Aftermarket wheels and original hubcaps

Discussion in '1947-1954' started by Junk Hound, Mar 28, 2015.

  1. Junk Hound

    Junk Hound Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2015
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Oakboro,NC
    I am kinda new here,but not to these old trucks.I have searched everywhere and have come up empty handed. I need some help finding some wheels for my project. I am doing a rust-o-ration on a 49 GMC 1/2 ton.
    What I am looking for are 15" steel wheels with 5 on 4 3/4" chevy pattern,
    that will take an original GMC hubcap. All of the aftermarkets that I have looked at and called about will use the new aftermarket caps that fit the new wheels.Problem is no one makes new GMC caps that fit these aftermarket wheels. Any ideas and suggestions? Maybe a wheel that I could put new clips on? Thanks for the help, Doug
     
  2. 52wasp

    52wasp Member

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2006
    Messages:
    687
    Location:
    Wilton, New Hampshire
    welcome aboard!

    Doug,
    Just a head's-up, a fellow AD forum-goer by the name of Zig is going to want to know where the pictures of your ride are...

    Normally, zero information flows until we've seen those pics. (just kidding)

    My situation is similar to yours, but I have 20" 6-lug steelies. I pulled some old clips from an original wheel, took some measurements, and determined that I needed approximately 7/16" of spacer. I mocked up a piece of 15/32" plywood with the clips attached, and bolted it to the wheel to determine hub cap fit (41-49 passenger car hubcaps in my case, doesn't matter though). I will permanently fasten the clips thru metal spacers using a flat-head screw through the wheel, with a self-locking nut above the clip.
     
  3. Zig

    Zig Member

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    Oct 14, 2006
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    Location:
    Pittsburg KS
    Who~ Me??? :D

    Yeah, we love seeing pictures! So when you have a minute or two, please share that.
    Mike, can't wait to see what those wheels end up looking like.
     
  4. Junk Hound

    Junk Hound Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2015
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Oakboro,NC
    Thanks for the comments. Photos probably won't help a lot as the truck is scattered right now. All parts and cab went to blasting and are in primer.Frame is in a friends shop. Doors and fenders are ready for paint in my barn,cab is hidden at another friends shop.Good story to tell about the truck,just don't know the best way to post it! Thanks,Doug
     
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2015
  5. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    11,689
    Location:
    AMERICA !
    Doug ;

    Those often make the best pictures of all , we like 'em clean , dirty , scattered across three Counties , whatever .
     

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