The 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne sits in an era when Chevrolet heavy half-ton and three-quarter-ton pickups were expected to handle real work while still offering trim levels that made them more comfortable to live with. For today’s owner, tire selection is less about broad truck history and more about matching the exact wheel and load-related configuration on the truck. This C20 Cheyenne can use 7.50R16, 8.75R16.5, 9.50R16.5 radial sizes or a 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment, depending on sub-model. That makes wheel diameter, stud/GVWR configuration, and intended use central to the decision, especially for restoration-minded trucks and working survivors.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne
Four primary tire sizes apply to the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne, and they do not all use the same wheel diameter or construction. Some configurations use 16-inch radial fitments, while others use 16.5-inch radial or bias-ply sizes, so the first step is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter before comparing tire style, construction, or product choice.
Fit(s): (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 6400) and (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 6400)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
7.50R16 is a numeric radial size in which 7.50 refers to the nominal section width in inches, R identifies radial construction, and 16 matches the wheel diameter. On the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne, this is one of the radial fitments used on certain 6400 GVWR configurations. It suits an owner who wants to stay with the 16-inch wheel setup already on the truck rather than moving into one of the 16.5-inch applications. Verifying the truck’s exact studs, GVWR specification, and installed wheels matters before choosing this size.
Fit(s): (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 6400) and (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 6400)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16.5 in
8.75R16.5 uses a numeric width designation, with 8.75 representing the nominal section width in inches, radial construction shown by the R, and a 16.5-inch rim requirement. For the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne, it is one of the radial choices tied to certain 6400 GVWR versions that use 16.5-inch wheels. This size is most relevant when the truck already carries the correct 16.5-inch wheel package and the goal is to keep a radial construction. Because 16.5-inch and 16-inch applications both appear on this truck, wheel confirmation is essential.
Fit(s): (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 6400) and (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 6400)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16.5 in
9.50R16.5 follows the same numeric radial format, with 9.50 indicating nominal section width in inches and 16.5 indicating the wheel diameter. On the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne, this is another radial fitment associated with certain 6400 GVWR versions using 16.5-inch wheels. It gives owners of those configurations a radial-size path within the correct wheel diameter family. The key question is not whether 16.5-inch tires exist, but whether the truck’s exact wheel and sub-model setup calls for this wider 16.5-inch radial size.
Fit(s): (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 8600), (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 8600), Bonus Cab (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Front, Bonus Cab (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Rear, Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Front, and Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Rear
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16.5 in
950-16.5 is a classic numeric bias-ply truck size, with 950 representing an approximate 9.50-inch nominal section width and 16.5 identifying the rim diameter. On the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne, this bias-ply fitment is used on the 8600 GVWR configurations, including Bonus Cab front and rear applications shown here. Available options in this size come from STA in the Traxion and Super Transport series, both as blackwall bias-ply truck tires. This size matters most to owners preserving the truck’s heavier-duty 16.5-inch bias-ply setup and appearance.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne Sub-Model Tires
Sub-model fitment on the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne is not one-size-fits-all. Tire choice depends on the truck’s stud configuration, GVWR rating, and whether it falls into the standard C20 Cheyenne or Bonus Cab 8600 GVWR applications, so identifying the exact version comes before choosing a tire.
