original type tires for a '68

[low 84]

Hey guys can you help me out with something? A good buddy of mine has a '68 long wheel base stepside that he put a built '68 chevelle 396 in it. He is wanting to put the original size tire back on it. I work as a tech in a tire store so i can get him a good deal but i don't know what type of tires came on it.

he says that his dad ordered the truck new with tires that would normally go on a 3/4 ton even though it is a half ton. he calls the tires 6 ply 715's. I am not familiar with this sizing method i only know the metric size method.

what he wants is a tire that is the same height and similar width to the 3/4 ton type tires that came on it, it does matter if they are actually original type 6 plies, they can be radials.

can some of you guys point me in the right direction?

thanks very much,
ryan c.

[Benrs86]

i have the original set of rims off my 69 gmc, and i would assume that the tires are about the same size, but they are measured in metric, so they would probably be the same, but my pickup is a half ton? if you think the numbers would help just say, tomorrow i will go unbury them and look for you if you need, Ben

[Hutch]

Just saying hey to neighbor truck fan.
That 68 sounds like something I would like to see.
I am not sure about the stock tire size.
wallace wade sells speciality tires in Big D.
http://www.wholesale-tires-usa.com/

[low 84]

benrs86 - that would be great if you don't mind, it might help point me in the right direction.

hutch - it is a pretty cool truck, his dad bought it new with a 307 and then passed a few years latter and my buddy has had the truck ever since. in the early 90's he built up that 396 and put it in along with a muncie 4 speed. it is a very unique looking truck b/c of the lwb step side. it is no show piece, its in primer and rust, but still very cool.

any one else know about those tires?

[cabin94]

I replaced the original 16.5 inch wheels and tires on my 68 C20 with 16 inch wheels and 265-75-16 radial tires. This are wider than the original tires, but about the same height and diameter. They look good and keep the speedo accurate.

[Benrs86]

i guess these tires arent right. they look small and nerdy, like something that would come on a 69 gmc. they are p195/75s i think that would be about the right size, but they didnt come with passanger car tires. maybe lt195/75s are right. this is on a 15 inch rim though. good luck, hope this helps, Ben

[woodrow59]

Couple of ideas here. Check out this site to see if it helps.....

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...conversion.htm


the next idea is I have a 66-69 "Chevrolet Pick-Up Trucks" Vehicle Load Capacity Guide....It has charts of tire, wheel and spring combinations and the GVW of those combinations...If you can get the model # and any spring options on the truck I'll try to figure out what size tires it had. I havn't quite figured out this book but if ya post that info maybe i can figure it out.