for sale and I think they would look very good on my truck. Couple questions for you guys.

What modern tire would best fit this skinny wheel? What's the tire size conversion so I can do some research.

Would throwing some skinny tires on be worth it considering the cost of the tire and comfort? Especially if I'd like to make it a daily driver. Or is it worth sticking to a 5" wide rim so tires won't be so expensive and ride nicer. Just thinking outloud as these would look really good on the truck. Not looking for a huge truck tire but something casual, small and light


1936 Chevy Coupe. All Original
Join VCCA For Technical Help

VCCA members have access to a list of over 50 Technical Advisors who can help you with your car. It's worth the price of membership! While you can get a lot of information for free in this forum, sometimes the info that you REALLY need is only available from the right person. This is what "The World's Best Chevrolet Club" is all about!


JOIN THE VCCA TODAY!

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,033
Likes: 107
Hall Monitor
ChatMaster - 7,000
Offline
Hall Monitor
ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,033
Likes: 107


VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,021
Likes: 99
ChatMaster - 4,000
Online Content
ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,021
Likes: 99
You will be lucky to find any modern 17" tire that will work on a 4" wide rim. We really pushed the limit when we put a set of 195/75R16 tires on 16x4 truck rims for a '49 3100. They have quite a sidewall bulge and a slight crown in the tread. The shop that did it was surprised that it worked at all. They were thinking that the tire beads be would be at such a large angle that they would not seat.

The really tricky part is finding a narrow enough tire with an acceptable diameter. You can search tires by size at the Tire Rack or Discount Tire web sites.


Rusty

VCCA #44680
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 347
Likes: 20
Backyard Mechanic
Online Content
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 347
Likes: 20
You won't find a 17" modern radial tire or even a wider, bias ply modern tire, that will fit on a 4 " rim...... Won't happen... I have tried it several times.... I would suggest you stick with what 17" tires you can find at Universal Tire, Lucas Tire, or Coker Tire...
All tube type, Bias ply tires.....


1934 Chevrolet Master sedan
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
I would recommend you use a tubed tire with spoked wheels of that vintage as there is no sealing at the spoke ends and a sleeve between the rim and tube to prevent spokes chewing a hole in the tube.
Tony


1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire

Link Copied to Clipboard
Support The VCCA!

Enjoy the forum? Become a VCCA member! The World's Best Chevrolet and GMC Club!


Member Photos
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
by DreamChevy, February 17
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
by 1939Chevy1, November 24
Back on the road 79 years later
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
by 1927TRUCKS, June 7
Who's Online Now
6 members (WildernessTruck, J Franklin, Hawkeye, minetto, conv48, 1 invisible), 69 guests, and 22 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
NeilA, Jayhicks, Tomvanhouten, Dads29Chevy, Tractorman
18,308 Registered Users
Today's Birthdays
aristech, RalphL, tonysk
Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics59,071
Posts429,057
Members18,308
Most Online1,133
Jan 22nd, 2020
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5