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1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 6400)
This 6400 GVWR configuration uses radial tire fitments rather than the 950-16.5 bias-ply size seen on the heavier 8600 GVWR trucks. Tire selection starts with confirming whether the truck carries the correct 16-inch or 16.5-inch wheel setup before narrowing the choice to the matching radial size.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 8600)
This 8600 GVWR version uses the 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment on a 16.5-inch wheel. That makes the decision more about choosing between the available STA truck tire series and confirming that the wheel remains the correct 16.5-inch application for the truck.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 6400)
This 6400 GVWR configuration also uses radial tire fitments, with multiple size possibilities depending on the wheel setup on the truck. The practical step is matching the installed wheel diameter first, then choosing the radial size that belongs to that exact configuration.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 8600)
This heavier 8600 GVWR version uses the 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment. Owners typically need to focus on preserving the correct 16.5-inch heavy-duty setup, then choosing between available blackwall STA truck tires in the proper series.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne Bonus Cab (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Front
The Bonus Cab 8600 front application uses the same 950-16.5 bias-ply size as the corresponding heavier-duty C20 Cheyenne setups. Tire selection here centers on maintaining the correct bias-ply 16.5-inch arrangement and checking the wheel condition before road use.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne Bonus Cab (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Rear
The rear Bonus Cab 8600 application also uses 950-16.5 bias-ply tires on 16.5-inch wheels. That keeps fitment straightforward, with the main choices being the available STA series and making sure the rear wheels match the intended heavy-duty truck setup.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Front
This front Bonus Cab 8600 application uses the 950-16.5 bias-ply size. For an owner selecting replacement tires, the important points are retaining the correct 16.5-inch wheel application and choosing the truck-oriented bias-ply series that best suits how the truck will be used.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Rear
This rear Bonus Cab 8600 application remains on the 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment. The tire decision is less about alternate sizes and more about selecting the right heavy-duty bias-ply option while confirming wheel condition, load needs, and overall truck setup.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne Tires for Sale
Available product choices center on 950-16.5, with STA offerings in the Traxion and Super Transport series. Both are blackwall bias-ply truck tires with Military & Truck positioning, so the main comparison is series character and matching the tire to the truck’s 16.5-inch wheel setup.
Owners of a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne usually need to sort out exact tire size, wheel diameter, sub-model differences, and whether the truck should remain on its original style of construction. These FAQs focus on fitment, product choice, appearance, and road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne?
The 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne uses four possible tire sizes: 7.50R16, 8.75R16.5, 9.50R16.5, and 950-16.5. The first three are radial fitments, while 950-16.5 is a bias-ply truck size used on the 8600 GVWR applications shown here.
Choosing the right one depends on the truck’s exact sub-model, GVWR rating, stud configuration, and wheel diameter. A C20 Cheyenne with 16-inch wheels will not use the same tire as a 16.5-inch setup, so checking the truck itself before ordering is more important than choosing by year and model name alone.
What size rim does a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne use?
A 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne can use either a 16-inch or 16.5-inch rim, depending on the tire size and configuration. The 7.50R16 size uses a 16-inch rim, while 8.75R16.5, 9.50R16.5, and 950-16.5 use 16.5-inch rims.
That split matters because a 16-inch tire and a 16.5-inch tire are not interchangeable. Before selecting a replacement, confirm the actual wheel diameter stamped on the wheel or verify the size already mounted, especially on older trucks that may have had wheel changes during their working life.
Why does the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size appears because the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne was offered in different GVWR and stud configurations, and those versions did not all use the same wheel and tire package. Some 6400 GVWR applications use radial sizes, while 8600 GVWR applications use the 950-16.5 bias-ply size.
That means the buyer’s first task is identifying the exact truck configuration rather than choosing by appearance alone. Once the sub-model and wheel diameter are confirmed, the tire decision becomes much simpler and can focus on construction, available product series, and how the truck will actually be driven.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 950-16.5 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne?
For the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne, 950-16.5 is a bias-ply tire size. It appears on the 8600 GVWR applications, including the Bonus Cab front and rear fitments shown here, and it is distinct from the radial 7.50R16, 8.75R16.5, and 9.50R16.5 sizes used on certain 6400 GVWR versions.
That distinction affects both appearance and fitment planning. A truck that uses 950-16.5 should be evaluated around its 16.5-inch wheel setup and heavy-duty application, not assumed to follow the same path as a radial-equipped 6400 GVWR truck with a different wheel and tire combination.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne?
The answer depends on which C20 Cheyenne configuration is being fitted. Certain 6400 GVWR applications use radial sizes, while the 8600 GVWR applications shown here use the 950-16.5 bias-ply size, so the truck’s original wheel and tire setup should guide the starting point.
A restoration-minded owner may prefer to stay with the construction tied to the truck’s existing fitment, while a truck already equipped for one of the radial sizes should remain within that correct size family. The key is avoiding assumptions across configurations that use different rim diameters and different tire constructions.
