Tubeless tires and rims

[DieselDog1]

It’s my first time posting as a new member of this forum; greetings to all.

I’d like to tap into the vast knowledge base of the members for guidance.

I have an ALL ORIGINAL ’54 GMC 100. It has the original non-split rim rims on it, 6.50:16 tubed tires. I’m tired of having to pay big money for the NOT SO GOOD, Coker or Classic tires and crappy Chinese made tubes.

I’d like to know if there is something I can do to seal the rivets so the rim would be air-tight and be able to buy tubeless quality light truck tires and run those instead.

I’ve heard that there might be a compound that could be used to do this, or a business that I could send my rims to that would do this.

Also, would there be any issues with the bead seal for tubeless tires on the rims?

I DO NOT want to buy replacement rims as my goal is to keep the old truck as original as possible.

Thanks in advance, Michael

 

[coilover]

We have used plastisol to seal the rivets, it's the stuff they coat tool handles with. Usually the rivets don't leak but if they do I think I would now use liquid urethane rubber or something that sets up FIRM and not be a potential balance problem.

 

[52wasp]

Welcome aboard Michael, there IS a wealth of information in these threads.

I wonder if bed-liner material would work for your application?

 

[Bill Hanlon]

How about the stuff that the guy on TV uses to waterproof his boat with the screen door in the hull?

 

[DieselDog1]

We have used plastisol to seal the rivets, it's the stuff they coat tool handles with. Usually the rivets don't leak but if they do I think I would now use liquid urethane rubber or something that sets up FIRM and not be a potential balance problem.

That sounds like a viable option, but I would be concerned about eventual deterioration and/or when it would happen-like a LONG way from home!!!
Some one thought that mixing up an epoxy and putting it around the rivets after cleaning the area with a wire wheel and letting it cure. What are your thoughts on that? Thanks

 

[DieselDog1]

Welcome aboard Michael, there IS a wealth of information in these threads.

I wonder if bed-liner material would work for your application?

Thank you, I know there are a lot of people here that forgot more than I'll ever know!

Welcome aboard Michael, there IS a wealth of information in these threads.

I wonder if bed-liner material would work for your application?

Bed Liner might just do the trick, but I'd be concerned about eventual deterioration. What do you think about applying epoxy around the rivets? Thanks

 

[DieselDog1]

How about the stuff that the guy on TV uses to waterproof his boat with the screen door in the hull?

Oh YES! I almost forgot about the Flex-Seal dude with the high pitched, loud and mostly annoying voice! LOL That would work, but for how long? Would it resist the heating and cooling cycles? And how long would the stuff remain flexible?

 

[RidesWithYah]

I would wait on the Flex Seal until after an hour or so of Googling - looks like lots of people have converted tube-type wheels to tubeless...

And thanks for the pictures of that truck!
Looks like a great one - enjoy!!

 

[Ernest B Way]

Think it was in June /July of 2021 or earlier ?
I had searched and found a great thread/topic/ post
that "Nate" had made on the Rule of thumb for tires
Can't find it now ?

Anyway - I found a couple of brand name "16 inch" tubeless tires
after searching and being told all sorts of crazy things by people
who knew little about Old Chebby Trucks (LOL)

Might ask Nate or Evan ? others too if using " POR-15" might
help seal the inner rim? I was worried about the rivets seal , and
just thought what the heck and used POR-15 being I had some extra
on hand. Tire guy said I didn't have to do that and I didn't ask the
Old Chevy crew here. Oh and the tires are still riding "sweet"..
Only ``Puttin Round`` -put a little over 600 miles on them.
Was GLAD to get the last Over Sized Tires off Nelly..
She handles so well with the Tall Skinny Tires..
Old Caps I painted 40 years ago-

I rattled canned the Cap's and Wheels..
And decided forget Coker $$$$ and their tube tire package
Looked at several Tube-Less Radials and
between Bridgestone and Yokohama I got a better
price on the Yoko's.. She Rides Great no air loss to speak off..etc..

YO NATE ! Can You post your " Tire Topic" ?

Found this...QUOTE

I was pleasantly surprised
as to how easy mine does steer
____________________________
"Nate "
The deal is :
If you put fatter tires , it will steer heavily .

In stock trim , even with radial tires , they steer like power steering ~
~ I keep telling you alls this but no one listens ..

__________________________________

Nate - i listened and i am glad i did. I put on the LT215/85/r16's
and when i first drove it, i thought - wow, this is going to be tough
steering. BUT THEN I filled the tires up with proper air PSI and i could
not believe how good it steers. I still have not put on my swivel knob
on the steering wheel because i just don't need it to steer! BUY
the skinny tires and drive it!

gypsy truck, Dec 4, 2011

 

[vwnate1]

Hi guys .

I've never had an air leak with the rivets yet .

If you're determined to do this jut make sure you get every bit of rust out first and choose a sealant that can be painted over .

I no longer remember what brand of tires I use, maybe Generals ? .

I have no idea how to find a post from 25 years ago....