9.50 x 16.5 Tires??

[Best truck design]

Anybody tell me what the correct p metric tire replacement size is for the 9.50 x 16.5" that came on my 1973 GMC 3/4 ton truck?

I called Discount tire and they have no idea. Tire rack doesn't list a size either?

 

[78C10BigTen]

I know some one on here has a link to a conversion table but im not sure who.... ive seen it b4. Btw 73 is the best year, imho.

 

[bucket]

Are you wanting to know the metric equivalent for a 16.5 rim? If so, I don't think there was ever one produced. For a 16" rim, a 245/75/16 aught to be pretty darn tootin close. A common size used by GM in the 80's on trucks was a 235/85/16, but they are a bit taller than the 9.50-16.5 size.

 

[Rickf]

There were 9.50 x 16.5 on my '74 when I got it and I could only find "trailer tires", don't know what is the difference. I ended up with 16" rims and 235/85 tires. I don't think there is a metric number for 16.5's.

 

[bucket]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fireston...fJTF0G_iPOuP-_9UMxvroGEOLLzedVpBoC0G0QAvD_BwE

There's also a Power King tire available, but it's bias ply iirc.

 

[thecantaloupeman]

Anybody tell me what the correct p metric tire replacement size is for the 9.50 x 16.5" that came on my 1973 GMC 3/4 ton truck?

I called Discount tire and they have no idea. Tire rack doesn't list a size either?

I had the same issue. It appears that firestone is the only brand that makes that size tire anymore. There is also one at walmart called "powerking"that are only 100$ a tire and they look pretty cool like a classic tire, but I went with firestones. They are the Transforce HT. I am pretty sure it says the conversion on my tires as well. I'll go look tomorrow morning.

I went with 8.75x16.5s because I thought that was the original size for c20s but I think my camper special was ordered with 9.5s. They both work though. The rim works for both sizes because the bead was designed for both. But I called every tire place in existence and noone could help me either until I found that firestone tire.

16.5 is a very rare size so most people just buy 16 inch wheels so they can get cheaper tires. It's not a bad choice because you'll have pretty much unlimited options for tires. If you want to keep it original like I did, you are pretty much limited to those two tires.

I have heard that the original hubcaps also fit on ford 16" rims. If you can find white ford 16" rims the hubcaps might fit and then you can get 16" tires and noone will know the difference. I may be wrong but I think the 80's squares also had optional 16" rims, so maybe the hubcaps fit on those too if you find a set of those.

BFGoodrich used to make 16.5 inch tires but they discontinued them last year I believe. It seems Firestone is the only big brand manufacturing that size anymore. That may not be true a year from now though. But I like the look of my firestones. They look great on my truck. They have a very classic look and very simple looking sidewalls. I am honestly glad I went with these instead of changing rims and getting some all terrains.

Anyway...hope this helps!

 

[75gmck25]

My camper special also had 9.50 x 16.5 on split rims, but I swapped 16" wheels and 245/75R16's to get rid of the split rims and to get a tire size that was easier to find. I also looked at 235/85R16s, which are a common truck size.

For a high GVW truck like a C20/K20, C30, etc., you need to also look at the tire load rating. For my 8200 GVW truck I need to use 245/75R16E (load rating), which have a 10 ply rating. Standard C load rating is not enough if I hit the GVW max when hauling some loads.

I run about 65-70 PSI when loaded (E-rated tires are 80 PSI max), which seems to keep it more stable. However, tire places give me a dumb look when I ask for high pressure valve stems, even though they only cost about a $1 more than standard valve stems. I usually have to buy my own and bring them in when I get a tire replaced or repaired.

Bruce

 

[ali_c20]

I bought firestone transforce for my c20 project. It's the only tire in 9.50x16.5 from a big manufacturer. There are no metric 16.5 tires.
Here are some other tires: https://www.tires-easy.com/tires/9.50--16.5
Wow, the transforce went up in price a lot.

 

[thecantaloupeman]

I bought firestone transforce for my c20 project. It's the only tire in 9.50x16.5 from a big manufacturer. There are no metric 16.5 tires.
Here are some other tires: https://www.tires-easy.com/tires/9.50--16.5
Wow, the transforce went up in price a lot.

Thanks for that link. It would seem they are a bit pricey. I looked around and the traansforce is cheaper elsewhere, but thanks for that page. I didn't know there were that many tires available. Some good insight for next time I need tires I suppose

 

[bucket]

Thanks for that link. It would seem they are a bit pricey. I looked around and the traansforce is cheaper elsewhere, but thanks for that page. I didn't know there were that many tires available. Some good insight for next time I need tires I suppose

Just have to watch out, because some that come up in listings are trailer tires.

 

[78C10BigTen]

I just destroyed a bunch of 9.50x16.5s at work today lol

 

[Frankenchevy]

I may be wrong but I think the 80's squares also had optional 16" rims, so maybe the hubcaps fit on those too if you find a set of those.

Yes, 16” Chevy wheels are quite normal in 8 lug. Not sure on other lug styles.

 

[thecantaloupeman]

Yes, 16” Chevy wheels are quite normal in 8 lug. Not sure on other lug styles.

Are all the hubcaps universal to 16.5 and 16" wheels?

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[Frankenchevy]

Are all the hubcaps universal to 16.5 and 16" wheels?

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Not sure

 

[thecantaloupeman]

Just have to watch out, because some that come up in listings are trailer tires.

What is the difference between a car tire and trailer tire? A few of them said they were E rated even though they were trailer tires.

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