What should I check before converting my 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming whether the truck’s actual fitment is one of the radial applications or the 950-16.5 bias-ply application. On this C20 Cheyenne, construction choice is tied to specific size and wheel combinations, so a conversion question cannot be separated from the exact tire size and rim diameter already on the truck.
Wheel diameter and wheel width come first, followed by clearance at the fenders, steering, and suspension. It also helps to inspect whether the truck has aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, or other changes that could affect fitment, because a construction change should not be treated as automatic interchangeability.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 950-16.5 tire for a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne?
The first consideration is making sure the truck actually uses the 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment, which applies to the 8600 GVWR configurations shown here. After that, compare the available series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than assuming every heavy-duty truck tire in the size serves the same purpose.
For this size, the available options are blackwall STA truck tires in the Traxion and Super Transport series. Their load figure is 2780@60 psi, and the stated rim width range is 6.50 to 6.75 inches, so wheel condition and wheel specification are worth checking before putting the truck back into use.
What brands offer tires for the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne?
Among the available products shown for this 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne, 950-16.5 tires come from STA. Those offerings are bias-ply truck tires aimed at heavier-duty use, and they cover the 8600 GVWR fitment group within the C20 Cheyenne range.
Brand comparison is only helpful after the size and wheel diameter are confirmed. On this page, the meaningful product decision is less about choosing among many brands and more about selecting the proper STA series for the truck’s bias-ply 16.5-inch setup and intended use.
What tire series are available for the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne?
For the 950-16.5 fitment on the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne, the available tire series are STA Traxion and STA Super Transport. Both are blackwall bias-ply truck tires and both fall under a Military & Truck type of application.
That makes series selection the main product-level choice once the correct size has been confirmed. Owners usually compare the series in terms of how they want the truck presented and used, while also making sure the tire matches the 16.5-inch wheel and the heavier-duty nature of the 8600 GVWR configuration.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne?
A period-style choice starts with the exact fitment the truck uses. On the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne, that means keeping a 6400 GVWR truck within its correct radial size family or keeping an 8600 GVWR truck in the 950-16.5 bias-ply size if that is the configuration on the vehicle.
Construction has a visible effect on how an older truck sits and presents, especially on work-oriented models. If exact originality matters, compare the truck against build records, marque references, or restoration documentation, then select the tire that matches both the verified fitment and the appearance goal.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne?
Tire construction can noticeably influence the look of a restored 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne. A bias-ply 950-16.5 presents differently than the radial 7.50R16, 8.75R16.5, or 9.50R16.5 sizes, so the truck’s visual stance and overall period feel are tied to using the correct fitment family.
That matters most on trucks being restored with attention to era-appropriate details. Appearance should still follow fitment, though, because choosing a tire only for style can lead to the wrong rim diameter or the wrong configuration for the truck’s GVWR and wheel setup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension work, or body modifications can all influence whether the original-size tire still has the same clearance and wheel compatibility it had before.
That is especially important on a truck that already has multiple factory size paths and two rim diameters in play. Any modified C20 Cheyenne should be checked at the wheel, steering, and fender areas before replacement tires are chosen, rather than assuming the original specification still applies without changes.
What should I inspect before driving a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, make sure lug hardware is appropriate to the truck’s stud setup, and confirm that the new tires match the intended fitment. It also helps to look over brakes, steering, and suspension on an older C20 Cheyenne before putting miles on fresh tires.
Tire condition checks should include proper inflation, bead seating, visible cuts, bulges, and any sign of rubbing once the truck is on the ground. A short, careful test drive can reveal clearance or steering issues that are easier to correct early than after regular use begins.
How should 950-16.5 tires on a collector 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne be maintained?
950-16.5 tires on a collector 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Cheyenne should be kept properly inflated and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and air loss. Trucks that sit for long periods deserve extra attention because low annual mileage does not prevent tires from aging.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on an older truck tire. Keeping the C20 Cheyenne away from prolonged sun, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic checks of wheel condition and valve stems are worthwhile before each driving season or longer trip.
