16.5 Inch Rim Options

[Zepset]

Hello -

I have a 79 GMC K25 Camper special. It has the stock 16.5 inch rims. I am considering a 16 or 17 inch wheel, but would rather have a 16 inch rim. Can you use a 16 inch rim on a truck that had 16.5's?? I was told by a friend that I could only use a 17 inch rim. Any wisdom out there.

Thank you,

Zepset

 

[Dylan44]

I have an 86 and it had 16.5's on it. Probably not stock but I have 16's on there now. I don't see an issue at all since you can put any size rim on.

 

[bucket]

16" works just fine.

 

[rollinon35s]

I switched mine over to 16" three summers ago and have no issues. The only thing I will say is because of todays "bigger wheel" trends on the new vehicles the tires tend to get discontinued first on the smaller wheel sizes due to consumer demand. If I were doing it over I would have went with the 17's. More tire options and easier resale down the road when you decide to change up the look of your ride again.

 

[87scotty]

Reason the wouldn't is brakes but I think your fine I'm kinda torn as well I hate!!! Low profile mud tires even though I'm not going smaller than 36s I'll still probably go 16s

 

[Zepset]

Thank you for the response and feedback. My friend's reasoning for needing the 17's was that the camper special had bigger brakes , hence needing a 17.0 nch rim. But I have found nothing online stating that.

I like the 16 inch rim look. I am an oldschool guy and 17's look good on tires over 35. I just dont like a 33 on the 17 rim - the ratio is wrong I am going for the stock tall/skinny mudder look.

I have attached a pick or two of my 79 Camper Special and a link to a photographer that snapped my trucks pic days before I bought it in LA. http://fotonomous.blogspot.com/2008/09/1979-gmc-sierra-grande-truck-polaroid.html